Do you have any tips to help with applying to an international job?

Question

I've had some freelance jobs in my country (Brazil), working for different companies. I like to work to Brazillian companies, but I'm looking for some international experiences and I would like some advice.

How do you hire foreign developers/professionals? How can I proceed to become more "visible" to the international employers? I don't want to leave Brazil for now, so I wonder if its possible to get good freelance jobs outside here.

If you have worked like I'm willing to work, I'll be glad if you share your experiences ;)

Answer 1

Herberth, to make payments easier for clients I recommend that you to incorporate in the US. Being incorporated in the US usually also clients more confident since you're now liable in the United States. Talk to a good Brazilian accountant and he or she will help you with local legal issues (handling the Receita Federal).

This make a lot easier negotiating with clients. People often feel more safe when they do not have to transfer money overseas, especially when doing freelance work to small companies or individuals.

I personally find this difficult. Average Brazilian salaries are not really that far from international salaries and usually will be near average salaries in lower paying European countries like Spain or Portugual. Outsourcing to Eastern Europe or India is way cheaper than Brazil, especially when you take in account the amount of taxes we pay here (and the Banco Central transaction costs to take money back home). Living in a lot of Brazilian cities like Rio or São Paulo is also very high, often on par with international cities, if you want to live a middle class life style.

I've done a few odd jobs finding posts on craigslist, you might give it a try, too. For me it was more important having experience handling international contacts and having a chance to try my English in real world.

And, by the way, good luck :)

Answer 2

As far as I see, there are two realistic ways to get a programming position abroad

Option one: focus on freelance portfolio, participate in open source projects, pump up stack overflow rating, etc and then apply for openings in foreign countries directly.

Option two: get a job in an software outsourcing company with a portfolio of big international clients and then get a job on on-site position.

Answer 3

First and foremost, you need to decide where you'd ultimately want to work and find out how you would legally obtain the right to work there. Obviously, larger companies are better at handling this kind of thing as they can do much of the paperwork for you. As already suggested by Nikita Barsukov companies that offer outsourcing and/or national/international consultancy are also a good bet.

I've noticed a few international consultancy firms based in London looking for consultants on SO Careers. Perhaps that would be a good place to start?

Answer 4

I think you will find lots of useful information and good advice if you look at questions tagged freelancing and outsourcing.