As someone who’s attention is nearly completely on U.S. jobs and employers, something interesting was brought to my attention: Employers in other countries expect different things from applicants.

A good friend of mine, Graham Tappenden, recently sent me his book, How to Write a German CV to review for my personal website, but I wanted to mention the book here for JobMonkey readers as well since it may be relevant to your job search. In the United States, we’re taught to present resumes/CVs in a certain way, but if you’re attempting to get a job in Germany (or any other foreign country), your application may look messy or incomplete.


Some things to keep in mind:

• Although many countries have hiring laws that rival those in the United States, in some countries, you’re expected to include information about you parents, marital status, and children.
• Employers in many countries expect you to include a headshot-style picture with your application.
• Because educational terms vary from country to country, if you’re applying for a job overseas, you may confuse potential employers by listing your educational information in the way it is traditionally done in the United States.

For those of your interested in a job in Germany, I can’t recommend How to Write a German CV enough – it’s a clear step-by-step guide that is easy to follow, and you also have the additional option of purchasing a personal CV review from Graham when you’re done. If you’re applying to jobs in other countries, take some time to research what employers expect from you. Sending your U.S. resume isn’t going to get you an interview in most countries.

Do you find yourself longing for new horizons? Are you happiest when packing up a bag and planning a big trip? If you want to ditch the 9-5 job search and head out on the open road to adventure, here are 10 great resources to help you plan the experience of a life time — working (or volunteering) abroad.

1. International Jobs Center is a comprehensive source of international careers for professionals, including international development jobs.
2. DevNetJobs is the #1 online source for finding international development jobs; international consulting jobs with NGOs; international non-profit work; and jobs with the UN, aid groups, charity organizations, multilateral organizations and development banks.
3. UN Jobs is a source for job opportunities through the United Nations and the Hague.
4. WorkPermit is a great site for navigating the ins and outs of required work permits and other immigration regulations for nearly every country around the globe.
5. Cross Cultural Solutions places 4,000 volunteers every year in the fields of caregiving, teaching, healthcare and community development. Volunteers are assigned to communities in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
6. Transitions Abroad is a comprehensive web portal, offering articles, planning tips, classified ads and more to help you navigate your travel/work abroad experience.
7. Peace Corps, aka the toughest job you’ll ever love, is the quintessential volunteer abroad organization (and hey, two years of service might just get a significant part of your student loans forgiven.)
8. Jobs Abroad is a online database with thousands of work abroad jobs, searchable by country.
9. Country Studies is a project of the Library of Congress and the perfect online destination for learning everything you need to know about over 85 countries around the world.
10. JobMonkey — Have you checked out our Work Abroad section yet? If you are planning to spend anywhere from a few weeks to a lifetime working and living abroad, JobMonkey is your essential first step. We cover everything from teaching English as a Second Language jobs to au pair jobs to resources for ex pats.

What great work / volunteer / live abroad resource have I missed? Leave me a comment with your best online resource for adventure abroad.