How to Get a Software Developer Job Abroad?

Imagine a day you received a mail from Google with the subject “Offer of Employment with Google Inc. – California”. Now that would be a priceless moment in your life that you can’t define through words. You will feel like all your efforts are paid off. Even your parents will be proud of you and share it with the world. To experience this in real, there’s a long journey ahead through which you’ve to pass. You can turn this dream into reality after going through this article where we’ll solve your queries like – How can I get an SDE job abroad? or What’s the process to get a job abroad?

These queries occur every now and then in an engineer’s mind. In this article, you’ll get a complete guide from the first step to the last for landing a job abroad.

How to Get a Software Developer Job Abroad?

1. Company Research & Other Assessments

Getting an IT job abroad is more like a dream come true. Ask any graduate, he/she’ll be very much happy and surprised if received a job offer from an IT company abroad. There are certain fixed steps you must know and should follow in order to get a Software Developer Job abroad. Before looking at the eligibility criteria and other important factors, you need to do thorough research on the quality of life in different countries and what are the barriers you might face while entering.

You must look at the following factors before choosing a location. Some of the factors include 

• Work Culture – Try to connect with people who’re already working there and ask them about the working culture. LinkedIn is the best place to connect with people. Try asking them about their work routine, and on the basis of that, you can judge whether you’ll be able to fit in there or not.
• Conditions – Some people take time in adjusting to a new location whereas some don’t. Google the location and temperature there, whether you’ll be able to adjust or not. “Health is Important”, never underestimate your health. A handsome salary is of no use if you can’t withstand the climatic change. Hence, before getting to a location, read about its climatic conditions.

Some of the barriers you might face while entering a new location: 

• Visa – Applying for a visa and getting it approved is a long and tedious task, therefore, getting ready with all of the required documents before-handed is a must. 
• Language – Every country has its native language. So, before moving to a new place, either have a basic knowledge of the language used there or a good command. It becomes easy for you to reside. For example, in France, French is the native language, even if you know English, people prefer French. Hence, if you want people to listen to you, learn the language.
• Living costs – Living costs may vary from place to place. In India, it is comparatively low compared to other countries. So, before moving to a new country, read about its expenditures. Some of the basics include rent, food expenses, travel expenditures, and extras.
• Adjusting to a new environment – When you move from one place to another, it takes time to adjust to the people, the location, the climate, the food, and everything which comes with basic needs. Give yourself time and rate yourself on all the factors given.

Now let’s check the minimum eligibility you need to have:

Eligibility Criteria For Getting a Software Developer Job Abroad

You have to consider various factors before getting into a software developer job abroad. Some of the factors are:

• Which company/place you’re applying for?
• Which role you’re applying for?
• Which domain interests you?

Question yourself with the above-mentioned pointers, and once you’re able to answer them, you’re all set to proceed. Look for the role and company that matches your interests and then look for the criteria as mentioned on the company’s career page. Although the eligibility criteria differ for every role/company, some of the general criteria are: 

• Must be a graduate
• Must have the required technical and non-technical skills
• Should have worked and contributed to some of the best projects
• You must have 3-4 years of experience in big tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc. 

2. A Strong Resume 

You should have an appealing resume that speaks about you and your skills as a developer in case you want a developer’s Job abroad. For this, the primary step you should take is to start working on your skills and must have a strong resume. A powerful resume doesn’t mean you need to fill it up with every minute and big detail, No, No! Stop! A heavy resume is one that should have the following characteristics-

• 1-page document
• Include your biggest achievements (like )
• Add valuable certificates
• Use Proper Words
• Short and Concise
• Technical Skills
• Stars achieved on CodeChef, Leetcode, etc.
• Competitive Programming skills

To dive deep into this, go through our article What to Include in Your Resume? and ensure that you check the boxes while creating your resume. 

Tips to Create Your Software Developer Resume

A resume made for getting jobs abroad should be specific. When you have one such resume, you’re ready to apply for companies residing abroad. Do mention the native language of that particular country if you have a good knowledge of it. 

For example, if you’re a Java Developer, add the skills related to it in your resume. Prepare your resume accordingly and add projects implemented using Java, add questions solved in CodeChef, and Leetcode using Java. 

