International Construction Jobs - Working in Construction Overseas and Abroad!

Economic downturns are disheartening, but people who are looking for work in overseas construction projects can find solace in these troubled times from the fact that quite a number of construction companies are still looking for new workers, and that many industries would not just survive but flourish. Even though several countries have problematic housing markets, a sluggish economy, and a reduction in available jobs that could seem to make job searching difficult, one should not be discouraged. There are plenty of career opportunities for international or foreign employment in the building trades.

It is advisable for people who are already involved in the construction industry, such as carpenters and engineers, not to shift careers during a recession. Engineers should try to find engineering jobs in the industries that continue to be viable and should not change their careers, especially since it's highly probable that their skills and expertise can land them a job in another country.

In spite of downturns in the housing market, you can consider an international construction job in certain areas that are immune to recession. These can include the energy industries,  particularly the petroleum, renewable energy sources, and nuclear energy industries; health care; and the environmental industries. Engineers, electrical construction personnel, carpenters and others can focus their search for career jobs or even temporary jobs in the construction of buildings and facilities for the above-mentioned fields.

During a recession, job seekers need to be forceful in their efforts and try every avenue available. A weak economy should not be made as an excuse for not finding a job. They can try offering freelance services for a few months to increase their knowledge about job hunting, enhance their networking efforts, and develop contacts. This will open up various new avenues to them that they have never imagined to exist. Job hunters can also try doing summer jobs when they find that there is a dearth of job opportunities that offer regular work; temporary carpenter jobs are often acquired this way. This would serve to enhance their skills and knowledge in the meantime while they are looking for a better opportunity. This could also help serve to expand the number of potential job offers in the future. Improving one's sales skills can likewise enhance a job seeker's employability.

Job seekers would also do well to thoroughly analyze industry data to determine those sectors that lack sufficient workers or are still enjoying job growth. They could then focus on these sectors when searching for work. They can also look for those countries that have a shortage of workers and those that are still experiencing economic growth.

Social networking sites are valuable tools when looking for construction jobs in various countries. With just a few mouse clicks and keystrokes, the job seeker can look in his or her network for someone who knows somebody in the particular company that he or she wants to be in. This key person would then be able to introduce the job seeker to the appropriate people within the company. Another word of advice for the job hunter is to consider the point of view of the prospective employer. Thus, it would be advisable to show how one would be able to add value to the company, particularly with the help of the skills, knowledge and experience that the job seeker has obtained from past jobs.


Whichever area of the construction industry you're qualified to work in, whether in electrical construction or in superintendent construction jobs, there are many tools - both online and offline - to help you get an overseas construction job. Browse the websites of construction recruitment companies and various employment agencies; they'll let you know what kinds of construction positions are in demand in a particular country and give you more related information on subjects like salaries and work requirements.