How-to August 14, 2022

How to Find a Job Abroad Without Speaking the Language

Gemma Collins

Gemma is an NJ local that has explored all the US states, making her the perfect person to write about moving.

Moving internationally for work can greatly advance your career and help you gain new skills and experience. However, it’s essential to do your research and be prepared before you start looking for employment. By following our tips, learn how to find a job abroad, even without speaking the language.

How to Find a Job Abroad and Live Your Best International Life

So, you want to put an international employment search on your moving to-do list. There are plenty of things to learn before moving to another country, and searching for jobs is one of the most critical parts.

There are a few different ways to get employed internationally, even if you don’t speak like the locals. One is to use job boards focusing specifically on employment in other countries. Another way is to look for postings on company websites or LinkedIn, or you can reach out to overseas companies directly.

However, you must keep certain things in mind while you look, and number one is being open to relocating overseas. It sounds redundant; why would you be asking if you weren’t ready? Trust us – some people embark on these journeys without having solid reasons to move.

Try to Learn the Language Before Finding Work Overseas

This topic is about finding work without breaking the language barrier, but if possible, it’d be good to learn another way to express yourself while overseas. This is especially important if you’re interested in working someplace where English is not the mother tongue.

Moving out for the first time internationally isn’t a walk in the park, so knowing at least the basics of a new language will help you manage your time living overseas, help you stand out from the competition, and make you more attractive to potential employers.

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Ask for References or a Transfer at Your Current Job

You don’t have to quit and never see your old office again if you wish to learn how to find a job in your field abroad. If your company has international branches and locations, why not ask them for a transfer?

Being transferred to your company’s branch in another country will give you the necessary work experience before you start applying for other types of jobs overseas. If you like where you end up, you’ll know how to navigate those waters and fit in faster.

You could have an honest chat with your boss or manager. There are numerous questions about moving to ask your employer that could relieve any potential relocation stress and make it easier to decide on your move.

Besides asking for a potential transfer or recommendation, consider taking some courses or getting a degree in an area in demand in other countries; that would look excellent on your resume and, again, make you stand out from the competition.

Get To Know the Country You Wish to Move To

You may need to obtain a visa to work in the country you’re interested in. That means being ready for the process of gathering the documents required to travel overseas and visiting the embassy whenever necessary.

If there aren’t any special requirements for your destination, you’ll undoubtedly reap the benefits of moving abroad as an American citizen. Bureaucratically, you’ll be good and not have difficulty finding jobs.

Before you research what is the easiest job to get abroad, try to get to know the place you wish to call home. Showing respect for the local customs and traditions is integral, which is why it’s not enough to be only a valuable workforce addition but a respectful individual.

Below is a video on becoming successful at cross-cultural communication – or being able to talk to foreigners with some level of success and empathy. It might help you see how working with different cultures isn’t scary.

YouTube video

Which Country Is the Best for Getting Work as an Expat Who Doesn’t Speak the Language?

Some might say that Canada is one of the best countries to live and work in because there’s no linguistic barrier to break, a strong economy, and a sound healthcare system. That’s ideal, so if you’re willing to move further up north, you’re welcome to do so.

You won’t experience severe culture shock or have to adapt to any new languages (except for maybe French – depending on where you settle down).

Another great place for Americans is Australia. The salaries are high, and the cost of living is relatively low. They also lead a pretty lavish lifestyle. Australia has many beautiful beaches, and the weather is warm all year. As an American expat, Australia could be one of the answers to the question of where is the easiest place to get a job abroad.

Learning how to live on your own in a different nation will likely be much easier if it’s an English-speaking one. If you don’t care about the destination, try one of the places below.

The following non-native English-speaking nations have the highest English fluency levels in the world:

  • The Netherlands,
  • Denmark,
  • Sweden,
  • Norway,
  • Finland,
  • Singapore,
  • Belgium,
  • Austria,
  • Germany,
  • Portugal.
Schmidt International Relocations
You can always move to an English-speaking country such as Canada

Update Your Resume With Relevant Information

The most relevant relocation tip when hunting for overseas employment is adjusting and updating your resume to fit the position you’re applying for and the local market. Resume writing is an art form in many ways, so if you don’t know how and what to emphasize, try this resume adjusting guide.

