Top 10 tips to help you find an expat job

Finding an expat job requires 10 strategic tactics: request an overseas transfer from your current employer, research target markets systematically, network extensively through LinkedIn and professional associations, contact local recruitment agencies, ensure visa and work permit paperwork is ready, learn the local language, localize your CV to match country-specific formats, use social media job platforms, send targeted cold emails to companies, and book job-seeking trips to meet employers face-to-face. The global labor gap of 85.2 million skilled workers by 2030 creates unprecedented opportunities for international professionals.

Globalization may have its dissenters, but it has certainly opened up a job market that was once restricted to bankers, oil company executives, and English teachers. From Singapore to Seattle, the world is facing a severe shortage of skilled professionals, indeed, consulting firm Korn Ferry forecasts a global labor gap of 85.2 million skilled workers by 2030.

This is likely to result in lost revenue opportunities amounting to US$8.452 trillion; that figure equals the combined gross domestic product of Germany and Japan. So, opportunities for expat workers have increased and it is now far easier for anyone with wanderlust and a sense of adventure to find an expat job abroad.

But the world is a big place, so where do you begin? Well, thanks to the Internet, there are plenty of ways to get started on your job hunt, whether you want to work at a startup or in a more conventional workplace. With a little planning and some strategic action, you could be living the dream before you know it.

For comprehensive job resources and international opportunities, visit ExpatsList.org to connect with employers and expat communities worldwide.

1. Ask for an Overseas Transfer

Your first step, assuming you're already working with your dream company, is to find out if there's a possibility of being transferred overseas. Many multinational companies actively encourage internal mobility, seeing it as a way to develop global talent and strengthen international operations. Some firms have formal international assignment programs with structured support for relocated employees.

Start by expressing interest to your manager and HR department. Research which international offices exist and what roles might suit your skillset. Internal transfers often come with relocation support, visa sponsorship, and salary adjustments reflecting cost of living. This path provides the smoothest transition since your employer handles much of the paperwork and you maintain job security.

2. Spreadsheet the Expat Job Market

Before diving into applications, systematically research your target countries and industries. Create a spreadsheet tracking: countries of interest (visa requirements, cost of living, job market strength in your field), key employers in your industry operating internationally, salary expectations adjusted for purchasing power, and timelines for application cycles.

Industry-specific job boards often list international positions: Stack Overflow for tech, Mediabistro for media, eFinancialCareers for finance. International job boards like Indeed International, LinkedIn Jobs, Glassdoor, and specialized expat job sites (GoAbroad, TransitionsAbroad) aggregate opportunities globally.

Understanding labor market trends helps target your search. Tech professionals find abundant opportunities in Berlin, Singapore, and Toronto. Energy professionals target Houston, Aberdeen, or Middle Eastern cities. Finance professionals look to London, Singapore, Hong Kong, and New York. This research prevents wasted effort applying to markets with limited opportunities in your field.

3. Network, Network, Network

Professional networking is absolutely critical for international job hunting. LinkedIn is your primary tool, connect with professionals in your target location, join industry groups, and participate in discussions. Attend virtual and in-person industry conferences, even if it requires travel investment. The connections made often lead directly to opportunities.

Join professional associations in your field, many of which have international chapters. Associations often have job boards, mentorship programs, and networking events specifically for members. Reach out to alumni from your university living in target countries, alumni networks provide surprisingly strong connections.

Expat community groups on Facebook, Meetup, and InterNations connect you with people who've successfully navigated the relocation process. They provide insider knowledge about which employers sponsor visas, what salary expectations are realistic, and which neighborhoods are best for expats.

Browse more career resources and expat connections on our blog page.

4. Reach Out to Local Recruitment Agencies

International recruitment agencies specialize in placing expat workers. Major firms like Robert Walters, Michael Page, Hays, and Manpower operate globally with offices in dozens of countries. Industry-specific recruiters often have the strongest international networks, tech recruiters, healthcare recruiters, engineering recruiters all maintain relationships with employers seeking international talent.

