Ten tips for seeking overseas jobs.

1. Keep your nose clean – and don’t put any controlled substances in it!

Some of the best jobs require security clearance. A police record can cause delays in your clearance being approved. Delinquent taxes and child support payments can cause delays and must be resolved before a clearance will be approved.

2. Major in one trade, skill, or profession, and minor in another.

Having a second set of skills may mean the difference between you and the other candidates. This may contradict convention for domestic work where specialization is the current buzzword, but companies operating overseas are more likely to need you to wear more than one hat.

3. Don’t pay a lot up for any job search services.

Some years ago, when trying to break into the overseas job market, Diplocon consultant Greg paid a resume “blasting” service $750 to send his resume to what they claimed were hundreds of overseas employers. All he received in response was other job seekers replying. Somehow the blasting service just spammed hundreds of job seekers emails. A total waste (except the lesson learned).

4. Be willing to start at the bottom.

Get your foot in the door then make yourself indispensible – the big money will follow.

5. Know your target.

Know the company you send your resume to. View their website. Know their corporate culture. Mention a key aspect in your cover letter.

6. Update your skills.

Keep up with developments in your field and be ready to respond intelligently to questions about it.

7. Remember that your resume is a sales letter – not an autobiography.

The hiring manager is not looking for nice people or those with interesting hobbies. They are looking to add the company’s profit. If the job is in a less than desirable area, it may be good to mention that you can entertain yourself  by reading or some other activity to indicate that you are capable of maintaining your own morale. Don’t go overboard telling them you love to travel – they will be sending you to work, not to be a tourist.

8. Find forums to watch for activity in many areas both geographic and industry.

Do a web search for groups and forums related to your work, and the parts of the world you would like to work in. You are encouraged to go to http://diplocon.com and begin a forum of your own, and tell your friends and colleagues about it so they will participate. Networking can be a big part of finding the good jobs out there.

9. If no marketable skill now, think again.

There are overseas jobs available in many skill areas and professions. If you are competent with the English language, you can find jobs teaching. Some training is required but can be done while you are working your full time job. Perform a web search for “teaching English as a second language”, or TESL.

10. Don’t give up.

You may have to work at finding an overseas job, but it will be worth it. You may double or triple your income very quickly.