What Should I Know Before Looking For Work Outside the U.S.?

Working outside of the country isn’t limited to digital nomads. You can also find international jobs based in other countries with the right strategy. Determine what types of roles you want, search international job boards, and network with recruiters to start.

By Brandi Fowler

The pandemic made it easier for those with remote jobs to work from anywhere. But some people want to work in other countries altogether.?

Before you start looking for work in a country outside of the U.S. though, it is important to understand landing an international position can sometimes be an arduous process.?

“It is going to be a different job search,” said remote career and lifestyle coach Kristin Vierra. “It is a lot. It depends on the country, it depends on what type of work you are looking for.? So, be prepared to be flexible and patient with the process because it is likely going to look different than a standard job search you have experienced.

“The process can be long, especially when it comes to visas, relocation, and all those other pieces. So I think patience and flexibility [are] key. Also be ready to heavily lean into research and conversations to get a better understanding. In certain countries it can be harder to dive into how to go about it.”

First Steps to Take Before Looking for Work Outside of the U.S.

Obtain clarity on what you are looking for and your ‘why’ before applying for international jobs.?

“It is overwhelming in the normal job search when you don't have direction already,” Vierra said.?

“But now you are bringing this international, so the key thing is getting clear on what you are looking for and why. That can help you narrow down your research. Also where [you want to work].”

Thinking about where you want to work is critical because you need to research the requirements for working there (i.e. visa requirements) and the feasibility of working from that country.

“Research is heavily important,” Vierra said. “Depending on the company and location, they may do all of that process for you. That can vary by region. My experience was they did it for me. But that doesn't necessarily ring true for every place.”

Vierra suggested checking out nomadlist.com, which lists different locations and qualities of various global destinations, like Wi-Fi strength. You can also look at coworking websites.

“You can check out WeWork and see where they offer locations,” Vierra said. “There is also co-working.com.”

Also, know if you can operate in certain time zones before searching for jobs there.?

“If you are working in a job setup that requires constant communication with your co-workers and it is not a sync workflow, you have to keep in mind that your meetings might take place at 2 a.m.,” said Digital Nomad Expo founder and CEO Erkan Munishi.?

Pay attention to currency exchange rates, and make sure it doesn’t affect your pay in a negative way.?

“Research and be aware of currency differences because your salary level may be different in comparison to home based on if you're going to be paid in the local currency,” Vierra said.?

How to Find International Jobs

To start looking for international jobs, identify the types of jobs you are interested in, where you want to work, and international companies that align with your desired career path.?

Also, network; not only with professionals at those companies but with recruiters who hire for those companies and/or international jobs in general.

“What really supported me was being very genuine and passionate in reach-outs to recruiters,” Vierra said. “Really giving that genuine passion in my message for why I was looking into this opportunity. That was a great connection point for me and recruiters. “But it also depends heavily on the type of job search and what someone is looking for, for how to go about that research phase.”

Aside from networking, Vierra suggested checking job boards.

“Or you can search a location and what jobs are available,” Vierra said. “Some people go abroad to teach and enter a teaching program. There is Work Away…there is a lot of opportunity. It is just a matter of getting clear on what you are looking for and what your intentions are with heading to that destination.”

In addition, be open-minded about potential opportunities and be aware of restrictions.?

“The characteristics of a job that allows you to work outside of the U.S. are mainly positions that do not have to work on sensitive data, and usually small- and medium-size enterprises,” Munishi said. “I believe anyone trying to find a job that is remote should not [pursue] a career they do not like but instead try to identify jobs that are within the realm of their knowledge and expertise.“

Munishi also suggested freelancing if you are just getting started in a field or your career.?

“[Positions] related to marketing (social media manager, email marketing), design (logos, websites, brochures, etc.) or writing (copywriting, blogs, content, etc.) are some of the most-wanted skills,” Munishi said. “It all depends on what your skills are. The next step is to go to upwork.com and freelancer.com to find your freelance gig.

“To find actual W-2 jobs, my suggestion would be Linkedin. People can see your profile and get to know you better through what you share and care about.”

If you want to work internationally to enhance your career progression, find jobs aligned with what you are doing.

Keep Drawbacks in Mind Before Looking for Work Outside of the U.S.?

It can be exciting to work an international job, but it is important to be aware of the drawbacks too.

“It can be a challenge,” Vierra said. “It is leaning into the discomfort of that because it is going to be new and different, but it is such a growth experience. The other drawbacks are a learning curve because you are not only learning a new role, you are also learning, ‘How does this operate in this country? When it is the end of the day, do you just walk out the door or do I need to go say goodbye to everyone?"

Learning how things work in a new environment and new role takes time.

Develop a strategy if you want to work outside of the U.S. Finding international jobs may be difficult and working abroad has drawbacks, but it can also be rewarding and help you stand out in a future job search once you return to the U.S.?

Clarify why you want to work abroad, where you want to work, and the positions you are interested in. Then, network with recruiters and search international job boards to help ease your hunt.

Top Takeaways

What should I know before looking for work outside the U.S.?

• Obtain clarity on why you want to work outside of the U.S., where you want to work, and the positions that interest you.?
• Research where you want to work to identify tourist requirements like visas and currency exchange rates.
• Look into how feasible it is to work at your destination of interest. Check to make sure the location has strong Wi-Fi and accessibility.?
• Search international job boards and network with recruiters hiring for international companies of interest.