Want to Leave the U.S.? Here’s How to Find a Job Abroad Without Starting Over
If you're Googling "job search in abroad" while side-eyeing the latest U.S. headlines, you’ve probably been thinking about getting out for a while. Whether it’s politics, burnout, or just wanting a fresh start, there are real options that don’t require starting your career from scratch.
I recently packed up and moved to Spain, and let me tell you—it wasn’t some dreamy "drop everything and manifest" story. It was strategic. I’m about to walk you through the same job boards and strategies I use with my clients who are finding remote and global jobs without losing their income, identity, or momentum.
Let’s get into it.
Watch: Top Remote Job Boards Worldwide
Why Leave The U.S. Work Abroad?
About 5.5 million Americans currently live overseas, with many being experienced professionals looking for new opportunities. This trend is growing, with employment at U.S. affiliates abroad jumping nearly 7% between 2021 and 2022. For professionals over 30, going global isn't just an adventure—it's a smart career move that can open doors in lucrative markets where your experience truly matters.
For some, it’s about safety. For others, it’s work-life balance, healthcare, or just the desire to be somewhere that values people over hustle. I left because I wanted freedom. Not just in how I lived, but how I worked. I needed to believe I could still grow professionally while living in a place that aligned with my values—and I’ve helped hundreds of women do the same.
If that’s the type of pivot you’re craving, check out The Career Takeover Accelerator, my group program that walks you through it all.
Why experienced professionals thrive abroad
When my client, a 43-year-old healthcare executive I coached last year, first thought about moving to Europe, she worried her age might hold her back. What she found was exactly the opposite. Her 15+ years of experience became her biggest asset, helping her land a senior role with a 20% salary bump and a full relocation package.
For professionals with established careers, working abroad offers some unique benefits:
Proven expertise: Unlike younger professionals, you bring tested capabilities that work across cultural boundaries
Leadership maturity: Global organizations value the emotional intelligence and crisis management skills that come with years of experience
Existing networks: Your professional relationships often extend internationally, creating immediate value
Big-picture thinking: Your ability to connect business decisions to long-term outcomes really matters in international settings
The research backs this up: Studies show employers highly value international experience, with over 90% seeking the cross-cutting skills developed through global work. Better yet, professionals with international experience consistently earn more than peers without global exposure.
Job Search Strategies To Consider Before Leaving The USA
Having navigated several international career moves myself and helped countless clients do the same, I know this journey requires special knowledge and careful planning, especially for established professionals juggling complex careers and personal considerations.
First, get clear on the type of job you want: remote, in-person, contractor, or expat-friendly. Then, start tailoring your search accordingly. You’ll need to refine your LinkedIn, adjust your resume, and start networking globally. Job boards help, but relationships and strategic positioning matter even more.
Tailoring Your Resume and Cover Letter for International Markets
If you’re applying to companies in Europe or Asia, know this: formatting and tone matter. Some countries expect a photo. Some want short CVs. Others want super detailed ones. The main point? Your value needs to come across clearly, fast. Emphasize global competencies, remote experience, and flexibility.
Preparing for International Interviews: Cultural Etiquette and Expectations
Don’t wing it. Different regions have different norms. In Germany, interviews are more formal. In Spain or Australia, they might be more relaxed. Either way, research etiquette, understand how they view time, hierarchy, and communication style. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being respectful and prepared.
Inside my program, we prep for these interviews in real-time so you show up ready and confident.
Work with a Global Career Coach
Most career coaches are trained to help you climb the ladder in your home country. But when you're planning to work across borders—different time zones, legal systems, currencies, and cultural norms—you need more than a standard resume tweak. A global career coach understands how hiring works across countries, how to tailor applications for international recruiters, and how to navigate relocation without losing income or career momentum.
That’s exactly what I do. I’ve helped women in over 60 countries land jobs that match their lifestyle, values, and salary goals—without starting over or getting lost in visa confusion. We don’t play small, and we don’t do generic advice.
