How to Position for International Jobs

To position for international jobs takes internationality, dedication and focus. And please, tell me who in this country does not want to make money in another currency, what with the naira behaving like a fallen angel?

With the advent of tech, it has become easier for anyone to work anywhere in the world. You do not have to move to another country to work in that country. You can be in Nigeria and be making cool cash working remotely for an international company in Australia.

While, for some people, the goal is to make money in foreign currency while living in Nigeria, for some others, the goal is to japa through a work visa.

This article will help guide you on the best ways to position yourself for international jobs.

Tactics You Need

Recognize Your Skills

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One of the first and most important things to take note of when you want to position for international jobs is to analyze your skillset. You want to compare your current skills to the world standard and determine if you need to improve by taking a certification.

Find out what employers are looking for in your field and ensure your skills are current and they are sellable to employers.

Secondly, apart from job skills, determine if you have any technical skills that will enable you to work remotely.

Are you skilled in using remote tools for project management, collaboration, and communication? These are all requirements to land international jobs especially if you want to work remotely.

If you already have these skills, highlight them during your applications. This will help you gain a leg up on your competition.

Thirdly, in this category, ensure you have the work tools. Some companies, especially if you are working full-time roles, give work-from-home setup allowance or provide you with work tools. Others require that you already have the tools as a requirement to get the job.

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Determine the type of job you want

Many things go into this.

Your skillset is a very strong factor in determining the type of position you want, be it an entry-level role, an executive role, or a managerial role.

Then you also need to think of how much you want to earn. Ask yourself questions. Do you want to move out of the country for any role or do you want to remain in your country while working for international organizations?

These are factors you need to consider.

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Narrow it down to a particular region

Cultures and job environments can differ from country to country. This is why you need to do some research on the work culture in different countries and find out which works for you.

It is important that a work environment aligns with your values and you are a cultural fit for that organization.

Secondly, you want to narrow it down because of time zone issues. You need to look for a company at a timezone you are comfortable with. This way, you can be productive enough to give your best and still have time for yourself.

Focus on Jobs that require Your Skills

Once you have identified your skills, you need to focus on jobs looking for persons with your skillset. Apply for positions where you can utilize your strengths and experience.

You don’t just want to start throwing out applications to every job offer you come across. You need to research companies that are looking for employees with your skill set.

This way, you always have a soft landing, and it’s easier for you to get the job.

READ: How To Get A Nigerian Visa

Put Yourself Out There

International jobs are not going to come knocking on your door.

You need to put in some effort. In fact, scratch that, you need to put a lot of effort into the entire process.

To properly position for international jobs, your resume should be ready and optimized with keywords that recruiters are looking for. Create a portfolio that contains all your projects, the industry you worked in, how you were able to solve problems in that role, and the effects of your solutions.

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Use a Trusted Job Search Site

Job search sites are great for helping you find available roles in the international market.

Search sites like Linkedin, Weworkremotely, and Glassdoor, to name a few are great for getting international roles. Register on these platforms and optimise your page with buzzwords that recruiters are looking for.

You can also set Google alerts to notify you of job openings in specific regions and roles you are interested in.

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Reach Out to Connections

Especially on Linkedin.

Reach out to people you know. Not only for jobs, but you can also get references from them. Ask your connections for information on open roles that fit into your skillset. Connect with people who work in the company you are applying to.

Do your homework, find out the recruiting team for that firm and look out for them through their profile. You can easily do this on LinkedIn.

This way, you will see job opportunities from the companies you are targeting as soon as positions that require your skills are open.

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Prepare for the interview

Really cannot stress this enough.

While you may actually have the needed skills to do the job, most of these international opportunities go beyond just skill sets. International firms are not only looking out for hard skills; they look out for soft skills as well. How well you take initiative; if you are able to work independently,;if you are able to work under little or no supervision, and generally if you are a great culture fit.

This is why you need to do research on the company and its employees. Look especially into the profile of whoever held your role before it became vacant. You only have a short window of opportunity to impress potential employers and show them why you’re the best fit for the role.

Make it count!