Are you dreaming of working abroad but unsure where to start? You’re in the right place! Discover effective strategies to secure a job overseas, shared by Neha Agrawal, Founder of WiseUp Communications and an NTU Singapore alum. With her background as an Engineer at ExxonMobil Chemical, Singapore, a major U.S. energy company, Neha offers valuable insights to guide you through the process.
1. Complete your education in that country
Securing a job abroad is challenging due to high competition and local preference. A proven strategy is to first study in the country where you want to work. Completing a degree there demonstrates you have the same education level and quality as locals. 80-90% of people working abroad have taken this route.
2. Working in a multinational company and then taking an overseas transfer
Travel Opportunities: If your role involves frequent trips to international branches or client meetings, you may build connections that lead to job offers abroad
Internal Transfers: Working closely with offshore teams can result in opportunities for onshore positions if your performance is recognized.
Long-Term Interest: After 3-4 years with an Indian team, expressing interest in working abroad can sometimes lead to assignments with international teams, especially in consulting firms.
3. Hunt for jobs on your own
Enhance Your Resume: Indian resumes often don’t meet international standards. Develop a professional resume tailored for overseas applications. At WiseUp, we provide resume templates, tips, and personalized feedback. Resume Buiding Course
Apply Directly: Instead of only using job portals like Monster or Indeed, apply directly on company websites. This increases your visibility to potential employers.
Use Recruitment Agencies: If you have 5-10 years of experience, consider reaching out to recruitment agencies. They can assist in finding leadership positions abroad. While this may not be as effective for fresh graduates, experienced professionals can benefit significantly.
To learn all this directly from Neha, do check out the video below:
4. When your spouse is working in a foreign country
Having a spouse working abroad can simplify your visa process, such as obtaining a dependent pass in Singapore if your spouse meets a certain salary threshold. This can make it easier for you to find a job, as companies won’t need to sponsor a separate work visa for you.
To leverage this, follow these steps:
Update LinkedIn and Resume: Change your job location to the country where you’re currently staying. This indicates to recruiters that you are already present and won’t require relocation. You can see the attached screenshot in order to find jobs in Singapore.
Network and Connect: Actively network and build connections in the local job market. Your existing presence in the country can make a significant difference in your job search.
We hope this blog has clarified the job search process in foreign countries and provided some useful strategies. While working abroad can present challenges—such as visa uncertainties in the US or visa expiration upon leaving a job in Singapore—these hurdles are often worth overcoming for the international experience and potential financial benefits.
Thank you for reading, and we wish you all the best in your international career journey! For any queries, comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest! 🙂
