15 Apr 09 Applying for Work Abroad

For many people the thought of finding an ideal overseas assignment and then relocating abroad for a few years is a dream.

For a few people that dream actually becomes a reality.

So what’s the difference between those who dream about making it happen and those who actually find work abroad and experience a whole new exciting lifestyle away from home?

Application – that’s what!

Application in the form of applying oneself to the task of finding suitable work abroad, and application in the form of the CV, resume and covering letter sent to suitable employers and recruitment agencies…

Applying yourself: -

If you want something in life, experience should tell you that you have to go out there and get it for yourself.  Opportunity seldom knocks on the door quick enough for any of us; therefore if you dream of working abroad you need to start looking for suitable vacancies in your overseas location of choice.

If you speak a foreign language you might be drawn to countries where they speak that language because you will have an obvious advantage over other overseas candidates.  If on the other hand speaking English is your only linguistic skill you should either look at opportunities in English speaking countries or target countries like Dubai in the United Arab Emirates where the business language is English and where there are a plethora of job vacancies.

Whichever country you settle on you can use the internet to search for employment offers, recruitment agencies and potentially suitable employers based in that country, and you can then begin contacting them one by one.

Making an application: -

To get anywhere in life it is sometimes necessary to put yourself forward – and if you’re looking for work overseas you’re going to have to put yourself forward to be noticed in the form of an online application or CV/resume and covering letter. 

Because your CV will be your initial contact with any recruiter it has to represent you in the best possible light possible.

This means that your resume and covering letter have to be well written; if you’re applying in a language other than your mother tongue you should consider paying for a professional translation to be done because recruiters hate receiving poorly put together job applications.  In their view someone who cannot be bothered to make the maximum effort with their personal CV probably cannot be bothered to do a good job full stop and are therefore hardly worth considering for employment.  Therefore it is up to you to put together the most well written, compelling and interesting application for employment possible.

Don’t fill out your CV or covering letter with lots of flowery embellishment, be succinct and to the point.  You should illustrate why you think should be considered for employment with examples of relevant experience you have and you should ensure you supply details of qualifications you have, referees who can supply personal and employment references and you should include all your personal contact information.

Finally, having targeted employers and recruitment agencies and having made the best application for employment possible, you should follow up your application and remain proactive and relentless in your search for that ideal overseas assignment.  After all, only those who live their dreams have a chance of true fulfilment.

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05 Dec 08 Retirement – A Dirty Word?

The days when men had to retire at 65 and women at 60 are now long gone. Many people now want to continue to work, some because they have to for financial reasons, but others simply enjoy feeling that they are still a useful part of Society. Until recently, there was very much a feeling in the workplace that once you reached 65, you were pretty much past it and really you should go home, look at your retirement clock and go on cruises. My how times have changed!

Now there is an increasing feeling that people have a lot to offer after the age of 60 or 65. After all with age comes experience and that can often be life experience. Many older people are also very patient, so they can be calm in a crisis and not panic when all does not go to plan.

Many people find that they enjoy a second career, very different from their first one. So someone who has been the MD of a company may enjoy working with young people, or gaining skills in IT and then mentoring younger people. Gardening, odd job work, tutoring are all really worthwhile careers that can offer people over the age of 60 a chance to learn new skills and sharpen up their existing skillset.

You will find that if you sign on with a recruitment agency that age doesn’t necessarily have to be a barrier, although some jobs cannot be undertaken after the age of 70. But really there are lots of opportunities available, whatever your age.

So retirement should not be viewed as something that is automatic and that you ‘have to’ do. When and if you retire should be entirely your choice and something that happens when you want it to be. Retirement is therefore not a dirty word, but something that can be done when you choose and you will enjoy it much more, rather than if you are forced to retire.

Tags: 60, 65, 70, career, continue, Cruises, Dirty Word, elderly, Jobs, Life Experience, Lot, Many People, Odd Job, Recruitment Agency, retirement, Retirement Clock, Skillset, working, Young People