LinkedIn has become one of the most popular platforms for job seekers and employers alike. With over 740 million members in more than 200 countries, LinkedIn offers a massive global network for professionals looking to advance their careers. One of LinkedIn’s most useful features is the ability to search for and apply to jobs all over the world directly through the platform.
Searching for International Jobs on LinkedIn
LinkedIn makes it easy to find and apply for jobs globally. Here are some tips for using LinkedIn to search for international job opportunities:
- Set your location in your profile to “Open to work” and select the countries or regions you want to be seen for opportunities in.
- Use the Jobs search bar to search for positions. You can enter keywords, job titles, companies, locations etc.
- Filter your job search results by location to only see jobs in your desired countries.
- Look for jobs posted in the language spoken in your target countries.
- Connect with recruiters and companies abroad to increase your visibility.
- Join relevant LinkedIn Groups based in your target countries to stay updated on job openings.
One tip is that you are not limited to only searching in your current country. You can enter a country name, city, or geographic region into the location filter to cast a wider net in your job search.
Finding Global Companies and Recruiters
In addition to searching for posted jobs, you can use LinkedIn to connect with international companies and recruiters to increase your chances of finding overseas opportunities.
- Follow companies you are interested in to get notified when they post jobs.
- Connect with recruiters at global companies and messaging them about your interest in opportunities in that region.
- Use advanced search to find HR managers and talent acquisition professionals abroad at target employers.
- Check who your connections are connected to at companies abroad and ask for introductions.
- Browse alumni from your university who work overseas to activate your shared alumni network.
Taking the initiative to directly engage with global employers, rather than just waiting for matching jobs to be posted, can be an effective way to unlock international opportunities through LinkedIn.
Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile for Global Opportunities
To maximize your chances of being found by recruiters around the world, be sure to optimize your LinkedIn profile for international opportunities:
- Include languages you speak, especially those relevant in your target countries.
- Specify if you require visa sponsorship to work abroad or already have the legal right to work globally.
- Highlight international experience, travel, and cultural adaptability in your profile.
- Get endorsements and recommendations from connections in other countries.
- Customize your profile URL to be your full name for a clean and global-friendly link.
Remember that recruiters abroad are more likely to reach out if they see evidence of multinational abilities right on your profile.
Joining Global LinkedIn Groups
Joining industry, professional, alumni, and locale-specific LinkedIn Groups based overseas is a great way to tap into global networks and be exposed to non-local opportunities. Here are some tips for leveraging LinkedIn Groups:
- Search for Groups focused on your industry or profession plus a country name (e.g. “Marketing Professionals Australia”).
- Join multinational Groups that align with your background or skills (e.g. “International Business Graduates”).
- Follow Groups to get updates pushed to your feed and apply early when jobs are posted.
- Engage in Group discussions to get on recruiters’ radars through your expertise.
The membership in these Groups signals to employers that you have an established interest and connection to that location or industry there. Utilize Groups to expand your reach and relationships.
Following Global Companies
Following companies you aspire to work for abroad will ensure you are immediately notified when they post job openings. Here are some tips for following companies on LinkedIn:
- Go to the company page and click “Follow” to receive notifications.
- Set notifications to be alerted of new jobs as soon as they are posted.
- Pay attention to any trends in types of roles, essential skills, or requirements frequently referenced in their jobs.
- Engage with employees and company posts to establish familiarity with their culture.
- Follow subsidiary company pages in your target countries.
Following global organizations allows you to keep a pulse on opportunities worldwide and help shape your application to be a strong match for what they are looking for in ideal candidates.
Connecting with Global Recruiters
Establishing connections with recruiters abroad who work for employers you are interested in or in your target location can help generate leads for potential unlisted openings. Here are productive ways for connecting with global recruiters:
- Use advanced search filters to find 3rd party recruiters and headhunters in your target regions.
- Look up talent acquisition managers and sourcers at companies on LinkedIn and send customized connection requests.
- Mention shared connections, associations, or communities you belong to in your request note.
- Use the Open To Work setting so recruiters know you are seeking opportunities.
- Personalize your outreach by highlighting your interest in opportunities in their geography.
Proactively networking with global recruiters allows you to advocate for yourself as a prospective candidate and open doors that passive applicants will miss.
Applying for Jobs Abroad on LinkedIn
Once you’ve found relevant openings, LinkedIn makes it simple and fast to submit your application for jobs worldwide right on the platform. Follow these best practices when applying internationally:
- Thoroughly review the job description for any country-specific requirements or preferences.
- Emphasize language proficiency and multicultural abilities in your application.
- Note if you already have the legal right to work in that country.
- Address any time zone differences for interviews in your cover letter.
