you want to work abroad, you should try and fix up a job before you go. Your first stop should be your local Jobcentre: The Employment Service in this country is part of a Europe-wide network of public employment services, known as the EURES system. Participating countries exchange vacancies and information on living and working conditions - there should be EURES factsheets at your Jobcentre, and you can find a link to their website in the Further Information section. The Jobcentre can also contact the Overseas Placing Unit on your behalf. This unit receives details of vacancies on the EURES system and offers general advice and guidance about working in Europe. People called Euroadvisers, usually based in Employment Service regional offices, are in touch with vacancy information and circulate it to Jobcentres. You could also do your own detective work. Approach companies with a speculative letter or email. Your local library may have foreign newspapers. Contact UK companies that may be part of a global group - banks, insurance, information technology, chemical and pharmaceutical companies are some of the sectors that often have global links. Different countries have different ways of writing letters of application and CVs. If possible, write in the appropriate language. Careers Europe (contact them through your local Careers Service office) can help you with the different formats. If you're not confident about translation, then get someone to do it for you. A local college might be able to help. On the other hand, you could travel to your chosen country first and look for work when you've seen what the life is like and where you'd like to be based. You'll be on the spot for checking out job ads in the newspapers, registering with recruitment agencies and for attending interviews. SORTED
