Work from anywhere: Guide to getting a remote job abroad
Let's be honest: working from home, getting paid in dollars and not having to apologize for leaving in the middle of the workday to pick up your kids from school seems like a dream. But hey, that dream is not too far off.
Getting a remote job abroad isn't just for those who are native English speakers or have a European passport. With the right strategy, you can get there. Keep reading to learn how!
Where are these remote positions?
Spoiler: they might not be where you think.
Most job openings at smaller companies (and these hire remotely the most) don't appear on LinkedIn's "Jobs" tab. They are posted on the feed.
How do you find these gems? Use boolean search, like:
"UX" + "Latam/ Europe/ Asia"
Then, filter by posts from the last month and voilà: job positions that haven't even made it to the official wall yet appear.
Tip:
You saw a job posting? Send a DM. Introduce yourself, say you thought the project was interesting, and ask how you can apply. People who post on the feed are usually very open to conversation.
Networking is not just about liking posts
LinkedIn is not Instagram, but it also has an algorithm. If you only go there to apply for a job and then run away, you might be missing out on opportunities. So, instead:
Interact: comment, like, share cool stuff from what you're working on.
Connect: add people who work where you want to work.
Also post: It shows that you know what you're doing. It may seem silly, but it puts you on the radar.
Target the right companies (Don't shoot them all at once)
Want to avoid headaches? Search for companies that:
- Have already hired people from your country (the chance of getting confused with culture or time zones decreases);
- Are remote-first (they were made to be remote, they are not "adapting");
- Pay their teams in dollars or euros;
- Are growing (startups are always looking for new talents).
Your CV: a serious document that will be read by a robot
Did you know that many companies use robots to read resumes before passing them on to a human? So:
- Create a CV that's ATS compatible (Applicant Tracking System);
- Write it in English (don't fully trust Google Translate, take time to review it!);
- Be straightforward, show your results through numbers (like “I increased engagement by 34%”, not “I’m really good at social media”).
Portfolio that shines brighter than a graduation ring
Do you have an updated portfolio? Great. But is it strategic? It needs to show:
- Real projects;
- How do you think (process counts a lot!);
- How do you stand out (do you speak other languages? Have you worked with global companies? Are you proficient in tools that no one else knows about? Add that!).
Don't wait for a job position to knock on your door
Stop waiting for LinkedIn's notification to save you. The secret is to actively seek for opportunities.
Some websites that can help:
Go ahead, research and apply.
Interview? Relax, it's just a conversation (In English, but it'll be fine)
Common steps:
- First contact: just to get to know you a bit.
- Behavioral: they want to know how you can solve problems, if you collaborate with teams and if you're a good fit for the company's culture.
- Technical: This is the time to show what you know. Bring examples, projects, talk about what you've done.
Important: If it's in English, try not to focus so much on being perfect. Rehearsing helps a lot. Even native speakers stutter sometimes.
Avoid classic mistakes
❌ Searching for a job without a focus
❌ LinkedIn with a photo from 2016 and a bio that doesn't say much
❌ Portfolio that is just a link with two images
❌ CV not in English, poorly designed
❌ Zero networking
❌ Fear of interviews in English (spoiler: everyone has it, but it’s possible to overcome it)
Last piece of advice? Go for it!
People from other countries really value soft skills, attitude, and your willingness to learn. If you have all of this and an organized plan, you're already way ahead.
So that's it: update your LinkedIn, fix your CV, put together a cool portfolio and start today. The international remote market is full of companies that need someone exactly like you — they just don't know it yet. Go out there and show them who you are.
And speaking about networking, make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and check out our page with positions for remote workers worldwide:
Gabe Bo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabebo/
Paul Luan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauloluan/
