When moving abroad, one of the first things we focus on is how are we gonna get an income, and sometimes it seems harder than it actually is. Here are some key tips for you to become part of the working force sooner than you think.
Regardless of the savings you have when you arrive, having a back-up plan is an excellent idea to keep you from stressing over money. It is also a great way to submerge yourself straight into their culture.
1. Glitz up that resume!
First things first. Regardless of the industry you want to work in, you'll need a presentation and contact form, which is what the resume is good for. Portfolios and videos will also help, but they'll most likely be asked for along with your CV, only if needed.
Make sure your experience is up to date and that you're considering all relevant information. Now, when we say relevant, it doesn't mean every single job you've had since you turned 16.
Keep in mind what job you're applying for when you choose the relevant experiences. And even have a couple of different resumes to spread out your list accordingly.
For example, if you're applying for a job as a waitress, the 7 various positions you had as a chemical engineer would not matter to your future manager.
It doesn't mean your experience is unimportant, it's just that you have to select 1 or 2 of those that you consider more representative of your work skills. Let's say the one where you work for longer or when you were in charge of a team.
Choosing to highlight this one shows long-term commitment and leadership skills. It might be in a totally different industry, but these are human skills that will make your future employee trust you more.
Now, let's not freak out. You won't have to live there forever or even become best friends, but it'll help you stand out in a sea of travellers that tend to stay short term –not the favourite work length for any boss.
2. Translate and double-check:
If you haven't already, make sure your resume is translated to the new country's language, even if English is their second strong language. It'll open more doors if you make an effort to translate to the original language.
If their primary language is still complicated for you, make sure someone else checks your resume before you save, print and send it.
Little mistakes like words not properly translated or the wrong phone number can make a big difference between landing the job or not. This might sound pretty obvious, but even so, you still got to double-check before you start handing them out. Believe it or not, these mistakes happen more often than you can imagine and to the best of people. Is totally normal.
3. A job is better than NO job
Don't be too set on the ideal job that you say no to all other offers. Get a temporary position, regardless of it not being your dream one. It'll still be something that pays the bills and, more importantly, is an experience in the new country, which is a crucial starting point for many employees.
For example, you can have an architect degree from your home, so you're determined to keep working as one in the new place. That's totally fair, and it is good that you know what you want. But closing off to different ideas, especially rejecting the option to gain work experience in a new country, will not get you closer to it.
Your future employee will appreciate it more if it shows in your resume that you're willing to work in entry-level jobs, too specially while you're getting used to the new city's working habits. Besides, it's very possible and even recommended to keep the job hunt for that dream, while you're earning some money and most appreciated experience.
Jumping into the workforce sooner rather than later will also give you access to all the information you need regarding taxes and documents required to work there. Like a Tax file number (Australia) or a Social Security number(USA), steps you'll need to tick off anyways, and it'll save you a bit of time later on.
Is an experience in the new country, which is a crucial starting point for many employees.
4. Rock that trial/interview
This might sound cliché, but the phrase believe in yourself or no one else will is more true than you might imagine. Therefore, when you show up somewhere asking for a job, rule number 1 is yes, to be very lovely, but 2 is Be confident. You have to sell yourself in those 2 minutes you have for them to receive your resume.
Suppose you're lucky and find a tempting workplace option with an actual job offer going. In that case, you're already one step ahead because you know they'll be receiving resumes. But it also means that you need to make yourself memorable and stand out in that pile of candidates.
This is when your selling skills come in handy. Now, I would not want to encourage anyone to lie, but if you can, make it sound like you're outstanding at whatever you're putting down as skills.
So, let's say you're interviewing for a barista job at a coffee place. You can't really write you're amazing at latte art if you've never made a coffee. But if you've tried it out a few times and just need a reminder, then say yes! Whatever memory help you need, you can get it after.
At the end of the day, your future employee needs to see you're confident in the workplace, so they can leave you alone sooner than expected.
Once you make the impression you wanted or if they're interested enough, then you got yourself an interview or trial. Most hospitality jobs will require one of these last ones because they want to see how you get around in a busy service hour. It also helps them have 1 or 2 hours of free extra help –a lot of times not paid.
Don't freak out, though. Not everyone will make you work your ass off for 2 hours just to say no in the end. Most of the time, a job trial is a secured offer. Sometimes, they even might give you a dinner discount after, a coffee or any other kind of thank you for your efforts.
Your future employee needs to see you're confident in the workplace, so they can leave you alone sooner than expected.
5. Enjoy the opportunity!
A positive and grateful attitude will go a long way in pretty much every industry. So, when you're on the first encounter, the trial, or even when you already landed the job, it's good to always keep a good attitude and willingness to learn. Be grateful for everything they show you.
You will end up having bosses explain things like you don't know how to open a door. But remember, they don't know how much you really know, and if they're in charge of your welcome, it means they're responsible for you learning the ropes.
In other words, be nice. They're doing their job and you're doing yours, and helping to make everyone's experience smoother will make your day better and easier, as well as the shift. It'll all make you more memorable and even secure you a good reference contact after.
