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How to Find a Job Opportunity in the Hidden International Job Market

How to Find a Job Opportunity in the Hidden International Job Market

Working abroad is a great way to kick-start an international career. It is not only an adventure, but also a unique way to gain knowledge of another culture. However, finding a job abroad is not a cakewalk. The right drill is to know the appropriate technique for hunting a job.

If you think relying on the traditional ‘application’ method would work in your job hunt abroad, you need to think again! The method of sending applications to the advertised employment market involves high competition, particularly for international job openings.

Most of the expat job seekers spend several hours in exploring the career opportunities in this market, but end up with disappointing results. Hence, the best way to explore career opportunities abroad is cracking the hidden job market, as most of these jobs are not even advertised. Most of the companies prefer to fill their vacant positions with advertising as it saves a lot of time and money. Moreover, they believe that people who are already working for their company are most suitable or prefer their references.

So, how you can get to know about it?Job search diagram

Top Ways to Find Hidden Jobs Abroad

1.     Networking

Networking is one of the best ways to do so. However, you need to be smarter in your approach to connect with people. Follow the simple rules of networking:

  • Give before you get it
  • Make networking a regular thing and not only when you have to get a job reference
  • Networking is not everything about asking for favors, but building relationships
  • Make it easy for your career network to help you get a job by letting them know clearly about your job preferences in terms of industry, position or job role
  • End your conversation by asking your contact about whom you can talk to about a particular thing. This definitely leads to more introductions

By following these tips, you get to increase possibilities of hearing about more opportunities.

2.     Attend various conferences

Conventions and trade shows are some of the ideal options to get into the hidden job market. Here you meet more people who can help you know more about unadvertised jobs, relevant contacts, and even about interview details. Keep yourself updated about any such events and try attending them.

3.     Join and widen your professional networking group

Most of the times, fellow job seekers prove to be a perfect resource for learning about the new career opportunities. Joining professional networking groups allows you to share career information and job search tips. Joining regional career groups also assist in getting information about opportunities in a particular location.

4.     Start contacting recruiters

Job seekers often hesitate to reach out to employers directly unless they see advertised positions. However, it is vital to contact potential employers through emails. Even if any employer has a hiring freeze, your chances of getting hired or contacted in the future remain high. You may also use online social networking sites like LinkedIn to introduce yourself to the various employers. Nowadays, many recruiters rely on such online portals to search the right talent.

5.     Leverage the modern technology

Online job portals are one of the latest ways to search jobs quickly. The information about various employers in different locations can be easily gained just at a click. Moreover, you get regular emails from Google news alerts to stay up-to-date about any latest opportunities and prospective employers.

6.     Know about opportunities with current employer

If you are working with a particular company, but willing to work abroad, it is not necessary that you have to leave your current job. Find out the other locations your company has operations in and look for any internal job posting. Remember, for filling new positions in other branches (also abroad), mostly companies prefer internal candidates. You have to be active in meeting the right people in your organization, research about the hidden opportunities and apply for them.

Numerous opportunities wait for you in the hidden job sector abroad. All you need to do is take up the right strategy.

Good luck!

Author:

Swati Srivastava is an avid writer with a keen interest on the extensive domain of job search and career counselling. Currently associated with Naukrigulf.com, her articles are published on several reputed job search portals and online career magazines.

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It’s the Time to Overcome the Top 4 Barriers to Work Abroad

No one wants any obstacles in the path of their career progression.

When it comes to working abroad, several common barriers might slow down your speed. When planning to work in a foreign country, particularly Gulf countries where you can get a perfect blend of tax-free income and a great experience to explore a new world like Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar, no obstacles should stop you in your career progression!  

Job search

Here we will discuss some of the common barriers people face to move abroad- Understanding the Language, Cultural Difference, Safety Issues, and Home Sickness

Language Barrier

The understanding and knowledge of the country’s language you are relocating to, is extremely important. However, when you fail to understand the foreign language, it becomes a barrier for you to live and work abroad.

Solution: Learning a language is not something that you can’t do! For instance, if you are moving and looking for a job in Oman or any other Arab country, learning Arabic becomes the first step to break the language barrier. There are several ways to learn a new language- join classes, online learning, books, conversation groups, CDs/DVDs, etc.

Cultural Barrier

Understanding and adapting to a different culture is the next common hurdle you face in your plan to work abroad. Particularly moving to a location where religious beliefs are strictly followed, such as Gulf countries, it becomes vital to be aware about the cultural and religious norms.

Solution: Try to gain general understanding of the country’s traditions, beliefs, and moral values of its natives. For instance, business etiquettes in Muslim nations include handshake with men,

but approaching a female employee for it is not considered good. Similarly, you will find different culture while working in the European nations. Hence, prior knowledge of the culture, lifestyle, and its people is important for your relocation. You can join various groups online and chat with fellow expats.

Safety Issues

Moving abroad sometimes might cause you to face safety issues due to unfamiliarity with the location. Safety issues become a more serious concern particularly for women working abroad. No one expects that anything bad will happen to him/her in an overseas location, but it is always advisable to be prepared about any bad situation.

Solution: When living alone in a new country, avoid hiring any unlicensed private taxi. For women, it is recommended not to walk alone at night or be friend with any stranger without knowing him/her. You can also keep a map of the new places you will be required to travel on daily basis in the initial few days to avoid any confusion. Remember, you will gradually come to know about the new place and the new people. Until then, be cautious!

Experiencing Homesickness

Nostalgia is a common feeling people face when living abroad without friends and family. A new job, a new place and new people- these are together sufficient to make you feel alone at times. However, it is a challenge that you should overcome as soon as possible as it can affect your mental peace and health.

Solution: The best way to fight homesickness is to find positive reasons of your stay away from your home. A high paying job, global work exposure, or career opportunities; are these not the motivating factors for you? Yes, of course! Moreover, in today’s Internet age, it is not difficult to stay connected with people in other countries. Hence, it is possible to avoid a sad feeling and connect with your friends and family on social networking sites, video chats, and talk to them at reduced call-rates. Above all, it’s the time to find new friends in your new “home”-your new work country.

So, if working abroad has always been your dream, it is the time to say “Good Bye” to all these barriers.

Good luck!

BIO

Swati Srivastava is an avid writer who loves to pen down her opinion on economic issues, career advice, and global issues. To contact her, send her a message on LinkedIn