LOOKING FOR A JOB ABROAD? MOVE TO WHERE THE MONEY IS.

With the continuing economic downturn and poor GDP’s in most of our countries, especially African states, little wonder most of us dream of a better life abroad.

While some take the plunge and emigrate, others are comfortable with where they are at the moment. But there are many advantages to working a year or two overseas.

I would be answering frequently asked questions in this article, but as you think of new questions outside those already answered, drop them in the comment box and you’ll get responses as soon as I can.

Move to where the money is

In terms of opportunities, the Middle East is one growth area: It hasn't been hard hit by the economic crisis and many job sectors there are booming.

HSBC's Expat Explorer 2012 report shows that while most expats are feeling the economic strain, those in the Middle East are positive about the state of their local economy. Expats in Oman (90%), Qatar (89%) and Saudi Arabia (83%) report a much-higher satisfaction level with the state of their current economy than expats across the globe (59%).

In addition to high salaries, the low tax rate on personal income in many Middle Eastern countries provides a welcome boost for expat bank balances. Perhaps because of this, the region is popular with younger workers. In Saudi Arabia, for example, nearly half of expats are aged 18-34, with less than one in 10 aged over 55 - a contrast to the figures worldwide, where more than a third of expats are aged 18-34 and one in five are over 55.

Ranking countries on salary, the HSBC report highlighted Singapore and Bermuda as high earning countries for expats, both of which have a strong financial services industry. Mexico, Hong Kong, India, China and Japan also featured highly - and closer to home, Switzerland.

Which country should I move to?

Which country you eventually decide to work in will depend on many factors - from job opportunities in your chosen industry and work permit requirements to language skills and personal taste.

If you are a European Union (EU) national, you have the right to work in any other EU member state, as well as Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland, without the need for a work permit. However, as unemployment is higher in some of the newer member states, it may prove harder to find jobs there.

The US is notoriously hard to enter and will only issue work visas to those with definite job offers. Other countries, such as Australia, New Zealand and Japan, offer working holiday visas that allow you to work and travel for a year - usually to those aged 30 or under. If you're over this age or want to stay for longer, you'll need to apply for a working visa.

You can find out the rules and regulations for each country by contacting the appropriate embassy or high commission in your countries.

Applying for jobs
When it comes to applying for jobs, knowing the local customs and recruitment practices can make the difference between success and instant failure.

'In the Netherlands it's customary to send a one-page CV folded in half and posted to the company.

In Germany, resumes are more detailed and it's important to send a cover letter.

'They often also contain a photo of the applicant in the right-hand corner and an original signature. You wouldn't fold it and post it either, instead you would send it in a special "application folder" - which is something you can buy in Germany and Austria.'

Do I need to learn the language?
Most roles require a basic understanding of the country's language but the type of work you are doing will determine the level required - an IT job in a multinational organisation that uses English as the working language, for instance, may be possible with more limited skills.

Learning the language helps tremendously, even if it's not essential for the position.

The level of language skill required also depends on the country you are going to. 'Most people in the Netherlands speak good English, but in others, such as Portugal, you would need to be fairly fluent in the local language.

Before you go
When a job offer comes through, it's natural to feel excitement and trepidation. Doing your research - into social customs and work practices - will help prepare you, as will chatting to expats who have made the move (there are lots of online forums set up for the purpose).

Make sure that you're happy with your living arrangements as well as your work set up.

'Playing a sport is a great way to meet new people and integrate. The sooner you feel at home, the more you will enjoy the experience.

Good Luck