Working abroad in 2023: What are the first things to consider?
Is now the best time to look for a job abroad?
Since 2020 and COVID-19, successive economic crises have occurred. In some countries, COVID is back in the news headlines. In Japan, for instance, there were more than 100,000 cases per day in December, while the number of cases in France, Germany and the United States was half as high.
In fact, the global situation remains worrisome. Although barrier gestures are no longer compulsory against the virus, they are still strongly recommended, as are vaccines. As a matter of fact, they are part of common-sense rules that should be applied when traveling abroad. However, COVID is no longer the primary factor undermining world economies as it was in 2020. The gloomy economic and energetic specters, as well as the war in Ukraine, are the ones rattling world markets. It is a "mega-crisis" situation that must be considered when planning your move abroad while keeping in mind that this global crisis has spared no country.
Rising inflation
Inflation reached 11.8 percent in Italy, 9.9 percent in the Netherlands, 9.5 percent in Kenya, and 7.3 percent in Australia and South Africa. If Japan's 3.7% and South Korea's 5% are assumed to be healthy figures, it is, in fact, quite the opposite. Japan is experiencing rates never seen since the 1990s crisis and the bursting of the financial bubble. The same is true of South Korea, where the inflation rate is back to 1998 levels. The global rises in prices are causing household budgets to explode, especially for low-income families and the most vulnerable ones. De facto, prospective expats become directly concerned with the big question of how to make ends meet in such times. Airline ticket prices are constantly on the rise due to the energy crisis and environmental reforms. Visa prices, travel and health insurance are also impacted by these increases. The basic cost of living, including housing, transportation, and food, and other factors in the host country, is also increasing. These are additional costs to consider whether you are leaving with a job contract or not. Your salary should allow you to live well in the host country.
Working in a sector faced with a labor shortage
Ever since the post-lockdown economic recovery, the situation in the transport, logistics, construction, IT, catering, tourism, and health sectors have remained under tension. For impacted countries, this is turning out to be a headache. They are all looking for qualified employees to counter the acute labor shortage in sectors that are more or less the same everywhere, like in Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan. Health professionals, who have been drained during the health crisis, are ringing the alarm. There is indeed a significant shortage of nurses, general practitioners, and specialists. In the transport sector, delivery trucks are at a standstill due to a lack of drivers.
Prospective expats with previous professional experience, indeed, have greater chances of being recruited. These opportunities will get even better if they have a good command of the host country's language. The academic background will also play a significant role in finding work abroad, especially for candidates who graduated from an internationally recognized institution. Otherwise, professional experience will be the best asset.
Is the country open to immigration?
Each country has its own immigration policy. It is, therefore, essential to find out more about the immigration laws of the country you are targeting. This will definitely help you to understand your rights there and apply for the visa that corresponds to your future situation. Even if they are experiencing a labor shortage, countries are not always open to easy immigration. Affected countries must yet be willing to welcome them.
In France, for instance, immigration remains a sensitive issue. The new immigration bill and its new residence permit rules for "jobs in demand" is upping tensions. Far-right supporters consider it, at best, useless, at worst, dangerous. For them, only French nationals should be hired. Foreigners' rights advocates, on their part, warn about the increased risk of casualization of foreign workers as the "job in demand" visa would be annual, renewable or not, depending on the country's economic situation. It is, in fact, impossible to model a long-term stay abroad in such an economic context.
In Japan, statistical evidence clashes with a still very conservative culture. The aging population and low birth rate are weighing on an economy that already faces sluggishness and labor shortages. According to the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the country will need 800,000 foreign workers by 2030 and 6.74 million by 2040. This is indeed a challenge for a country where only 2% of the population are expats. To attract foreign talent, Japan plans to follow Canada's example. The Japanese government has already brought changes to its 5-year work visa and will, from now on, allow expats to apply for family reunification and permanent residence after 10 years.
Canada has a long history of immigration and has kept its doors open for a long time. And compared to other countries, conversely, the health crisis has kept the government's ambitions strong. To address labor shortages and increase economic growth, the country's 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan aims for 465,000 permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025, most of whom will be economic immigrants. Australia is also counting on immigrants to boost sectors under tension. The Land Down Under expects to welcome 195,000 new immigrants in 2023, which is 35,000 more than the previous government forecast.
How to look for a job abroad?
Macroeconomic data (inflation, GDP...) are essential to better understand your host country and its policies regarding work and immigration. This will allow you to target your research better. You will maximize your chances by using the tools available in your country of origin as well as those of your target country.
