How to get a job abroad from Kenya without falling into the hands of scammers

Moving abroad is a dream for many, but finding a job overseas can be a daunting task. Knowing where to start and how to proceed is enough to stop even the most seasoned travelers in their tracks. Finding a job and relocating to another country isn't like any travel you're used to -- and that's a good thing! Living overseas is an exciting experience and can promote both personal and professional growth.

Step 1. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

The first and likely most daunting task in applying for jobs abroad is reviewing international job boards and finding a position that you can apply for in the country or countries where you desire to work abroad. This step can be confusing since there is no clear-cut model for finding work abroad, but resources like the Go Overseas Job Board can help you review open positions that are recruiting internationally.

Don't limit your overseas job search to just one channel! When trying to figure out how to get a job in another country, branching out and exploring these various options simultaneously will increase your chances of finding the perfect position.

Networking

Networking is an essential skill set to finding a job in nearly every situation. These days networking is both done the old fashion way - through word of mouth, friends, and parties - as well as online. You can often find communities of digital nomads and international job seekers, as well as companies looking to hire them, through groups on social media sites like LinkedIn. Finding online groups with similar career interests is a fantastic place to start making contacts internationally and may even land you your first overseas job.

Create a profile that stands out, including your passions, experiences, and goals. But don't just sit back and watch - be proactive. Ask people who hire on behalf of prospective companies abroad to connect. Maybe even send them a message seeking advice. Also, remain active in these Linkedin and Facebook groups and engage with content people post that is of interest to you. Apply for every job that seems of interest to you, even if it's a longshot position.

Our top tip: If you graduated from university, use your alumni association to create contacts. See what the rest of your fellow alums are doing, and reach out to those living in countries where you'd be interested in working. Alumni events can also be a valuable way to grow your list of professional contacts.

Don't just sit back and watch - be proactive. Ask people who hire on behalf of prospective companies abroad to connect. Look at the job listings every day based on your preferences.

Overseas job fairs

Search your local area and attend overseas job fairs. International job fairs are yet another way to find companies recruiting people to work in their international offices. You could even go through an interview on the spot, but at the least, you'll get your foot in the door.

• Our top tip: A quick google search for the phrases "overseas job fair" or "abroad job fair" then the name of your nearest city will likely result in at least one option.

Worldwide companies hiring overseas positions

Rather than just applying straight through, say a UK company, in hopes of moving to London, apply for jobs with US companies that have offices around the globe. Companies like Price Waterhouse and Cooper, Wells Fargo, Datacom, Hilton, and Conde Nast, to name a few, are worldwide. They're looking for people willing to travel and move abroad in an array of positions too.

The only drawback of applying for international jobs this way is that you might have to wait a year or more to move abroad with your company. They'll want to train you locally and let you get established in the organization before sending you off.

• Our top tip: This method is perfect for those who want to work in hotels. One of the biggest things an American hotel company needs when it opens a new location abroad is English speakers who know the company and how it works. Plus, most major chains have locations all around the world.

International job boards

There are great resources for finding positions nearly anywhere in the world that you are interested in working, but it's key to narrow your search to the desired country or set of countries. When you find a position of interest to you, understanding if they sponsor international workers is also essential. Certain jobs will say in their description that they're open to sponsorship. Websites like Indeed have country-specific pages to search postings in your target country.

• Our top tip: Some websites even have a filter to help you search for companies looking for US citizens or English speakers specifically. You may even be able to set up email job alerts so you can be among the first to apply for newly added positions.

Overseas US government jobs

The US government probably offers more international job positions to its citizens than practically any private company, and they also can easily get your visa sorted out with other countries. Plus, the US government almost always needs US citizens to work for it at all times, so if you're an American, there is less competition in the country than in non-government positions.

• Our top tip: Searching and applying for jobs abroad through the US government is simple. Go to USAJobs.gov, type in the sort of job you are skilled in and country you wish to work, and a listing of available positions will come up. You can apply directly through the website.

International recruiters

Entire agencies exist that work on behalf of international companies to find workers from around the world. Going through a recruitment agency cuts the hassle of looking for positions abroad and companies willing to sponsor, but it comes at a price. Make sure you thoroughly read any contract you sign with a recruitment agency as they will sometimes require a percentage of your future paychecks for finding you a job abroad. It might not be a lot, but be aware of it.

• Our top tip: Recruiting agencies are very easy to find online. Just google a phrase like, "recruiters for jobs abroad" and contact agencies in your area.

Photo by: Kim F., TEAN study in Dunedin New Zealand Alum

Apply to overseas jobs in-person

This option is risky, but it will definitely prove your determination. Basically, show up in a country and start applying in-person or setting up interviews while you're there. Though the internet is a fantastic source, nothing compares to being in a place and meeting people. While it's typically illegal to work in another country on a visitor's visa, it's not illegal to look for work. Also, many countries have working holiday visas that allow you to travel and work for a set amount of time.

• Our top tip: Be aware that in most cases, if you enter a country on a tourist visa, you will probably need to leave the country while you sort out work permits and visas.

