5 expat tips on landing your dream job
Do you dream of getting a job in a foreign country? Have you recently moved abroad and you intend to (re)start your career? It’s a jungle out there, but we can help you with 5 of the best expat tips we could think of for getting the job you’ve been dreaming of and starting a better life abroad. When you succeed, don’t forget to call your loved ones back home and give them the good news!
1. Have your paperwork in order
Let’s first cover the basics: if you’ve already moved abroad, having all your documents in order will make your job hunt a lot easier. The first thing a potential employer (and customs!) will want to check is whether you have a work visa that proves you’re eligible to work in the country you’re living in.
2. Create a unique CV
Building a CV just for the sake of having one is not enough when you’re hunting for your dream job. You need to create an innovative one that should represent you as much as possible. Think about the keywords you use and try to find strong, positive words that define you and that separate you from the crowd of applicants.
3. Tailor your application
If you apply online for several jobs, make sure you personalize each application as much as possible. What you usually do is send an email containing your CV and a cover letter. Both the email and the cover letter should be short and to the point, but they should never contain the same information.
The email should be catchy, in order to get the reader’s interest, and should briefly emphasize your interest in the position and the qualities/experience that make you a great match for it. The cover letter should contain a brief opening paragraph about why you are applying for the job and a second one about relevant experience.
4. Go the extra mile
Show up to an interview with your resume is usually not enough to guarantee that you’re the one getting the job. Not only your resume has to be impeccable, but also your entire presence. Try to make an impression by bringing a portfolio or some proof of your work. That will show your interviewer what you can do and it will definitely get you ahead of the other candidates.
Also, make sure you learn as much as possible about the company and job you’re interviewing for. Being prepared is a plus that your potential employer will appreciate.
5. Be realistic
Don’t only apply for your dream job, because it can be a too lofty target at first. See every interview as an opportunity to practice and always learn from your mistakes. No one can be successful in all recruitment processes, so don’t be too disappointed in a refusal, but learn something from every “no” that you receive.
