Q: I’m worried about getting a job on my working holiday visa. How can I find a job abroad? Are there things I can do to prepare before I go?
A: Job hunting is stressful wherever you do it; but the types of jobs available and the methods of finding them are a little different when you’re in a foreign country. The employment you find will depend a little on luck, and a lot on effort.
You asked me and my team of traveling experts about this #workingholidayworry; to take some of the anxiety away from your employment search and show you how to find a working holiday visa job, we’ve come up with a few key points to consider.
Prepare before you leave home:
- Think about your options and limitations. Start your job search with a brainstorming session. What’s your ideal role? What experiences do you have that might transfer overseas? Are there tasks you can’t or wouldn’t want to undertake? Would you rather work with others or alone? Loosely defining these ideas will save you time and energy in the long run, by inspiring you to apply for the right jobs – and not waste time with the wrong ones.
- Update and edit your resume. Does your visa country accept resumes, CVs or both? Make sure your version lists recent employment, dates and references. Add locations to each entry, so that your future employer isn’t confused about where you’ve come from. Delete any home numbers and only include an international mobile number, email address and Skype name. You can even print a few now and have them ready.
- Draft a cover letter. Follow a general cover letter template to create something that can be used for any job during your working holiday. This will make it quick and easy to fill in the specific details later. If you know of a particular position or company you’d like to work for, go ahead and draft an in-depth letter now, as well.
- Get references. Although you’ll list references on your resume or CV, it’s a handy idea also to get a few written letters of reference from current and previous employers: these can be attached to upcoming job applications, saving future managers the hassle of having to reach your old bosses in different countries and time zones.
Next, start looking online:
- Look up working holiday agencies and job sites. Countries with large populations of working holiday makers have established agencies and websites that exist to help fill positions geared toward backpackers. These are a great place to find out what kinds of jobs are most common, where jobs are easier to come by, and what skill sets may be in demand.
- Sign up to agency job alerts. These same agencies and sites typically offer an email sign-up, which will fill your inbox with weekly updates on job openings.
- Find out where the locals advertise. Is there a Craig’s List-style website where you can find contract and freelance work? Sometimes employers prefer advertising open positions here, rather than through an agency. (For example, New Zealand’s TradeMe frequently mentions regional opportunities for work).
- Sign up to national job site keyword alerts. Though the jobs listed here tend to be permanent and require a higher level of experience and expertise, it doesn’t hurt to sign up for email alerts from sites such as Indeed, Seek, and any other national employment databases. Try using keywords like “seasonal,” “part-time,” “backpacker” and “temporary.”
- Read about the experiences of other working holiday makers to find out how they secure jobs abroad.
Get a jump start in your visa country:
- Open a bank account. Give your next boss a place to put those hard-earned pennies.
- Apply for a tax number. You won’t be able to legally work and earn wages without this!
- Get certified. In Australia, anyone serving alcoholic beverages (whether a bartender or waitress) must complete a Reasonable Service of Alcohol certification course. Having any mandatory or suggested certification already on your job application will send it straight to the top of the pile.
Do your leg work:
- Canvas the neighborhood. A little old-fashioned door-to-door canvasing takes some guts and a bit of time, but allows potential employers to put your face with the name on your resume. It also leads to conversations, and these may lead to a job, someday . . .
- Ask around. Let friends, neighbors, strangers know that you’re job hunting. Ask your favorite cafe or shop if it’s hiring. You never know who might decide to help you out.
- Read notice boards. Hostels, supermarkets, churches, libraries and other public spaces often have a community notice board. Keep an eye on these for local jobs.
- Meet with agency reps. Besides signing up for working holiday agency job sites, you can stop by an agency’s physical office to speak with a recruiter in person. Again, this gives them a face to remember and proves your commitment to finding work.
Do you have questions about working holiday visas? Ask here!
Ready to work and volunteer your way around the world? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and RSS/email. Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli
Photo credits: I need a vacation – Lulu Hoeller, Flickr
Job search young family – Alan Stanton, Flickr