Creating an effective CV or resume when looking for a job

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When applying for a job abroad your CV or resume, and increasingly your LinkedIn profile, is the first contact that you have with your potential employer or their agent. You only get one opportunity to make a first impression and with most jobs attracting hundreds of applicants you need to be sure that your CV/resume and covering letter will get you to stand out and reach their initial list of candidates to be called for interview. Most CVs/resumes will get a cursory review to decide whether you are a potential candidate.

If you have any doubt about the impact your CV will make you should consider having it reviewed and professionally written to ensure you get every advantage possible.

We have identified four leading services that offer CV writing services as well as other services to support you in finding your next role.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.