Occasions and adventures can include hunting for work abroad. When looking for the right job abroad, there are hurdles. It’s undeniable that the prospect of packing up your belongings and embarking on a new journey abroad is a thrilling experience. Whether itās sipping coffee in a Parisian cafĆ© between interviews or navigating Romeās cobbled alleys in search of your next big gig, job hunting abroad sounds like a dream. But once the fantasy fades, reality kicks ināand with it, plenty of paperwork, permits, and practical challenges.
Having personally experienced the challenges of job-hunting abroad, including a few frustrating bureaucratic pitfalls, I’ve gathered a few essential truths you should be aware of before embarking on your international job search. Here’s what I wish someone had told me.

1. Itās more than just a resumeāyou need a reason to relocate
āJust apply and goā sounds easy. But in most cases, youāll need more than enthusiasm. Employers abroadāespecially in countries like Spain, France, and Italyāwant to know why youāre choosing to work there. What draws you to their city, culture, and company?
Tip: Tailor every cover letter with specific references to the companyās mission, their location, or even the language. This shows genuine interestānot just a desire to get out of your home country.
2. Work permits are the gatekeepers
Hereās a tough pill to swallow: if youāre from outside the EU and applying for a job in Europe, getting a work permit can be tricky. Most employers will only sponsor non-European candidates if they can prove thereās no local qualified applicant. Itās not impossibleābut it is competitive.
In Spain, for instance, youāll need a residence permit for long-term stays, and that only comes after securing the job and permit. Chicken. Egg. Repeat.
š Did you know? Eighteen EU countries recruit through the European Employment Services (EURES). This is a great place to start for regulated and credible postings: https://eures.europa.eu

3. Speaking the language is more than helpfulāitās often expected
Sure, English is global. But if you’re applying in Madrid, Milan or Marseille, knowing the local language gives you an edge. You donāt have to be fluent (yet), but demonstrating effort matters.
For Spain and Italy:
Typed cover letters should be in the local language, using formal business etiquette. For Spain, ending your letter with āEn espera de sus noticias, les saluda atentamenteā is a sign of courtesy and professionalism.
Include:
- Recent photo
- Translated diplomas
- CV tailored to the countryās format
- Clear reference to the job listing
4. The UK loves a newspaper job hunt
If the UK is your target, go old-school. National newspapers like The Guardian, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph are still goldmines for job ads. Many include specialised career supplements or sections for creative and international roles.
Pro tip: Before applying, research the companyās culture, office locations, and product lines. If youāre cold-emailing, make it personal and relevantānot generic.

5. Italy = tradition, charm, and multiple interviews
Applying for jobs in Italy means embracing formality and patience. Application letters should be traditionally structured and reflect strong motivationāespecially in Italian.
At interviews, dress matters. Bring physical copies of everything: degrees, credentials, and at least three references. Expect three to four rounds of interviews, sometimes including psychometric tests. Style and presentation count just as much as skill.
Dress sharp. Confidence is key. Even if itās a casual company, neatness signals respect.
6. Itās a marathon, not a sprint
Searching for a job abroad can take six to 12 monthsāyes, really. Itās time-consuming, can feel repetitive, and might sometimes feel hopeless. But remember: youāre not alone.
Treat job-hunting like a job itself. Set daily goals, create a spreadsheet to track applications, and schedule time for language learning, updating your CV, and networking.
Need help figuring out what you want? Check out career advice platforms like:
They offer quizzes and guidance to match your passions with job paths.

7. Culture shock is realāprepare emotionally, not just professionally
Beyond logistics, moving abroad means adjusting to new ways of working, communicating, and living. It can be incredibly rewardingābut it also brings uncertainty and challenges.
⨠Journal your journey. Keep notes of the highs and lows. Document what youāre learning about the processāand yourself. Whether you get the job or not, youāre growing.
Final thoughts: chase the dream (smartly)
Job hunting abroad can feel like a mazeābut itās one worth navigating. With patience, persistence, and preparation, your international career can become more than just a fantasy.
So, pack your CV, polish your language skills, and rememberāyouāre not just searching for a job. Youāre building a life story that spans borders.