For example, if you’re looking for employment in Japan, your resume should be formatted in a way that is appropriate for the Japanese market. Browsing resume formatting for a specific country will give you additional variety.

Remember that even if you’re not fluent in the language of your destination, it’s still important to include any relevant foreign speaking skills on your resume. Many employers are impressed by candidates who have a working knowledge of multiple languages, so this could give you a leg up on the competition.

You Can’t Search for Jobs Abroad (Or Anywhere) If Your Resume Is Lacking

Don’t think your skills and abilities are a godsend for any employer. Being confident is impressive, but it doesn’t mean much to people trying to hire you. Even companies in the friendliest countries in the world need to see relevant and valuable information that will benefit their company and cause.

Before you try your hardest to find great employment positions (domestic and international,) see how your resume describes your work experience, education, and skills.

Reach Out to People You Know Who Have Worked Overseas

If you have friends or family members who live in the place you’re targeting, they might be able to advise you on how to make your resume more appealing to employers there and how to approach your employment search in general.

When moving overseas for employment opportunities, it is important to reach out to people and build a social support network. This can be difficult when you don’t know their mother tongue or the culture, but it is crucial for your well-being.

You can find expat communities, learn about the local customs, and make friends who can help you adjust to your new home. Overall, having a social support network can ease your transition into something enjoyable, especially if you plan to move overseas alone and need a boost in making friends overseas.

Here are some tips for building a social support network in a new country:

  • Seek out social events and activities that interest you,
  • Connect with people who have similar interests,
  • Be open to meeting people and making friends,
  • Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,
  • Ask for help when you need it,
  • Be patient and give yourself time to adjust.
A group of people laughing and eating at a restaurant
Develop a helpful network of people who'll be there to guide you through some rules

Search Through Employment Listing Websites

How can I go abroad and find a job? If you plan to relocate to a big city, there won’t be a lack of opportunities. They won’t fall into your lap just because you’re an expat employee, though. Some nations don’t welcome foreign workers with open arms as much as others do; it’s up to you to decide how and where you will fight for your place in the sun.

Looking up listings online is the best way to start any old search for employment. Numerous expat-friendly websites primarily advertise working offers for overseas workers, typically English-speaking positions.

Sometimes, these listings will require French, German, or Chinese, the most commonly spoken languages in the current market. Or, for example, if you decide to move to Sweden, they’ll be happy with folks that can communicate in neighboring languages, such as Danish and Norwegian.

The Best International Employment Listing Sites

Ideally, you could enter international corporate waters by hunting for jobs online. Companies that look for workers like you post ads on websites that specialize in connecting expat workforces with businesses that need them. Some excellent employment listing websites are Indeed, Jobs Abroad, Go Abroad, Expat Worker, and Career Jet.

Sort out your resume and if the potential employer asks for a cover letter, write one. Cover letters are motivational, biographical texts in which potential employees express their passion for the craft and describe why they’re interested in the position and suited for it.

Cover letters are every potential worker’s chance to shine and express themselves, all while catering to the industry’s needs. It’s a tough scene out there, but if you want to make it, jobs are (some of) the most excellent ways to move up in the world.

Once Your Career Path Is Set, Call an International Moving Company to Help You Move

Relocating to a new city alone is a challenging adventure. It can be fun and exciting but probably not that great when it comes to figuring out the logistics of the move. If you want proper and detailed moving day preparation, you should contact an overseas moving company for professional moving services and advice.

With pros, packing service is efficient and fast; they can pack anything, including your ambitions of becoming the coolest expat on the planet. You can choose to send your car overseas with the movers’ auto shipping services, but if you plan to move someplace where most residents cycle or use public transport, this may not be a great idea.

Finally, movers offer free month-long storage service and mandatory relocation insurance coverage. Otherwise, you’d have to think about all these things by yourself, and after such a long process of finding your dream workplace, thinking of this would likely be nearly impossible.

Don’t Lose Hope If Your Search Lasts for a While

With ambition, drive, patience, and meticulous planning, nothing is impossible. You’ll conquer every interview and test and come out stronger than ever. Foreign nations are only hard to navigate because of the cultural barriers, but those are things you can only get used to and adapt to.

It’s a tough world out there, but who says you can’t be whoever you want? Your search will be easier and more fun with a bit of faith and confidence in yourself.

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