8 Tips for Job-Searching as a Foreign National

There are always going to be challenges during a job hunt, both domestically and internationally, and for both parties involved – especially when you factor in immigration documentation requirements, registration, and travel restrictions. Emigrating to an unfamiliar place comes with its own trials and can get overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.

However, these tips and tricks can help you find what you’re looking for, as well as stand out in a way that guarantees you the opportunities you are looking for: 

1. A great application – having the right job application can make a huge difference to the quality of the work employers can expect. However, this also goes for the jobs you are applying for – if you are considering moving for work, you will need a straightforward list of duties and clear insight on what to expect with this work. 
   
2. Be clear about what you have to offer that already can’t be found locally – don’t undersell yourself and your previous work experience, even though in these cases, they may not be able to see any “local” results. Focus on how your experiences and skills can translate into the job duties and requirements.
   
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Different countries bring different cultures and business etiquette, so researching how interviews or business is done before the onboarding process starts can show your adaptability, willingness to integrate, and lack of judgement. Your knowledge of their business culture and any local events or news will make you stand out to prospective employers.
   
4. Be Flexible: Whilst it is important to be flexible in both the work environment, it is also recommended to do so in the application process. Consider what your priorities and values are, but don’t be afraid of opening yourself to new possibilities during the application process. You never know what you’ll find as you go along!
   
5. Be aware of any time differences: In cases of international calls or meetings, it’s considered polite and considerate to be conscious of any time zone differences. It’s also important to show consideration if a recruiter is calling outside of normal business hours. Interviews come with a high opportunity cost, so it’s important to be respectful of their time.
   
6. Focus on the long-term, not short-term: If you are looking to get a job in a new country, that requires a big cultural change (or even emigration), it’s important to consider what your long-term goals are: where do you see yourself in a few years with this company? Is this job the start of a more permanent change?
   
   Employers have noted that they get the most out of their employees after the second year, and this is especially true for international workers.
   
7. References: Make sure that you have quality references to back up your work experience on your resume. Employers are more inclined to accept references from employers and managers. 
   
8. Compliance Issues: The immigration process can be a headache – tax compliance, visa complexities, travel documentation, legal and governmental issues – all can present unforeseen challenges, especially in cases of language differences. 
   
   Make sure you are keeping close tabs on any compliance issues or updates. Partnering with an immigration agency or a company like Bradford Jacobs can help smooth things along.

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