In the Search for a Job or search for work abroad, people face many challenges – locating opportunities, obtaining work permits and even just getting started. Knowing what kind of opportunities you want to pursue (full time, summer, etc.) as well as which country and even organization are of interest helps as you begin the process. This document is meant to provide you with additional information that should aid you in your international  job search or job searches and Job Costing

Where to begin? job wanted

The most effective place to begin is the Internet. A variety of governmental and private sites provide the job seeker with many choices. The Internet offers an idea about what is available overseas. The World Wide Web is also a place for researching companies and posting resumes in order to find the perfect jobs overseas for you.

An alternative to this "packaged" deal is to do as much initial research as you can at home prior to departure, then begin exploring local job possibilities upon arrival. There are plenty of great travel and career guides that provide leads specific to the foreign land of interest to you. Job boards at youth hostels, universities, or cafes, or listings in local newspapers also serve as potential starting points for your search.

Just like job-hunting at home, landing a job becomes easier when you meet your prospective employer face-to-face. You'll find that walking in to a place where you really want to work and asking for a job is by far the most effective method of landing a job overseas. Many employers may not want to deal with someone who is ten thousand miles away. When you physically make your presence and your goals known, you begin to seem like a real possibility.

A word of advice: Find out as much as you can about the country you'll be traveling to before you leave. Again the Internet and libraries serve as great starting points. Talk to others who have worked abroad - the information they share with you will be invaluable.

Do be prepared, though: landing a job overseas often takes months of preparation, but the hard work you put into preparing for your journey will give you the confidence to find and land a job on any soil.

What are the Most Sought After Skills?

What do international employers really look for in employees and what skills will be needed by professionals to perform successfully in the global marketplace?

A study commissioned by the College Placement Council Foundation surveyed 32 international employers and colleges to determine what international employers seek in prospective employees. They identified the following areas of required knowledge and skills:

Domain knowledge, or knowledge in one's academic discipline. Colleges in the U.S. are presently preparing their graduates well in domain knowledge, although employers expressed concern that increasingly greater demands and higher standards may soon result in inadequately prepared graduates.

The three most important skills were cognitive skills, social skills, and "personal traits." Problem-solving ability, decision-making, and knowing how to learn are highly prized generic skills. Social skills were described as the ability to work effectively in group settings, particularly with diverse populations. Personal traits mentioned frequently included flexibility, adaptability, and the capacity to be innovative. Employers often mentioned that colleges do not adequately address this type of skill development.

What do I need to Work Overseas?

All countries (including the U.S.) require special permission for foreigners to either work or reside for long periods of time. Short-term tourists sometimes do not need a visa and student visas are granted relatively easily. Most employers, who are subject to heavy fines if they hire illegally, will not offer a job to a foreigner who does not already possess a work permit. This is where Catch 22 comes into play. Catch 22 says that you won’t be able to get the visa unless you apply for it outside of the country in which you are looking for a job. Work exchange programs are one of the few legal ways around this Catch 22. Americans abroad often take jobs illegally, in the hope that authorities will not catch on; however, this is not recommended. There are high risks and consequences associated with this, including immediate deportation, fines, lack of legal protection, etc. Therefore, this is highly discouraged.

What types of Work Abroad Programs are there?

Numerous special programs offer placements in specific jobs (paid or unpaid) along with a work permit, or they assist you in procuring a short-term work permit and help with a job search once overseas. Work abroad programs are limited in duration, lasting from two weeks for short-term volunteer programs, to a summer or six months, or as long as one or two years for programs for teaching abroad or long-term volunteering such as the Peace Corps. There are four types of work abroad programs.

1. International Internships: Internships offer the most direct connection to international careers. Available in a wide range of locations and disciplines, internships are equaled in this respect only by volunteer options. Internships for academic credit are plentiful (they charge tuition); paid internships are rare. "International" internships may be located abroad or in the U.S. with international organizations. Typical duration is one semester.

2. Short-term Paid Work Abroad: Typical jobs include restaurant work, temping, childcare and farm work, though enterprising students may find work of a professional nature.

3. Volunteering Abroad: Volunteers usually work and live together with ordinary local citizens. Types of work range from archaeology digs to social services in locations worldwide. Volunteering is excellent career preparation for those interested in working in developing countries or careers with non-governmental organizations.

4. Teaching Abroad: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL or ESL) is one of the most accessible options for long-term work abroad. A college degree is required for most programs. Jobs are typically in Asia or Eastern Europe (few such jobs are available in Western Europe for Americans).

Do not forget that these are just programs that may help in your search for a job overseas. There are numerous opportunities not associated with these special programs, ranging from hospitality to work in the technical field to restaurant work. Basically, any job that you can find in the United States can be found overseas.

What About "Culture Shock"?

"Culture shock" is simply the result of different culture clashing because of misunderstandings. To minimize this, have a realistic idea of what awaits you overseas by familiarizing yourself with the new environment you will be entering. Learn as much as possible about: 1) attitudes and attire that are acceptable and unacceptable; 2) manners, expectations and social practices of the city and/or country; and 3) rules and regulations of schools and of the community.

Etiquette is important for success in the business world, especially internationally. Here are a few tips: 1) be respectful of cultural differences; 2) do not compare a home country’s culture to the new one; 3) avoid using slang; 4) refer to the months of a year instead of using seasons; and 5) be careful of body language, eye contact and facial expressions.

Having an idea of what to expect in any given country, as well as keeping an open mind once you arrive, will make your transition that much easier.  Whether the job you are interested in is in the technical field, in education, or in the hospitality industry, you can find one abroad. You just have to know where to look.  Overseas employers are directly looking for employees and you can find these. The best way to find these jobs is to search the world wide web. The internet holds many opportunities that are just waiting to be taken advantage of. There are a wide variety of fields open to all workers.