How to Find Overseas Construction Jobs

Finding a construction job is the easiest way to get set up with employment overseas. If you have some construction skills to offer, in management or as a tradesmen, you are just a plane ticket away from a new life. Living overseas is a wonderful experience and I recommend that you pursue this interest with the help of the steps laid out.

Do not start out by visiting websites that post overseas job listings. First, determine where you want to go and then begin to research that country on a macro level (economic & social issues) then to the micro level (companies to contact).

Consider the economic factors. Currently, many countries are facing financial crises and their job markets are shrinking, especially in construction. However, other countries are doing quite well and construction is booming. For example, several South American countries are enjoying a GNP growth of 5% this year and expansive housing construction. The UK, while currently ailing economically, will soon start to commence massive construction projects for the 2012 Olympic Games. Write a list of countries that are prospects and THEN start your research.

Consider the social factors. Language, climate, exchange rate, culture, health care, dating life and security. For example, find out how women and men date in the country. In Chile, men and women do not really date. Broadly speaking, there is marriage and infidelity. Health care is also very important. Some countries offer great benefits to the working population for free while others will not. You get where I'm going with this, do you due diligence.

Once you are serious, you have to save up and take a trip to the country of your focus. Side stepping this, to me, is like buying real estate site unseen. It is irresponsible. Aside from getting a feel for the country, customs and the people, you will be able to see construction sites, get names of companies and arrange for interviews.

Bring a resume that is professional and lists all of your project experience and skills. Try to keep it on one page.

Evaluate the companies. When I was traveling through New Zealand considering companies to work for, "Works Infrastructure" was hiring. I had a chance to see them in action all over the country while I was touring. I saw their equipment, their people, their methods and I was able to make a very comfortable decision. Before I went to visit them, I found their name through searches on the web. Naturally, the vision I had of the company based on snippits found online was in large contrast to my experience with them in the country.

Come back home and get your affairs in order. It can take a couple of months to get prepared to move your life over seas, even if you are single. Arranging your workers visa, sorting out things for Goodwill, selling stuff from the garage, consolidating belongings to storage and shipping out what you need is a process. Longer for some than others. It depends on how transient your life has or has not been. The point is that you need to plan for your departure and take a lot of action.

You will make fast friends working in this industry abroad. If you end up not enjoying the company you chose, you an always head home (not a big deal) or very easily find another job now that you are living in the country, have a temporary visa and contacts.