How to Successfully Apply for Jobs Overseas

Working in a foreign country is exceptional in many ways – particularly in niche sectors that are experiencing a growth spurt, such as renewable energy, chemicals, construction and infrastructure, life sciences, oil and gas, and manufacturing. Most of these industries are growing and expanding globally. This means that companies need the best talent from all over the world to come and work at their factories and facilities to contribute towards innovation, growth and development. But how do you apply for overseas jobs in these niche areas?

Here’s a guide to help you crack the employment process in these industries, helping you land the job of your choice in a packed global market.

1. Research Your Target Industry and Country

When you are applying for a job overseas, first research the industry you are aiming for and the country where you want to work. Each industry has its own requirements and regulations,  depending on the local labour market.

Start by answering these key questions:

• What are the industry demands in the country you're targeting?
• Do I need certain certificates or licences for my field (e.g. in construction, perhaps look into safety standards, or in manufacturing, you’ll have to look into compliance)?
• What is the local job market like for professionals in your industry?

Understanding trends and skill demands in your chosen field or preparing for country-specific requirements is essential. This will also help you acquire a visa or learn industry regulations to position yourself in your target market.

2. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter to Your Industry

A standard CV may not be enough when applying for overseas employment in a narrow field or industry. Whatever field you’re looking into, your cover letter and CV should be adapted to local and industry requirements.

For example, writing “x years of experience in sustainability/energy efficiency projects/emerging technologies, including solar or wind power” will be helpful in alternative renewable energy.

For entry-level positions in industries such as chemicals or life sciences, job applications and interviews will simply want to know:

• What sort of chemical production experience do you have?
• Have you shown you have the technical knowledge to pull off the testing and quality controls we expect?
• Does your apprenticeship demonstrate an idea of regulatory compliance?

For IT and Manufacturing, demonstrate your troubleshooting skills and experience with the latest technologies and hands-on projects. Remember, you’ll need to do your homework on CV formats and content because these can vary from country to country.

3. Leverage Industry-Specific Job Boards and Recruitment Agencies

Applying for overseas jobs is easier with the help of the right recruitment agency. As the world’s leading engineering staffing provider, NES Fircroft combines over 90 years of experience to deliver workforce solutions across Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Infrastructure, Life Sciences and Chemicals, and Mining. We provide tailored staffing solutions—contract work, permanent placements, managed solutions or a fully outsourced service—sourced from a global talent pool. You’ll work with discipline-specific consultants who will get to understand the needs of your skillset as well as your career goals.

Our global reach and people-first approach set us apart. We’ll support you throughout the recruitment process. This extends to our industry-leading global mobility package, designed specifically for experts relocating internationally within any of our specified sectors. This approach ensures that highly skilled personnel are ready to work in their chosen country.

4. Understand Visa and Work Permit Requirements for Your Industry

Of course, one of the key administrative aspects of the overseas employment process relies on securing the appropriate Visa or work permit. This is particularly so in highly regulated sectors such as chemicals, oil, gas, and power, where there are often high regulatory standards in place. Different visas will inherently require varying documentation depending on the country and type of job on offer. Many high-skill occupations in specialist industries, such as life sciences and IT, can often be granted dedicated, more straightforward work visas. This means the application tends to be made easier by having highly marketable skills in demand.

Here’s how to approach the visa process:

• Research industry-specific visas. If you plan to study or work in a country that offers industry-specific visas (e.g., skilled worker visa), focus on fields such as construction, mining, manufacturing, etc., where your skills can be applied.
• Get your qualifications recognised. Depending on your profession, you might need governmental or regulatory approval for your qualifications. For example, an engineer in renewable energy might need government validation, while an oil and gas engineer may require recognition from a regulatory commission.
• Look for employer-sponsored work visas. Many companies in fields like IT and life science offer work visa sponsorship, which can help speed up the visa application process.

5. Network within Industry-Specific Circles

Creating an overseas network of contacts can help you learn about jobs before they go live, understand the local market, and identify mentors in your field. This strategy benefits roles in highly specialised sectors such as manufacturing, power, and renewable energy.

Here are some ways to expand your network:

• Join Professional Associations

 If you work in the renewable energy sector, try going through a list of Renewable Energy Associations around the world. Also, look at other bodies such as the Institute of Chemical Engineers or the International Council on Mining and Metals.

• Attend International Conferences

Numerous industries host annual conferences and trade fairs, where experts and professionals from abroad gather to share views and explore new developments. Attending one of these events can be a great opportunity for networking.

• Online forums and LinkedIn groups

For areas such as IT, Construction, and Life Sciences, there are many online forums and LinkedIn groups with professionals who pass on job leads daily, often helping each other with tips and advice on career progression.

6. Prepare for Industry-Specific Interview Questions

When you apply for overseas jobs, remote interviews are often part of the hiring process. Employers may ask questions in specialised fields that test your technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with industry regulations.

Here’s how you can prepare:

• Learn About the Company

Know the company's role in the industry, its work, and how your specific value proposition can contribute.

• Practice Technical Questions

If you’re interviewing for a job in life sciences, be ready to talk about how you contributed to or solved a regulatory compliance issue, a clinical trial or a lab safety issue.

• Show Your Adaptability

In industries such as renewable energy or oil and gas, you might be asked how you would cope with remote offshore oil rigs or energy plants based in developing countries.

7. Follow Up and Stay Persistent

Once you have applied for overseas jobs, follow up professionally, and do not give up easily. There can be numerous applicants for each position in highly competitive job roles. Send a follow-up email about a week after you apply, reiterating your interest in the role. You might not get the job now, but your efforts will keep you in mind the next time.

Want to step up your career to a global level and find the role best suited to you and your background? Browse our latest job vacancies or contact us today for more information.