If you want to work with someone who knows how to help you pivot smart and globally, book a free clarity call here.
Legal Considerations and Immigration Requirements
Please don’t skip this. Every country has its own visa laws. Some roles will sponsor, others won’t. Some countries allow Americans to work remotely on a tourist visa temporarily, while others require a digital nomad visa. Relocate.me has a great breakdown. Do your homework.
My Favorite Websites to Find a Job Abroad
While general job sites have their place, my clients have had the most success with platforms specifically designed for experienced professionals seeking international roles. These are the four I use with my own clients:
1. Hiring Cafe
My go-to. Clean filters, global job options, and a range of industries. It’s great for remote and hybrid jobs.
Link here
2. Remote OK
Not as robust as Hiring Cafe, but solid for tech, design, and digital marketing roles.
Link here
3. Indeed Worldwide
Change the location by country, and you’ll open up a whole new job market. It’s also good for contractor and full-time roles alike.
4. EuroJobs
If Europe is your dream, this platform is packed with both remote and on-site opportunities. Not perfect filters, but great listings.
Link here
Want me to show you how to use these job boards strategically? We cover that inside The Career Takeover Accelerator.
Specialized Job Sites for Different Career Paths
Healthcare: Global Medical Careers
Finance: eFinancialCareers
Technology: Stack Overflow Jobs
Education: TeachAway
These platforms are ideal for finding legit, high-quality remote work that doesn’t care where you’re logging in from.
What Most People Get Wrong About Global Jobs
They assume they need a company transfer, a second degree, or to speak three languages fluently. That’s not true. Most of my clients land global jobs by learning how to tell their story, highlight their value, and stop waiting for permission. They don’t all have tech backgrounds or international resumes—they have strategy.
FAQs About Finding a Job Abroad
How do I position my extensive experience without appearing overqualified?
Focus on showing how your experience creates immediate value and reduces onboarding time. Emphasize your ability to mentor others while staying adaptable to new systems and approaches.
Should I take a step back in seniority to gain international experience?
This depends on your long-term goals. Sometimes a lateral or even slightly lower position initially can lead to faster growth once you've established yourself internationally. Our coaching helps clients evaluate these tradeoffs strategically.
How important is learning the local language if I'll be working in an international company?
While many global companies operate in English, even basic local language skills dramatically improve your cultural integration and career advancement opportunities. We recommend starting language learning well before your transition.
How can I ensure my international experience will be valued if I return to the US?
Document specific achievements, maintain your US professional network while abroad, and regularly translate your international accomplishments into terms relevant to US employers. Our clients often return to the US commanding premium salaries due to their global expertise.
About Global Career Coach
Hi, I’m Erica Rivera, career coach and founder of Career Coaching Diva. I know what it’s like to face a tech layoff—I lived it. When I lost my job at Google, I refused to let it define me. Instead, I took control, pivoted strategically, and built a career on my terms.
Now, through Career Coaching Diva, I help professionals do the same—because you don’t have to start over. You just need the right strategy.
Let’s map out your next career move. Book a Career Discovery Call today
Ready to Pivot Globally Without Starting Over?
Making an international career move after establishing yourself professionally is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. While 97% of professionals with international experience find positions within a year (compared to just 49% of the general population), the journey requires strategic planning, cultural intelligence, and often specialized guidance.
At Career Diva Coaching, we've developed a comprehensive approach for guiding experienced professionals through successful international transitions. Our method combines practical job search strategies with deeper work on positioning your experience, navigating complex immigration pathways, and managing the personal aspects of moving abroad.
If you're thinking about taking your career global, I invite you to schedule a free International Career Strategy Session where we'll explore how your specific experience and goals align with international opportunities.
Your decades of experience aren't just relevant globally—they're your greatest asset. The question isn't whether you can succeed internationally, but rather which global opportunity will best leverage your unique expertise and fulfill your professional aspirations.
