Finding overseas jobs

Finding a job overseas is an exciting option. Prepare, plan, research and get organised before you go.   

Finding a job overseas is a form of personal and professional development that will:

• make you more attractive to potential employers
• give you first-hand experience and insight into different cultures
• open you up to new ideas and ways of thinking

Tools:

Going Global - the ultimate overseas job seeker's guide!

• search for world-wide job and internship listings
• find employment at home and abroad
• developed by a worldwide team of career specialists
• contains constantly updated content
• highly recommended by Deakin University
• Available for current Deakin students and staff to access

iHipo - the leading international graduate careers website.

Tips for finding an overseas job

1. Undertake career planning during your penultimate (2nd to last) year:

• take a look at yourself in the way an employer would:
  • 'does this person have a clear career direction?'
  • 'have they received good academic grades?’  
  • ‘can they demonstrate skills learnt through work experience?’
  • ‘have they been involved in university life/extra-curricular activities?'
• set goals with respect to the above, if necessary
• book a career counselling appointment for assistance

2. Become familiar with the overseas labour market

• Overseas employers:
  
  • expect you to be flexible in terms of your skills and qualifications
  • would like you to adopt the mindset of ‘what can I offer them?' rather than 'what can they do for me?'
  • select staff based on academic performance, local language ability and demonstrate employability
• Research the labour market in your country of choice and find out:
  • who is recruiting?
  • what skills are in demand?
  • what are the salary ranges?

3. Check the visa or immigration requirements of your country of choice

4. Gather job search information about your country of choice 

• What are the:
  • major recruitment agencies
  • online job boards
  • major newspapers
  • employers of choice
• Learn about cultural differences and how they will affect your job search:
  • is there a special way of formatting your resume?
  • does the overseas employer expect you to behave in a certain way during an interview?

5. Get organised to look for a job once you arrive

• Organise a schedule of meetings or interviews prior to your arrival
• Ask your university friends from your country of choice to:
  • introduce you to potential employers
  • give you advice on job searching
• Be mobile with regards to your location
  • look for work in a different suburb, region, city or even country

Good luck and remember to contact your nearest Careers and Employment office for assistance.

Back to Careers and Employment homepage