Moving abroad for better opportunities is a dream for many, and in today’s interconnected world, it’s more attainable than ever. If you’re looking to land a job overseas—whether it’s Finland, Austria, or any other country—there’s a path you can follow to make that dream a reality. I did it, and you can too!
In this article, I will walk you through the exact steps I took to get a job in Finland from Nigeria, sharing my personal story, websites I used, and the secrets that helped me succeed.
Is It Possible to Get a Job Abroad from Nigeria?
Let me start by saying yes—it is absolutely possible to secure a job abroad from Nigeria or any other African country. I am living proof. Recently, I landed a job in Finland and also received my residence permit. But before that, I had multiple job offers from Australia and New Zealand. While those offers didn’t pan out due to the high costs associated with visa processing and other expenses, I successfully refocused my job hunt on Europe, specifically Finland and Austria.
These two countries are currently very open to foreign workers, especially in fields with high demand for labor. It doesn’t require a huge financial investment, and the process is simpler compared to countries like the UK or Canada. For instance, my Finnish residence permit cost me around 490 euros, and I didn’t need proof of funds. So, if cost has been your concern, let me reassure you: it’s affordable, and the opportunities are there for you to grab.
The Secrets to Landing a Job Abroad
1. It’s a Process, Not a Shortcut
Many people assume that getting a job abroad is as easy as filling out an application and receiving an offer. However, it’s a process, and you need to be ready to go through it step by step. Jumping the process will only lead to frustration. I see many Nigerians and Africans making the mistake of rushing, using agents who promise quick fixes, and ending up disappointed.
I’ve been through the grind myself—applying to over 3,000 jobs before finally securing an offer. Rejections were common, but instead of feeling defeated, I used them as motivation to keep applying. The key takeaway here is persistence. Don’t give up after a few rejections because every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.”
2. Do It Yourself: Skip the Agents
One of the most common mistakes is relying on agents to secure jobs abroad. Let me tell you from personal experience: you don’t need an agent. In fact, agents can complicate the process, charge exorbitant fees, and sometimes lead you down the wrong path. The only thing they do that you can’t do yourself is fill out forms or submit documents, which is something you can easily handle.
When I started, I didn’t pay any agent. I didn’t need someone to write my CV or cover letter for me. Everything—from drafting my resume to submitting my applications—was done by me. And yes, you can do the same.
Step-by-Step Guide: How I Did It
Let’s break down the process, step by step:
1. Crafting Your CV and Cover Letter
Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is the most important tool in your job search. In fact, it’s even more important than your educational qualifications. Here’s why: The first thing a recruiter sees when they receive your application is your CV. They don’t know you, and your qualifications are secondary to the impression your resume makes.
Your CV must be well-crafted, clean, and relevant to the job you’re applying for. In my case, I edited my CV multiple times to fit each job description. Tailoring your resume to match the job’s requirements is crucial.
Some tips for creating a strong CV:
- Keep it concise and focused on the role you’re applying for.
- Highlight relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments.
- Use keywords from the job description.
- Avoid clutter and unnecessary information.
2. Understanding the Job Market: High-Demand Roles
Before applying for jobs, it’s essential to know what roles are in high demand in the country you’re targeting. For example, in Finland and Austria, roles like caregivers, cleaners, chefs, and water technicians are highly sought after. These jobs may not be glamorous, but they can open doors for you to enter the country.
Once you’re in, you can always work your way up or switch to a job more aligned with your qualifications. The key is to get your foot in the door. I studied public administration, but I was open to applying for other jobs that would allow me to get a residence permit and enter Finland.
Some high-demand roles in countries like Finland and Austria include:
- Caregivers
- Cleaners
- Chefs
- Warehouse workers
- Construction laborers
3. Finding the Right Job Websites
There are numerous websites where you can apply for jobs abroad, but not all of them are worth your time. I spent hours filtering through job boards before finding the best ones that led to actual job offers. Here are the top websites I recommend:
- LinkedIn: This platform is powerful for networking and job hunting. Make sure your profile is up to date and matches your CV.
- Indeed: A global job search engine with opportunities across Europe.
- Job.fi: Specifically for jobs in Finland.
- EURES: A European job mobility portal that connects job seekers with employers across Europe.
- Seek.com.au: While more popular for Australia, it’s useful if you’re open to roles in multiple countries.
On these websites, you can filter jobs based on your skill set and location preference. Remember to set up job alerts to stay updated on new opportunities.
4. Polishing Your Online Presence
Nowadays, many employers will look you up on LinkedIn or other professional platforms before making a hiring decision. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is polished, matches your CV, and highlights your most relevant experiences. If you have a portfolio, make it accessible online.
Also, clean up your social media profiles—employers often do a quick background check to get a sense of your professionalism.
The Application Process
1. Applying to Multiple Jobs
I cannot stress this enough: apply to as many jobs as possible. When I started applying for jobs abroad, I didn’t limit myself to one or two applications. On average, I applied to 10-15 jobs daily, which eventually totaled more than 3,000 applications. Out of those, I faced thousands of rejections. But the key is persistence. Keep applying until you get that one offer that changes everything.
2. Handling Rejections
Rejections are inevitable. The sooner you accept that, the less disheartening they become. I would often scroll straight to the second paragraph of rejection emails, expecting to see the word “unfortunately.” Instead of being discouraged, each rejection was a sign that I was putting in the work.
Remember, rejection is part of the process. Don’t take it personally. Stay positive and keep pushing forward.
3. Nailing the Interview
Once you get an interview, congratulations—you’ve already cleared a major hurdle. Preparing for the interview is crucial. Here’s what I did:
- Research the company thoroughly.
- Prepare answers for common interview questions.
- Practice speaking confidently about your experiences and how they align with the role.
Many employers may conduct interviews over Zoom, Skype, or even WhatsApp, so make sure your internet connection is stable, and you’re in a quiet environment.
Visa and Work Permit Process
Once you secure a job, the next step is applying for your visa and work permit. In Finland, the process was straightforward. I was required to submit:
- My job contract
- CV
- Proof of residence
- Passport photos
Compared to other countries like the UK and Canada, the process in Finland was simpler and less expensive. My residence permit cost around 490 euros, and I didn’t need to provide proof of funds. The key is to follow the instructions provided by your employer and the country’s immigration website.
Final Thoughts
Getting a job abroad is a challenging but rewarding process. Persistence is the key to success. Don’t rely on agents; you can do it yourself with the right tools, strategies, and a positive mindset. I hope my journey inspires you to take the first step toward your own dreams of working in Finland or anywhere else in the world. It’s possible—if I did it, so can you!
Stay focused, put in the work, and the results will follow. Good luck!