- Convert your resume and work history to local date formatting and language.
- Learn about taxes and regulations in that country if moving there.
Applying via LinkedIn allows you to submit a complete, global-friendly application quickly with just a few clicks.
Utilizing LinkedIn Premium for Global Job Search
LinkedIn Premium provides features that can facilitate an international job search such as:
- OpenProfile Access – View full profiles of people outside your network to understand international companies.
- InMail messages – Directly contact global recruiters and hiring managers.
- Job Insights – See salary ranges and skills requirements for jobs worldwide.
- Application preferences – Set your job search preferences to your target countries.
- Expanded search filters – Pinpoint international opportunities with location filters.
The investment in Premium can unlock useful targeting and communication tools for finding and applying for jobs globally on LinkedIn.
Maximizing Your Global Visibility
Beyond actively applying for roles, there are some additional ways you can maximize your global visibility and discoverability on LinkedIn:
- Add city and country details to your profile’s work experience for worldwide SEO.
- Get endorsements and recommendations from international connections.
- Complete visa and language assessment tests on LinkedIn to showcase your readiness.
- Follow thought leaders in your profession globally to share your knowledge.
- Post content and media highlighting your multinational experience and skills.
Positioning yourself prominently in search results and feeds in target regions will encourage international recruiting managers to be drawn to your profile when sourcing talent.
Key Takeaways
- Use location filters and keywords to search for relevant international jobs on LinkedIn.
- Connect with recruiters, hiring managers, and companies abroad to get on their radar.
- Optimize your profile for global visibility by highlighting multinational qualifications.
- Join LinkedIn Groups and follow companies in your target countries.
- Leverage Premium tools to find, apply for, and stand out for overseas roles.
With its extensive global reach and networking capabilities, LinkedIn can be an invaluable platform for expanding your job search and career potential worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a job in another country through LinkedIn?
Yes, LinkedIn can definitely help you land jobs overseas. With over 740 million members around the world, LinkedIn is one of the largest professional networks for finding and applying to job opportunities internationally. You can search jobs, connect with global recruiters and hiring managers, join multinational Groups, and optimize your profile for visibility in other countries. Many expats and transplants have used LinkedIn to successfully get hired abroad.
What are LinkedIn’s best features for international job search?
Some of LinkedIn’s top features for global job search include:
- Location filter on Jobs search to pinpoint opportunities abroad
- Ability to indicate countries you are willing to work in on your profile
- International Groups for networking within your target regions
- Tools to contact and follow recruiters and companies worldwide
- Premium insights on hiring trends and skills in demand globally
How can I get a job in a different country? What are the steps?
Here is a general process for finding jobs internationally:
- Determine which countries you are open to living and working in. Research visa/work permit requirements.
- Update your LinkedIn profile to indicate your interest in those locations.
- Search for and apply to jobs using location filters for your target countries.
- Network on LinkedIn by connecting with recruiters, hiring managers, and Groups abroad.
- Market your multinational experience and language skills on your profile.
- Follow up proactively and prepare for interviews across time zones.
With focus and persistence, LinkedIn can help connect you to exciting opportunities overseas.
What tips do you have for getting a tech job in another country?
Here are some top tips for landing a tech job internationally:
- Attend overseas tech conferences to network in person and learn regional market trends.
- Check if your desired country offers a tech talent visa to simplify working abroad.
- Highlight experience with globally used programming languages and tech stacks.
- Follow international tech companies and recruiters on LinkedIn.
- Join LinkedIn Groups for tech professionals in your target countries.
- Emphasize ability to collaborate across time zones.
Global technology skills and an adaptable mindset are key for securing tech roles worldwide.
What are the disadvantages of using LinkedIn to find jobs abroad?
Some potential drawbacks include:
- Not all companies and recruiters globally utilize LinkedIn for hiring.
- Language barriers may limit networking opportunities in some regions.
- Time difference can make scheduling interviews difficult across countries.
- May need to use local job sites popular in your target country.
- Lack of face-to-face interactions compared to networking in person.
However, there are still significant advantages to LinkedIn for international job search if you use the platform strategically. Supplementing with localized resources and in-person networking can offset some of the potential limitations.
Conclusion
LinkedIn opens up borderless professional possibilities for those looking to take their career global. By leveraging LinkedIn’s powerful search filters, expansive network, Groups community, and ability to connect with hiring managers worldwide, you can unlock exciting job opportunities abroad. Focus on amplifying the international dimensions of your background through your profile and proactive outreach to position yourself as a globally minded, multicultural candidate. With the right mix of optimization, persistence and adaptability, LinkedIn can become your passport to landing your dream job anywhere in the world.
