Looking for a Job Abroad? Here’s How to Work With Local Recruiters

Looking for a Job Abroad? Here’s How to Work With Local Recruiters

Planning to work overseas? Whether you're dreaming of a new life in Singapore, Dubai, Berlin, or Sydney, getting hired abroad takes more than just applying on job boards.

One of the most effective — yet underused — strategies is working with local recruiters in your target country. But how do you find them? And how do you get them to respond?

This guide walks you through how to identify, approach, and collaborate with recruiters abroad to give your global job search real momentum.

1. Understand the Role of Local Recruiters

In many countries, recruiters are responsible for filling roles on behalf of companies — not on behalf of you as a job seeker. This means:

• They focus on candidates who are a close match to active roles

• Their time is limited, so they prioritize high-relevance outreach

• They may not always reply — and that’s not personal

Your job is to make it as easy as possible for them to see why you're a fit for their market.

2. Choose the Right Recruiters to Contact

Avoid sending mass messages. Instead, look for recruiters who meet these criteria:

• Specialize in your function or industry (e.g., marketing, tech, supply chain)

• Are based in the country or city you're targeting

• Have a history of working with international or relocating candidates

You can search by location and keywords on LinkedIn — or use a platform like HelloRecruiters to match with relevant ones instantly.

3. Prepare Your Profile for a Global Audience

Before you reach out, make sure your LinkedIn and CV:

• Use international-friendly formatting (2 pages, clear layout)

• Include your current location and relocation status

• Highlight global experience, remote work, or multicultural projects

Recruiters abroad will also want to know:

• Your visa situation or sponsorship needs

• Your notice period or availability

• Any language or regional knowledge you have

4. Personalize Your Outreach

This is where most candidates go wrong.

Instead of a generic message, say:

• Who you are and what you're looking for

• Why you're targeting that country or market

• What kind of value or experience you bring

Example:

Hi Sarah, I’m a digital marketing lead based in Paris, currently planning to relocate to Singapore by Q4. I’ve led APAC campaigns before and would love to explore any senior marketing roles you may be hiring for. Happy to send over my CV if relevant.

5. Be Realistic (and Persistent)

If you’re applying from abroad without local experience, expect:

• More competition

• Potential need for sponsorship

• Delays in reply

But candidates do get hired internationally — especially when:

• They’re a niche skill fit

• They show flexibility and adaptability

• They engage with the right recruiters consistently

Don’t follow up every 2 days. Instead, follow up once after a week, and stay connected by engaging with their posts or company updates.

Final Thoughts

Working with local recruiters can be the shortcut to landing a job abroad — but only if you approach it the right way.

Be relevant, respectful, and clear. Build a small network of trusted recruiters in your target country — and give them a reason to advocate for you.

Not sure where to start?

HelloRecruiters can match you with 5–10 recruiters in your destination country — based on your role and industry.
No job boards, no spam - just warm intros to people who are actually hiring.

[Get matched with recruiters in now]

[Get matched now]