Working in another European country sounds fascinating and challenging at the same time. When it comes to looking for a job abroad there are many considerations to start with, even before actually searching for job positions and vacancies. Find your way around is not easy, but don’t feel discouraged. We have come up withe 5 useful tips when looking for a job abroad. We are focusing on the European labour market to start.
Start off thinking about why you would like to work abroad. A positive and proactive mindset in that direction is crucial, as moving abroad and settle in a foreign country means also to deal with a potential cultural-shock, leaving behind family and friends, and get sorted with bureaucratic duties you are not familiar with.
Still positive?
Of course you are. Let’s discover together what you should consider when looking for a job in Europe.
Prepare your CV beforehand and make sure that the information you put in are relevant for the job position you are applying for. We have already gone through this! Have a look at this article on how to make your CV noticeable. If your CV is too generic for the job vacancy of your interest, it won’t stand out among hundreds of CVs.
…and more generally, on your social media. Guess what? Employers use to check on the candidates’ profiles, not only on LinkedIn (which is quite common to picture out) but also on other social media, like Facebook and Instagram. What image of yourself you want a potential employer to see before considering whether contacting you for an interview? Think about it.
An up-to-date LinkedIn profile means that your active on the most famous business-oriented social media. Your tweets might tell something more about your interests and passions. Is there anything you would like to hide instead? Then be careful on what you post on your social media. It is actually a portrait of yourself.
People often forget that having a knowledge about the company they want to join is actually useful for them and for the interview itself. It shows that you are truly interested in the company and its values – a good way to make a good first impression.
Let’s land on the juicy part. Where to actually find a job?
Within your home country, you can always contact your local public employment service to find the right job for you.
If you’re open to working further afield, check out the EURES European Job Mobility Portal and the European Job Days: recruitment events bringing jobseekers and employers together. There you can find not only recruitment opportunities but also practical information and advice. If you’re looking for a traineeship opportunity then pay a visit to the Eurodesk Opportunity Finder. All these resources are updated regularly, and show vacancies all over Europe!
Similar sites which advertise jobs in Europe include:
Consider other options that could help you prepare yourself for a new job opportunity abroad. Have you ever considered a volunteering experience abroad with the European Solidarity Corps programme? Or maybe, you could spend a year abroad as Au-Pair to begin. They are both worth considering, as such experiences give you the chance to live abroad and get an idea on what this mean. Plus, while living abroad you could start building a network, find new contacts, get to know local realities where to work. The possibilities are endless!
What is your next step?
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