Finding a job abroad: here's how to tackle it

Suppose you fall in love with a city or country and actually want to stay. Then you go, right? Sounds easy, but you obviously need to earn money to live, so you have to find a job. Maaike from VrouwenZaken has tips for you, so you'll have that job in no time.

1. Location location location 
Emigrating to Italy, France, the US, or England is quite an abstract goal. Think about which city or village you want to move to in that country. The more specific the place, the more targeted you can search for a job. Gather as much information about this country as possible through books and the internet, but also visit the embassy. They know what formalities you need to comply with to be allowed to work in the country you have chosen.

2. Language, please 
In another country, you can often manage well as an ambitious Dutch woman with English. In this economy, it is often possible to live and work in another country without speaking the language fluently, as long as your English is good. Therefore, check job vacancies and see which languages you need to speak for the position. You often have an advantage when you already have a good grasp of the country's main language. With English, you can get quite far, but you integrate faster in the workplace (and in daily life) if you already understand the language and culture a bit.

3. Recognize your diplomas
Just because you are a nurse, driving instructor, or editor-in-chief in the Netherlands, does not automatically mean you are that in another country. For example, different rules apply in Australia or America. Request as much information as possible from the consulate or embassy and have your diplomas recognized if necessary.

4. Look for a job
Now the real work can begin. With the knowledge you have, you can scour the internet for job vacancies. Consider whether you want to work for a Dutch company or look for an employer in your new home country.

Of course, you can also choose a different order: first move and then actively search for a job. That can provide more peace of mind, but the costs can easily add up.

5. The interview 
Have you sent out some emails and are you invited for interviews? Schedule as many job interviews as possible in one trip. Do you have your eye on a job outside Europe? Then a phone interview or Skype interview is common. But showing your face in real life really works better.

Read here 5 tips for a successful phone interview

6. A trial period 
It is commendable if you are ambitious and impulsive, but think carefully about this big step. You could also, for example, ‘try living’ in the country where you want a future for a few weeks or months. Rent out your house and book a vacation. If living and working in practice doesn't seem so rosy, you can always go back without major consequences.

Text: VrouwenZaken