1. Avoid adding irrelevant projects just to increase the number (makes it lengthy), you can instead mention that some more projects or certificates can be given as per the request. There should be some mystery for the recruiter for which they can contact you.
2. It is advised to format your resume as per the company and the role you’re applying for. Do not send the same resume copy to every company. Suppose, in Company A, you might be applying for Python developer and in Company B, you might be applying for C++ developer. Hence, modify your resume as per the role/position you’re applying for.
3. Also, chances are higher in case you’ve previously worked with some good tech companies (service-based or product-based companies) or graduated from some top colleges (tier-1). Hence, you can mention this in your resume if so. If not, your resume must have some extraordinary skills and should stand out.
4. Your GitHub/Bitbucket profile with at least 2–3 projects to show how you code. These projects should have good README, unit tests, and CI pipelines and follow best practices.

You thought that was it? Not at all. If you want to create a resume that will get you shortlisted in top tech companies (domestic or international), then make sure to go through these articles:

• 20+ Tips To Get Your Resume Shortlisted For Top Tech Companies
• 6 Must-Know Tips to Create a Programmer Resume

Have doubts when it comes to creating a resume that will get you the SDE job abroad, that too in your dream tech company? Create your FREE resume with the help of GeeksforGeeks’ FREE Resume Builder within 10 minutes. 

Cover Letter

The next step includes getting a cover letter. A Cover Letter is a written document stating your professional skills and what outcome you can bring to the company. Unlike a resume, it is a letter that defines you and your skills. It is asked to have your cover letter read by any of your international friends or someone who has good knowledge of it before sending it to the company. 

Also, the standard format of a cover letter is:

• Contact Information
• Greetings
• Introduction
• Two or three short paragraphs
• Closing paragraph, requesting an interview.

3. Make Connections on LinkedIn

When you’re done with a good resume and a cover letter, it’s time to work on your connections. It is true to say that you should inculcate the habit of making good connections after your 12th or even before that. A very much good platform to work on this is using LinkedIn. You must have definitely heard of this platform, now every graduate or even those who’re at the school level uses LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the best platform using which you can make good connections. 

CEOs, CTOs, and every engineer of good tech companies have a profile on LinkedIn that they themself use. Send them a request and know about the company’s working culture. Also, avoid being too direct and informal. Tell them about your interest and the projects you’ve worked on. In this way, the other person gets acknowledged that you’re genuinely interested to work with them. Also, if you’re looking for a remote job abroad, LinkedIn is the best platform where you can search for them.

This course on Complete Interview Preparation – Self Paced guides you on the path of cracking tech interviews in top tech companies be it in India or abroad.

4. Must-Have Skills To Become a Software Developer Job Abroad

1. Programming Languages: You should have a good grip on at least one programming language, you may start with C to gain clear concepts on basics and after you gain the required knowledge, you can now focus on the domain which interests you and on the basis of that, you can choose the programming language. For example, given below are some of the most popular programming languages according to their suitable domain. 
   1. Python for Data Science
   2. JavaScript for Web Development
   3. C++ for Embedded Systems
   4. Java for building mobile applications
2. Computer Fundamentals: You should have sufficient knowledge of computer fundamentals. Some of the core subjects include networking, OS, etc. These subjects are a must to have in order to have a successful career ahead.
3. Data Structures and Algorithms: DSA is a must-to-have for any software developer as it is applied in all disciplines of software development. DSA is the building block of the software development process. You should definitely have good command over DSA in order to build a successful career in software development. You can check out Data Structures and Algorithms – Self Paced this course by Mr. Sandeep Jain which will clear all your concepts.
4. Stay updated with the technological trends as it is very important for a software developer to know about what technological advancements are taking place.
5. If you’re planning to stay abroad for employment purposes, you must definitely have good communication skills. English is the most preferred language in almost all countries, also knowing about the native language of that particular country is a plus point for you in order to get a job abroad.
6. Domain Specialized: You must have complete knowledge of the software development process if you’re planning to get a software developer job abroad. Having complete knowledge eases your interview rounds and increases your chance of getting hired for a software developer job abroad.

