Photo credited to Kampus Production at Pexels

Going for a job interview can be both exciting and daunting. To enhance your success and smooth transition, it’s essential to prepare. Here we lay down the tips to get you started.

 

1. Research your target country.

Not all countries have the same job market. Research the industry demands, cultural nuances, job market, cost of living, work permits, and visa requirements.

 

       2. Update your resume and cover letter.

Make an updated resume and cover letter. The resume should be grammar-error and factual-error-free. An ideal resume should include:

• Contact Information

  • Full Name

  • Phone Number

  • Email Address

  • LinkedIn Profile (optional)
     

• Resume Summary or Objective (optional)

  • A concise statement underscoring your career goals, skills, and education.
     

• Professional Experience (in reverse chronological order)

  • Company Name

  • Job Title

  • Employment Dates

  • Key Responsibilities and Achievements
     

• Education

  • Institution Name

  • Degree Earned

  • Graduation Date

  • GPA (if high), Honors, and Relevant Coursework

• Skills

  • Relevant Hard Skills (technical abilities)

  • Soft Skills (communication, teamwork, leadership, etc.)

• Certifications (if applicable)

• Achievements or Awards

• Professional Memberships (if applicable)

• Languages (if applicable)

• Projects (if applicable)

When formatting your resume, keep the following in mind:

• Adopt a clean professional layout with a consistent format

• Ensure readability with proper spacing, headings, and bullet points

• Tailor your resume to each job application by incorporating relevant keywords

• Keep it concise, aiming for one page for entry-level positions and two pages for senior roles

• Proofread thoroughly and seek feedback to eliminate errors

 

       3. Leverage job boards

Use job boards for international job seekers. Websites such as Max Support and Ohjobs.ph posts job vacancies. Activate notifications to receive job alerts matching your interests and skills. 

 

      4. Prepare for interviews

Prepare one day in advance before the interview. Research frequent questions and answers for your industry. Practice your responses. 

• Things to bring

• Multiple copies of your resume

• Cover letter

• Portfolio or work samples

• List of References

• Notepad and pen

• Identification cards

• Business cards

• Professional attire

• Umbrella

• Enough money to cover your transport and meals (for far interview sites).

• Water bottle
   

    5. Stay Organized

Keep track of your applications and interview dates. Use an app or spreadsheet to manage your applications efficiently. Some apps you can include:

• Google docs

• Libreoffice

• Microsoft One Note

• Upnote

• Obsidian

• Joplin

• Notesnook

Make sure you have a ready waterproof document case or envelope and handy bag. Organize these things one day before the interview. Embrace the journey, and remember that adaptability and persistence are keys to success in the international job market.