Bonus: Intern or study abroad

Although a bit unconventional, a way to get face-to-face with overseas companies hiring is to either study or intern abroad. There are endless intern abroad and study abroad options out there. If you know you eventually want to join an overseas workforce, use these opportunities to start getting your foot in the door. Sometimes you need to spend money to make money!

Intern abroad: An internship in a city overseas is a chance to prove how good a worker you are, and begin growing an international professional network. Several different program providers, like AIFS and Hutong School, and IFSA-Butler, can actually set people up with internships abroad so they don't have to go through the hassle of finding one themselves. You can also apply to internships through your university and/or do them in addition to studying abroad.

Often, visa options for people on an internship are a lot easier to get approved than actual work permits. Make the most of this opportunity and at the end of it make it clear to your boss that you want to stay.

Study abroad: Studying abroad offers those same opportunities to either find an internship or at least make contacts for possible employers, but one way to almost guarantee yourself a spot working abroad is to get a college degree from a university abroad. Usually, if a country trains and educates you, they'll try to keep you there to work. Thankfully, the study visa process is usually straightforward and clear for most countries.

• Our top tip: A lot of student visas, such as those in Australia, not only permit international students to work up to a certain amount of hours while in school but also grant a visa to stick around for a year after graduating to work full time. Once you're working full-time somewhere or even have a reference from a company in the country, you're in the perfect position to find sponsorship to stay on a working visa.

List Of Best Recruitment Agencies For Jobs Abroad In Kenya

This is a list of the best recruitment agencies for jobs abroad in Kenya. The rate of unemployment in Kenya is very high. Many Kenyans have the necessary papers and expertise but employment opportunities are limited. For this reason, many people consider moving abroad for greener pastures.

Unknown to many, landing a job opportunity abroad is not a walk in the park, especially if you don’t have connections. However, you can still land your dream job abroad with the help of recruitment agencies that connect employers and employees from different parts of the world.

Here is a list of the best recruitment agencies for jobs abroad in Kenya.

1. Elmerry International Connections Ltd

Elmerry is a recruitment company of choice for many leading local and international companies. It has opportunities for truck drivers, security guards, building and construction, hotel & hospitality, school teachers, office cleaners and househelps.

Location: Uniafric House, Koinange Street, Nairobi.

Contact: 0721 264 048, 0716 480 702.

2. Nammy International Travel

It is one of the fastest growing administration, human resources and staffing agency in Kenya. The company works with employers in the UAE and Middle East to find the professionals that they need from Kenya in order to grow, develop and achieve the success.

Location: Wing A3 5th Floor, Corner House, Kimathi Street, Nairobi.

Contacts: 0723 719 101, 0715 577 755.

3. First Choice Recruitment & Consultancy

It is a registered firm in Kenya that offers unwavering support to all eligible persons interested to live, work and study abroad.

Location: City Plaza, 3rd Floor, Eldoret.

Contact: 0790 196 492.

4. Harper’s Management Ltd

The company has built a reputation as a highly resourceful staffing company, based on reliability and its approach to establish meaningful partnerships with employers and job seekers.

Location: Rehema Place, Apartment D22, Ngong Road.

Contact: 0724 843 404.

5. AL Jamana Agency Limited

The agency is fully vetted, certified and qualified by the Kenyan government as a private job employment agency. It is your gateway to your international career especially in the gulf.

Location: New Gatakaini Building, 5th Floor, Nairobi.

Contacts: 0708 993 333, 0728 750 075.

6. Forbes Global

Forbes Global is the number one job recruiting agency in Kenya with access to the widest selection of jobs abroad and in the Middle East, including UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Afghanistan.

Contacts: 0713 089 553, 0769 133 837.

7. Gulf Manpower Recruiting Agency

It is a leading recruitment agency in the East African region dedicated to promoting people’s lives with significant employment and development opportunities globally, as well as providing various companies with the necessary personnel to help them in making a difference in their industry.

Location: 3rd Floor, Watersy Annex, Opposite Jamia Mall, Nairobi.

Contacts: 0774 052 398, 0722 304 787.

8. FSI Worldwide Kenya

Established in 2006, the company delivers value for clients by providing high quality, highly motivated teams who deliver outstanding performance. It has overseas accreditation as a trusted human resources provider.

Location: CB2 Blixen Court, Lower Plains Road, Off Karen Road.

Contact: 0713 080 980.

9. Shanawa International Agency

It is one of the unparalleled overseas placement bureaus that help organisations to recruit quality manpower.

Location: Twiga Towers, Murang’a Road, Nairobi.

Contact: 0721 251 609.

10. Plan Manpower Ltd

The company provides recruitment and placement services to foreign companies that are tailored to fit the needs of the recruiting companies. They offer opportunities for the hospitality sector, finance, oil & gas, healthcare, real estate and security sector.

Location: Development House, 2nd Floor, Room 22, Nairobi.

Contacts: 0719 510 505, 0722 423 275.

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