Navigating the "difficult" overseas job market

Travelling abroad has always held an air of glamour for workers, whether it's a spell in Europe or a sunny sojourn in glittering Dubai.

But candidates should remember to be realistic in the current climate, which is no longer a candidate-driven market.

Formula Won is a Heron Quays-based recruitment agency which deals with media jobs in the UK and in locations such as Dubai, Vienna and the United States.

CEO Sam Blake claims there has "always been a very high level of interest" in working overseas, but warns that jobs that previously attracted five or six candidates are now being chased by up to 25.

She said: "People always need to recruit, but it's a difficult market, and people are having to be more realistic about their salary expectations at the moment.

"Places in the Middle East such as Dubai are experiencing this recession as well."

Sam talked to The Wharf about her advice on finding that perfect job overseas, or successfully returning to the UK job market.

Sign up with an experienced agency: "If you're looking at relocating anywhere, go to an agency that knows its stuff inside and out, and has experience of the sort of things that you need to look into when relocating, because that's quite complex."

Be ready to pack up and go: "You've got to have the right skills and experience, but also be able to relocate fairly rapidly. If you own a property, you have to be able to rent it out quickly, and have made arrangements for your family.

"You've got to be sure of all the reasons why you want to go abroad. You've got to have a positive outlook and go into the process believing you're going to get the job.

"This has to be something you want to do and not a case in which you'll think about it a bit more after you get the job."

Be aware of cost of living: "Places such as Dubai in the Middle East is very attractive because it of the tax-free living and year-round sunshine.

"But it is much more expensive to live out there, and especially to find rented accommodation.

"Depending on what position you get, most companies will pay for your flight out there and your accommodation for a month to three months. But many landlords expect you to pay a year up front, and although that can sometimes be broken down into three or four cheques, they do expect you to have the money available.

"The days where you could easily get a bank loan are gone, as banks are much more careful about who they give their money to."

For more information on the company, go to formula-won.co.uk