Employment assistance centers in your home country
We don't often think about them, but job search centers in our countries often also have an international division. So, register on their job search platforms. An advisor can put you in touch with partner organizations abroad. Don't forget the regional, European, and other large institutional search websites. If you are a European citizen, you should know that you can look for work in a European Union (EU) country. The EU has set up the Europass, a virtual portfolio that allows you to showcase yourself more easily to international recruiters and to manage your career abroad (see link at the end of the article).
Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Professional Associations
Search for offers on the websites of various Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI). Broaden your search to include all professional organizations in your target sector (associations of manufacturers, computer specialists, technicians, etc.). Also consider company directories such as Kompass or Europages.
University and student networks
If you are a student who dreams of working abroad, ask your university for more information. It certainly has student exchange programs or internships, which are good stepstones to experience life abroad on a short-term basis. Some partnerships can even extend to job offers. Communicating through your university ensures that you will have a good follow-up, which can be especially important if this is your first move overseas. This also means better support and assistance, and in the case of an exchange program availability, your local university, as well as the host country's university, will work together to establish all the conditions for your stay. Adopt a similar approach to develop your student network (whether you are still a student or not). Ask for help from your former classmates and attend alumni events.
Professional contacts
Do your best to cultivate your relationships. Even if some work experiences might be more complicated than others, try to leave without an adverse "record". Former colleagues can turn out to be your future informants. Learn to keep in touch. If you are still employed, find out about possible transfer programs. Be daring enough to make proposals when you feel that the company's future depends on it. If you feel that your company would benefit from developing in a specific country, just make the proposal. This could be your ticket to a meaningful expat life.
Networks, trade shows and conventions
Join networks and trade shows. They regularly organize meetings, whether online or in person. This is indeed an opportunity to make new contacts. If you are not yet there, take all the necessary information beforehand and do not hesitate to contact them. This is also a good way for you to discover the different associations and their members before joining the network. Be an observer and take the time to collect information that can be relevant to your professional advancement (for example, foreign Chambers of Commerce and Industry regularly publish lists of trade shows).
Social media
One can't ignore social networks. Professional ones like LinkedIn, Opportunity, and XING, amongst others, or more general ones like Meetup, Line, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Hello talk, are all an integral part of our new daily lives, helping us find work, housing, career opportunities, and a potentially sprawling network. To avoid getting lost in networking, focus on two or three social networks at first and target your searches.
Job websites
Obviously, do not neglect the Web. If you already speak a foreign country's language, do your research directly in that language. You will get more offers. You can choose between general websites and other more specialized ones, depending on your skills (banking, hotel business, crafts, education, etc.).
Private organizations
You will stand more chances of finding a job when registering with a private agency. The latter will prepare you for your life as a foreign professional, helping you not only in your job search but also in your presentation at job interviews with practical advice (recommended dress code, etc.) and support after you take up your position abroad. You can use an organization in your home country or wait until you are in the host country to register with a recruitment agency.
Social circles and word of mouth
Do not overlook the importance of word of mouth. At a time when job offers regularly fly under the public's radar, word-of-mouth helps you stay in the loop. Tell your friends about your career plans (you don't have to go into detail). One of them may have a contact in your target country. Think of friends of friends, members of your sports or hobby club.
More tips for finding work abroad in 2023
Make the most of your networks (social or professional). Get close to people who can help you. Of course, this is not about encouraging opportunism but nurturing your network and contacts. In this give-and-take game, they help you, and in return, they expect some good tips. Also, never forget the people who have helped you, even from afar. The network you are in is not only useful for finding jobs abroad, it also helps create a social circle that allows you to interact with other people and thus build your new life in the host country. Therefore, remember to keep in touch with those who have helped you.
Quality networks are not about quantity. Prefer a few identifiable and loyal acquaintances to an infinite number of nicknames and other faceless contacts.
Learn about the recruitment process in your host country. The CV, as you might already know it, may not necessarily be the norm. The same goes for dress codes! Should you opt for a sober suit, with or without a tie? What about professional etiquette? Should you bow to the recruiter? Shake hands? Should you greet them from a distance? Pay attention to the importance of first impressions.
Learn about the essentials of the host country's culture and its work culture. Be indulgent with yourself, as you will surely make mistakes.
Know how to bounce back from failure and turn it into a positive experience.
Be patient. Finding a job in a foreign country can take a lot of time and organization.
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