How to Find Recruiters Who Place International Candidates

Looking for a job abroad? Whether you’re aiming to relocate to Singapore, Dubai, or another global hub, one thing becomes clear fast: not all recruiters are open to international candidates.

The challenge isn’t just finding open roles — it’s finding recruiters who can and want to work with people outside the local market. Here’s how to find the right recruiters and boost your chances of getting hired across borders.

1. Focus on Recruiters With Regional and Global Mandates

Not all recruiters operate the same way. Some only work with local hires, while others specialize in cross-border placements.

What to look for:

• Recruiters based in your target country, but who mention global talent or expat placements

• Multinational agencies with local branches (e.g., Michael Page, Robert Walters, Hays)

• Niche agencies that focus on industries where global talent is common (tech, finance, healthcare)

Tip: Check their LinkedIn posts or job ads — do they mention relocation, visa support, or hiring from abroad?

2. Search on LinkedIn With the Right Keywords

LinkedIn is your best friend — if you know what to search for.

Try keywords like:

• “Relocation support”

• “Open to international candidates”

• “Visa sponsorship available”

• “[Job title] + overseas + hiring”

You can also search for recruiter job posts in your target country and look for signs that they’ve placed people from outside.

3. Be Transparent in Your Outreach

When you message a recruiter, make it easy for them to decide whether they can help.

What to include in your message:

• Your current location and citizenship

• Your target role and location

• Your visa status or whether you’ll need sponsorship

• A one-liner about your experience or niche

Example:

“Hi [Name], I’m a data analyst based in Spain with 5 years in e-commerce. I’m looking to relocate to Dubai and am open to sponsored opportunities. I’d love to know if you work with international candidates or could point me in the right direction.”

4. Use HelloRecruiters or Region-Specific Portals

If you’re not sure which recruiters to contact, let a platform match you.

Try platforms like:

• HelloRecruiters.co – connects job seekers with recruiters based in the region they want to move to

• Bayt.com – especially for the Middle East

• Glints – for Southeast Asia

• Relocate.me – tech-focused international roles

These platforms can save you time by connecting you only to recruiters who already deal with international talent.

5. Prioritize Countries and Roles That Commonly Hire Expatriates

Some markets are more open to international candidates than others.

High-mobility roles include:

• Tech and engineering (software, DevOps, data science)

• Healthcare and life sciences

• Finance and fintech

• Executive roles in MNCs

• Education (international schools, universities)

Countries more open to expats:

• Singapore

• United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

• Germany

• Netherlands

• Canada

• Australia

If your role or target country typically sponsors work permits, you’re more likely to find helpful recruiters.

6. Ask the Right Questions in Discovery Calls

Once you connect with a recruiter, don’t be afraid to ask directly.

Ask things like:

• “Do you work with candidates who are overseas?”

• “Does the employer offer visa sponsorship or relocation support?”

• “Have you placed candidates from outside the region before?”

This saves time — for both you and the recruiter — and sets clear expectations.

Final Thoughts

Finding a recruiter who places international candidates takes effort — but it’s worth it. The right recruiter can advocate for you, navigate local nuances, and help you overcome the friction of cross-border hiring.

Be clear, be direct, and don’t take silence personally. Many recruiters focus on local talent — your goal is to find the ones who don’t.

Looking for a recruiter who hires international candidates?
HelloRecruiters connects you with recruiters in your destination country — no guesswork needed.
Get matched today → hellorecruiters.co