How quickly can I find work overseas?

Head to the discussion boards (again!) and find their links to popular job sites.  Ask on the boards what the common requirements are for most jobs - and ask what is required in terms of previous education and/or training.  Ask what is usually required on a resume.

Resumes

  In Asia, for example, many countries will want your photograph attached to your resume. They may also want information about your marital status and age and sex - all things that are improper in some countries - yet if absent from your resume in this part of the world - your resume and letter of application may end up in the trash can.

Job Search Strategy for Working Overseas

For many countries it is possible to line up your first job from your home country.  Sometimes, you will hear on the discussion boards, it is better to go there and make in-person contacts.  No doubt you can find better work and rule out problem situations better on the scene - but for many people it can be too expensive or even too scary to head overseas without a contract in their pocket.

Setting up a Job before You Go

This is quite possible and the author has arranged quality jobs in Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, and Korea before actually going there to work.  Your chances of having a problem increase though if you are not on the scene so be sure to review the section on this website about things to know before you go and questions to ask before accepting a job.

Recruiters

Many people equate them with Satan, but my second overseas job was organized by a recruiter.  And, yes, I had problems with that job. But the recruiter solved them all and even got me a better job (my first college/university job) when things couldn't be repaired.  Again, review the section on things you should know before you go, to limit potential problems.

 How quickly can I find work?

This depends on you, your specific skills, the country you want to work in and the companies you are applying to.  If you have a degree and are interested in teaching English overseas in China, Japan, or Korea. You can probably be on your new job within only a few weeks. 

But . . . take your time, investigate and learn all you can before you make a final decision.

Some jobs will take longer.  Countries that have smaller job markets or intensively screen applicants can take weeks or even months for some of the best jobs.

The author's job in Saudi Arabia probably took almost a year from his initial inquiry - to arriving on the job.  But the money was well worth the wait.