It can be difficult to know where to start when you’re thinking about making a move overseas – your decisions will largely depend on the lifestyle you’d like to have, where you’d like to go and, of course, what jobs are available. 

1. Decide where to go

First, you need to decide where you want to live. You might already have an idea – perhaps you’d like to join family members that live overseas, or you already speak another language, both of which will help with the transition.

Your choice of location might hinge on your employer. One of the easiest ways to get a job overseas is getting an internal transfer at your current company. If you work for an international firm, then maybe you could move to one of its global offices. If you aren’t bothered about location, then this could make the decision for you. 

James Barrett, managing director of recruitment agency Michael Page Technology, said: “If you work for a multinational company, they might be open to transferring you to an international branch. They may even help you with things like applying for a visa, finding a place to live, and learning the language.”

It’s also worth considering whether your profession is sought after by certain countries, which would increase your chances of securing a job there. For example, in Canada there’s demand for those in the healthcare and Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professions, according to its immigration department.

Otherwise, a sensible idea would be to make a list of all the countries you might want to live in, and then run through the pros and cons.

2. Look for a job

Once you have decided on a location, or a shortlist of countries, then you need to start looking for a job.

You could use a recruiter specializing in international placements. They will be able to take your CV and connect you with any openings which could suit your experience.

You could also target UK companies with offices around the world. Go through their job listings and see whether any open positions suit you. Alternatively, reach out to the recruitment team, who may keep you in mind should suitable vacancies open up in future.

There are also online job boards, such as Go Overseas, which post global opportunities.

Of course, there is a chance you might be able to keep your current job – or work for a British company while living overseas.

Thanks to the rise of hybrid and fully remote working, some companies have a “work from anywhere” policy, with contracts that place no restrictions on the amount of time employees spend working from abroad.

3. Make the move

Perhaps not an option for the faint-hearted, but you could of course head overseas and then look for a job once you’re there. While you may need to prepare for a period of not being in work (and may need to build up a pot of money to cover this period), you might find it easier to build your network or find postings when you are in-country. 

You could also consider going overseas with a programme or volunteering. Organisations like Volunteer Service Overseas connect people in Britain with work opportunities abroad. This is particularly common in globally important professions, such as teaching or medicine.

4. Check visa requirements

It’s vital to make sure you’re fully aware of visa requirements and restrictions, whether you’re planning to work for a company in the country you want to live in, or if you’re working remotely for a UK company. 

Many countries will not allow you to work on a regular tourist visa, so there may be some extra hoops to jump through to secure the required permission. You might need to get a residence permit, or a working visa, for example. 

If you are under 30, the Government has agreements with some countries – including Australia and New Zealand – allowing you to move there for up to two years.

Tips for landing a job abroad

Do your homework: 

Mr Barrett said that the best first step is to do your homework on your proposed destination – research employment prospects and whether any of your qualifications might give you an edge. “Some countries prioritize international workers with specific qualifications,” he said.

Start online networking: 

Social media can be a valuable tool for searching for a job abroad, according to Mr Barrett. You can use it to advertise the fact you are looking for international opportunities, and also link up with potential hiring managers.

Create a localized CV: 

A good rule of thumb for applying for any job, but particularly if you’re coming from a completely different job market, is making sure you’ve tailored your CV to the job and market you’re in. Mr Barrett said: “Pay close attention to the job specification and demonstrate that you possess the desired experience and skills.”