How To Get a Job Abroad During Covid and Monkeypox

If you feel like you’ve been missing out on life as a result of serial lockdowns, and you need a change of pace, we’re with you! The past three years have affected us immensely due to harsh Covid restrictions, which prevented travel and peace of mind. But with so many people losing their jobs as a result of the pandemic, switching things up in your life can feel financially and logistically hard. 

But there’s a solution… And that is to get a job abroad somewhere where Covid, or the looming Monkeypox, aren’t as stifling to daily life. So how can you get hired for a job abroad during Covid or Monkeypox in a safe and fulfilling way? We will guide you in detail through the following steps:

1. Find out which countries are safe to work from during the pandemic.
2. Target the right jobs for you.
3. Make sure to become the most hireable candidate.
4. Follow visa requirements to live as an expat in your desired country or become location independent as a digital nomad.

So let’s explore some questions you might be asking. 

What countries abroad can I safely work from during Covid?

On average, around 9.6 million U.S. workers aged 16 to 64 lost their jobs in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Only a few states have significantly recovered from this deficit.  Additionally, about 2.6 million workers in the EU aged 16 to 64 lost their jobs over this period. 

Moreover, young adults from both regions are at the highest risk of losing their jobs during the ongoing pandemic, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. government and Eurostat data. 

So when it comes to job security, the risk of losing your position during the pandemic is a real and present threat. 

There are, however, ways to see which spots on the globe have the most stable and open job markets. Simply by joining Facebook groups for a city or country, and asking targeted questions like, “Are there many jobs available for my field,” or “How long does it take to get hired for my field,” can help. 

Another option is to look on local job boards and do more in depth research. This will show you if it is possible to get a high paying job in a destination you are interested in. 

You can also check the cost of living stats  for your desired city or country to figure out the salary you will be comfortable with should you move to a foroign country. 

Lastly, you need to make sure that the country you’re interested in is livable, Covid cases are down and it is restriction-free. 

How to check which countries are open during Covid?

We advise to do the following:

• Use websites like Our World in Data, which provides information on the state of Covid and Monkeypox outbreaks to a fairly accurate degree.

• Check the local news for any hints of a country introducing new restrictions, changes in entry requirements.

• Join local expat Facebook groups and ask directly what you want to know. 

• Read up on how the country you’re interested in dealt with the pandemic in order to have an understanding of what to expect. For example, the difference between the way China handled the outbreak, and the way Sweden did, is night and day. 

• Check the official government websites and embassies for the latest entry requirements, restrictions and safety regulations.

• Use nomadlist to see what other expats think about your city or country of choice. Also check for safety, internet speed and useful tips.

The frustration of living a static, unfulfilled life can be lifted by expanding your experiences, and possibly your income, while living and working in another country. We will show you how.

The best ways to find a job abroad during Covid and Monkeypox

It is freeing to know that there are places to travel to which can provide the financial, medical and social freedom we need. Once you’ve decided on the country you would like to go to; and you’ve looked into its job market and entry requirements, you are one step closer to moving onto earning a living there. You can start your search by utilizing the following channels:

1. Social media
2. Local or remote job boards
3. Employment agencies
4. Work exchange programs
5. Work visa programs

Everyone knows basic advice for job searching, such as networking on LinkedIn or looking for jobs in your area. That’s why relying on unconventional means has brought great success to people who dare to step out of the box, as it is never too late for that. In order to get something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done, right? This is especially true for finding and getting jobs abroad. 

We know this all too well at Support Adventure, an expat-run outsourcing company. We have people from all walks of life who created chances for themselves to find work abroad by getting on a plane and meeting new people or networking abroad. They all now live abroad while working remotely and having stable income.

Some ideas to get you started in living and working abroad

1. Find an agency or a work program provider
2. Work abroad as a teacher
3. First move abroad and then find work
4. Obtain a working holiday visa
5. Enroll in a work exchange program
6. Volunteer while working remotely
7. Become a freelancer or self-employed 

Start your search and explore all options listed above to find what you are after.

What is the best way to find a job abroad during covid?