Contact agencies in your target location, sharing your CV and clearly stating your interest in relocating. Good recruiters guide you through local hiring practices, salary negotiations, and visa processes. Some employers use recruitment agencies exclusively for international hiring, making these relationships essential for accessing certain opportunities.

5. Check Your Paperwork

Visa and work permit requirements vary dramatically by country. Research what you'll need before applying, some countries have points-based systems (Australia, Canada), others require employer sponsorship (USA, UK), and some have special visas for in-demand professions (Germany's Blue Card, Netherlands' highly skilled migrant visa).

Having paperwork ready accelerates hiring. Employers hesitate hiring internationally if visa processes seem uncertain or lengthy. Research requirements thoroughly: required qualifications (degrees, certifications), financial thresholds (minimum salary requirements for work visas), application processes and timelines, and costs involved.

Some countries offer job-seeker visas allowing you to enter specifically to interview and seek employment (Germany, Austria, Portugal). These provide several months to find work, converting to work permits once you secure a position.

6. Learn the Language

While English opens doors globally, learning the local language dramatically improves your competitiveness and quality of life. Many international companies use English as working language, but social integration and daily life require local language skills.

Start learning before you apply. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone provide foundations. Online tutoring through italki or Preply offers personalized instruction. Demonstrating language learning efforts in applications shows commitment and cultural adaptability, qualities employers value in international hires.

For some countries and roles, language proficiency is mandatory. France, Spain, and Latin American countries generally expect French or Spanish fluency even in international companies. Nordic countries often require local language for customer-facing roles despite high English proficiency.

7. Localize Your CV

CV formats vary significantly across countries. American resumes differ from British CVs, which differ from European Europass formats. Research local conventions: length expectations (1-2 pages in USA/UK, longer in some European countries), whether to include photos (expected in Germany, inappropriate in USA/UK), personal information (date of birth, marital status acceptable in some countries, illegal to request in others), and whether to include references.

Tailor your CV to each application, emphasizing international experience, language skills, and cultural adaptability. Quantify achievements, international employers appreciate concrete metrics. Have your CV reviewed by someone familiar with local hiring practices, either through recruitment agencies or networking connections.

8. Go Social with the Job Hunt

LinkedIn is essential for international job searching. Optimize your profile: clear headline stating your profession and openness to international opportunities, professional photo, detailed experience section with quantified achievements, skills endorsements from colleagues, and recommendations from former managers or clients.

Set your location to your target city and indicate "open to work" to appear in recruiter searches for that location. Join industry-specific LinkedIn groups in target countries, participating in discussions and connecting with members. Twitter (X) and industry-specific platforms (GitHub for developers, Behance for designers, ResearchGate for academics) also help with professional connections.

9. Write a Cold Email

Targeted cold emailing can work surprisingly well for international positions. Research companies you'd love to work for in your target location. Identify decision-makers (department heads, hiring managers) through LinkedIn. Craft personalized emails: subject line clearly stating your interest (example: "Experienced Data Scientist Seeking Opportunities in Berlin"), brief introduction (2-3 sentences about your background), specific reasons you're interested in their company, your international experience and qualifications, and a clear call to action (request for 15-minute call).

Keep it concise, 3-4 paragraphs maximum. Attach your CV but summarize key qualifications in the email body. Follow up politely if you don't hear back within two weeks. Success rates are low but the effort is minimal, and positive responses often lead to opportunities not publicly advertised.

10. Book a Job-Seeking Trip

If financially feasible, visiting your target location for 1-2 weeks significantly boosts job search success. Schedule informational interviews with networking connections, attend industry meetups and professional events, meet with recruitment agencies in person, and visit companies you're interested in (some accept walk-in CV submissions or informal conversations).

Physical presence demonstrates serious commitment. Employers are more likely to interview candidates already in-country, reducing concerns about whether you'll actually relocate. You also gain firsthand understanding of neighborhoods, cost of living, and whether the location truly fits your lifestyle preferences.

Some job seekers book trips after securing initial phone interviews, using the visit to complete in-person final interviews with multiple employers simultaneously. This compresses hiring timelines and allows you to compare multiple offers.

To list your business or connect with international employers, visit ExpatsList.org.