5. Where to Apply for a Software Developer Job Abroad?

A) Application Platforms

When you’re all done with the procedures to follow before applying, it’s time to apply for one. Now we’ll get to know what are the platforms through which you can apply for international IT jobs. Let’s begin:

• Career Page of the company’s website – This can be the best and most optimized way in case you don’t want a third party between you and the company. Companies offer openings every now and then for different job roles as per the location. Do visit their website and apply as per your interest. 
  • Some of the career pages links to top tech companies are:
    • Google Careers
    • Microsoft Careers
    • Meta Careers
    • Amazon Careers
• LinkedIn – is considered to be the best platform for job search. Create the best profile on LinkedIn with all the professional skills and achievements. Also, for international jobs, LinkedIn offers remote jobs for every developer. You get an awesome chance to get IT jobs abroad and work with them being at your comfort place. 
• Turing is the best website to go for while searching for a software developer job abroad. Turing offers events based on which when you solve some set of questions, based on your marks you’ll get job openings. This offers on-location jobs. 
• AngelList is another website that offers international job openings. The openings can be remote or on-location based.

You just need to create a profile and apply for the companies accordingly, whichever you’re interested in.

Also, if you’re working in some of the big tech companies in India, such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook, you don’t need to apply for Visa or go through the long process as discussed above. You may contact the team internally and if you’re eligible enough, Hurray! You’re ready to go. 

B) Application For Visa (Its Types)

Applying for a visa becomes a mandate when you think of getting a job abroad. There are two kinds of work visas –

• Temporary Visa – Valid for a few years, depending on the country. You also get the option to renew it once expired.
• Permanent Visa – Valid for permanent stay, once you live in that particular country for a period of time. You can apply for citizenship.

It’s easy to apply for a visa in European countries which is not the case in the US. 

• L1 Visa – A visa to enter the US for work purposes, having validity for a short amount of time.
• H1B Visa – A visa meant for professionals for jobs having at least a bachelor’s degree. 

Talking about the visa part, some companies sponsor visas whereas some don’t. 

• Countries like Dubai, Netherlands, and Singapore sponsor visas to some of the candidates who’re eligible enough. While you apply for international jobs, companies mention on their career page whether they’re going to sponsor visas or not. 
• In the USA, Canada, and Australia, you need to have a PR (permanent residence) card which you get only after staying there for 1.5/2 years.

Also, Silicon Valley is considered the best place for technological innovation. Hence, this place is also the best for international jobs in IT.

C) Interview Process for SDE Job Abroad

1. The first round is normally an HR round which is a “getting to know you” round where the interviewer asks you about the past experiences you had and your expectations from the company. Through this round, he/she checks your non-tech skills which include communication, leadership, and time-management skills. 
2. The next round is the coding round. They may give you a case and ask you to code or check your GitHub repository to know your understanding of the code.
3. Then, the other rounds may include technical rounds followed by the managerial round in the last. 

Alternative Option to Get an SDE Job Abroad

If you find all these processes too lengthy, you also have another option of completing your Master’s from abroad. Through the time pursuing Masters in foreign, you can also search for a job. If not, once you complete your Master’s in a country (be it the USA, Canada, or Dubai), it becomes an easy way to get a job there. 

If you’re planning to study in the US (be it pursuing Masters’s) an F1 visa is the best visa to apply for.

Tips to Help You Land an IT Job Abroad

There can be many tips that could lead you to the way of getting an IT Job abroad, here we mention a few of them. Have a look

• Be a good researcher
• Apply regularly through authentic sites that offer international IT jobs.
• Try to learn the native language of the country, if possible
• Build connections with foreign buddies who’re working in your desired company (but don’t be so informal).
• Try to be extraordinary and have a unique skill set
• Understand the location and company’s culture where you’re ready to apply.

Conclusion

It’s obvious that it’s not easy to get a job abroad, but if you have the required skills and a will, doors will open for you as there’s a saying, “where there’s a will, there’s a way”. It’s true that candidates who have come from Tier-1 college/top tech companies will be preferred more but if you really want to get a job abroad and match their eligibility criteria, no one can block your way. Go and try applying for different IT companies that interest you. If you really want to get one, work hard and you’ll surely find a way.

FAQs

Which country is best for a software engineering job?

Silicon Valley is considered the best place for software engineering jobs abroad as Silicon Valley is the technology hub in the world. More than 100s companies reside in Silicon Valley hence, you’ll get various options to explore. Also, the location depends on your expertise in a particular domain. 

What is the salary of a software engineer abroad?

The average salary you can expect as a fresher abroad as a software engineer is $55,000. It differs as per the country (like USA, Europe, Canada, Dubai). Also, the salary increases as the experience and skills gained increase. 

How can I get a job in the IT sector abroad?

You get need to have an appealing resume, good connections with people, and regular visits to the company’s career page and you’re good to go. Apply for the positions that suit you.