Applying for various jobs for numerous employers requires different approaches, especially under the conditions of a pandemic. When it comes to applying for jobs abroad, this rule applies, with some extra things to consider:

1. Cultural compatibility –  Are you a good match for the job you are applying for and vice-versa?  Consider an employer’s styles of communication, sense of humor, work ethic and etiquette.
2. Soft skills – Taking into account the local culture of your desired destination, and being a foreigner, can you develop the soft skills needed for the working environment there, as well as everyday life too? 
3. Expectations – Say no to ambiguity! Defining just what you expect from an employer, your experience and yourself are the most important things to figure out. However, being flexible in your approach to situations is key, especially when starting a life changing journey. Decide what is a clear “no” and a “heck yes!” 

At Support Adventure, for example, we have employees from South Africa, the Americas, Canada and numerous Eastern European countries that fit in perfectly with our culture, regardless of their country of origin.  

How do they do that and how can you do it too? 

How to get a job abroad during Covid and Monkeypox

1. Tune your resume (CV) to perfection
2. Network 
3. Ensure that you have the right equipment 
4. Have useful resources at your fingertips 

Deliver the perfect resume

To let you in on a little secret… At Support Adventure, we don’t ask our applicants to submit their resume. Instead, we use numerous other approaches to see if we would be a good match for each other. One of the things we do is we have candidates explain their prior experience and what they are passionate about.  They also take part in a short video call with us to see how well they express themselves. We also check for soft skills and cultural compatibility. We feel all of those things reveal way more about suitability than a resume.

Since you are already familiar with how the perfect international candidate profile should look, you can tune your resume to match it. You can also use free editing websites like Canva to upgrade your resume and make it visually attractive. Another clever thing to do is to make a short introductory video and send that instead of a motivational letter. 

Creativity, an out-of-the-box approach and passion will get you a long way when applying for jobs because your first impression is what will open doors for you.

Learn more about how to beat your competition when applying for jobs.

Network and market yourself in the right way

An opportunity can be found in the most unlikely of places, and this is especially true when trying to find a job online. If you have a chance, talk about your dream job with people you meet online or in person. You can also post an ad saying you are looking for a job (maybe with an introductory video as well) on various groups looking for experts.

It is important, however, to have your boundaries set and avoid shady agencies and whatsapp groups.

Having the proper equipment

Working remotely has its challenges, and you need to be able to count on your equipment performing flawlessly. What does that mean?

If you become employed by a company abroad, find out if it’s okay to use your personal equipment for the job, or if they prefer their own devices. If you are freelancing or working as an expat, it is important to have:

• Noise canceling headphones
• A local sim card with additional data
• A pwerbank
• A laptop with long battery life

Helpful resources at your fingertips

Now, moving abroad can be overwhelming at times. However, there are ways to stay on top of things. One way is to utilize the resources we mentioned above (social media, employment agencies, embassies, etc.) along with useful websites. 

Once you’re in your country of choice, you’ll want to make sure you have enough data on your phone to explore as much as you can, and get a great deal on it as well! To figure out which provider is the best for you, check out this website.  Also, check out speedtest.net–one of the most reliable websites when it comes to checking internet speed.

Expat websites like Transitions Abroad and Expat Info Desk are great resources as well since they specialize in all things relevant to expat life. Last but not least, to get insight into the unique experiences remote workers deal with, feel free to peruse other articles on our blog.

A list of emergency numbers is something you should always have at your disposal.

The benefits of working abroad 

When looking for a job and trying to move abroad, there are some things to you need to have or prioritize:

• Possession of a passport valid for at least a year 
• Gather all the necessary documentation
• Consider language barriers and English proficiency in the country you want to visit
• Unconventional interviews
• Working in different time zones
• Learning to function in different cultures, economies and politics

However, there are many benefits to this, even during Covid or Monkeypox outbreaks. Some are obvious, while others are more subtle. Apart from experiencing different lifestyles and expanding your perception, you will become more independent. Your confidence will grow with each step as you become more independent as well. 

Furthermore, starting fresh in a different place is a great way to reinvent yourself. You will ultimately have an awesome resume that not many could match, and traveling can hit that sweet spot between enjoyment and improved adaptability. 

Get employed for a remote position during Covid and Monekypox

Your dream life is a job away from reality! At Support Adventure, we nurture the nomadic spirit and support our global staff. We are run by a team of expats and operate fully online, hiring mostly for positions in IT help desk support and occasional admin assistance.

Don’t hesitate to apply with us here to start your adventure and learn more about our open positions!