Moving to a new country can shake up your entire life. It’s exciting, obviously, but it can also feel like starting from zero, especially regarding your career.
You might not know where to begin, who to ask for help, or how to find suitable work. That’s why building the right connections early on matters.
Strong relationships make it easier to settle in, hear about local roles, and understand how things work abroad. Your network becomes your guide, your safety net, and in many cases, your first line to opportunity.
In this guide, we’ll walk through practical expat networking tips to help you meet the right people, both online and in person. You’ll learn where to go, whom to talk to, and how to grow a network that works wherever you land.
Ready? Let’s get started.
Networking Tips for Expats Who Want to Be Noticed
Meeting new people in a foreign country can be awkward at first. But the more you try, the easier it gets. And after a while, you’ll find that you actually love it. You might even start getting job opportunities, referrals, tips for living abroad…. From there, job opportunities, referrals, and practical advice begin to surface.
Use these real-world networking tips to help you stand out and start strong:
Be consistent
Show up regularly at local events, meetups, and social mixers. Apps like Meetup, Internations, or Eventbrite are great places to start. You don’t need to attend everything. Just commit to showing your face weekly. When people see you often, they’re more likely to remember you and open up.
Be Direct
Know what you’re looking for and say it clearly. If you’re searching for work, mention your area and the kind of companies you’re targeting. When you introduce yourself, don’t beat around the bush. It saves time and gives people a reason to think of you when opportunities pop up.
Make it personal
Ask others about how they got started in the city. Showing genuine interest makes people more likely to help you in return. These conversations often reveal hidden opportunities or introduce you to valuable local professionals. People remember someone who listens, not just someone who talks.
Keep a record
After each chat, jot down who you spoke to, what you discussed, and where you met. Use your phone’s notes app or a dedicated contact sheet. That small habit turns casual chats into long-term professional connections and makes following up far easier and more thoughtful.
Use a simple intro
Prepare one or two clear sentences that explain who you are, what you do, and what kind of role or project you’re looking for. For example: “I’m a UX designer looking to join a fintech startup here in Melbourne.” Practising this ahead of time keeps you calm and makes your networking efforts more productive.
Every conversation adds something to your support system, even if it’s just one new idea or perspective. The goal isn’t to impress everyone. It’s to show up, be genuine, and make space for real connections that can move your professional life forward.
Where to Meet People: Events That Actually Work
Not every event is worth your time. But the right one can connect you to professionals who understand your goals and open doors you didn’t know existed. Knowing where to look is half the battle.
Use these ideas to start showing up in rooms that matter:
- Meetup and Eventbrite filters: Use search filters by industry, interest, and city. Look for events with 10 to 30 attendees. These are small enough for real conversations and big enough to meet someone useful. You’ll find everything from industry panels to casual coffee catch-ups.
- Coworking spaces with community events: Many spaces host regular social mixers or skill-sharing sessions. Even if you’re not a member, you can often attend open events. Look up places like Hub Australia or local independent spaces, then check their website or front desk for event schedules.
- Facebook groups and online noticeboards: Search for expat groups, industry-specific communities, or hobby-based pages in your area. Many posts about informal gatherings, volunteer opportunities, or career nights show up on these platforms.
- Local chambers and professional groups: Some chambers of commerce allow non-members to attend select events. These gatherings bring together business owners, recruiters, and organisations looking to expand their reach. It’s a great way to meet people who are active in your local industry.
- Libraries, universities, and community centres: These often host free talks, panels, or cultural programs. They’re perfect for meeting thoughtful locals, discovering city-specific advice, and easing into a new environment without pressure.
You don’t need to be everywhere. Choose two events a month and attend with purpose. That steady presence helps you become part of the community, one event at a time.
Make Your LinkedIn Speak to the World
Your LinkedIn profile helps people decide whether to contact you. That includes potential employers, recruiters, clients, and collaborators. If you’re planning to move abroad or explore new job opportunities, a few practical updates can make a real difference.
Start with your headline. Skip the default job title. Instead, write a clear sentence about what you do and who you help. For example, “Helping nonprofits grow through digital campaigns” gives people a better reason to reach out than “Marketing Manager”.
In the About section, write in plain language. Use short sentences. Focus on the results you’ve delivered and the problems you’ve solved. This is where you can highlight your valuable skills.
Next, check your location settings. Add multiple cities if you’re open to relocation. You can also include phrases like open to relocating or remote friendly in your bio. It helps you show up in more searches.
You can also join LinkedIn groups related to your industry, expat networks, or remote work. Comment on posts, ask questions, or share a short thought each week. Staying active helps others notice and remember you.
The most important part is updating your LinkedIn profile every month. Add recent projects, new tools you’re using, or achievements from your current role. Profiles that reflect your current work build trust and make it easier for others to get in touch.
A clear, consistent profile helps the right people find you and gives them a reason to reach out.
How to Find Real Jobs Abroad
So, you’ve updated your CV, told your mates you’re moving, and Googled “how to work overseas” at least ten times. Now what?
Finding a job abroad doesn’t happen by luck. It happens by knowing where to look, who to contact, and how to stand out before you’ve even set foot in a new city. With a few strategic steps, you can cut through the noise and start seeing real options that fit your skills, visa, and goals.
Use job boards that focus on international listings
Start with platforms built for global job seekers. GoAbroad, SEEK, and Jobaroo often list positions that support relocation or remote roles. They make it easier to filter by country, sector, or visa type. If you’re still in your home country, this helps you understand what employers are really looking for.
Work with recruiters who place expats
Agencies like Brian Mathews help people find jobs abroad every day. They often know about job listings that haven’t been advertised yet. Reach out with a short email that explains your background and the type of role you’re targeting. It can speed up your job search and get you closer to a new position.
Understand the job market and adjust your approach
Did you know, in February 2024, 1.9 million Australians were looking for work but weren’t employed? That number reflects how competitive things can be. The more clearly you present your experience and intentions, the better chance you have of being noticed.
Take time to review each job board, update your CV for international roles, and follow up when someone responds. Small steps, done consistently, create momentum in your job search.
Your Alumni Might Be the Strongest Network You Have
You probably haven’t thought about your university alumni network in years. But those old classmates and former schoolmates might be more helpful than you expect, especially when you’re living abroad or thinking about your next move.
Start with LinkedIn. Head to your university’s page, then filter alumni by location, job title, or industry. Look for people working in places you’re aiming for. A short message that mentions your shared school and a friendly question about their path can go a long way.
Many universities also run alumni platforms or private communities. Some use tools like Graduway, others have Facebook groups or invite-only Slack channels. These are good spaces for job leads, industry insights, and warm introductions you won’t find through regular job listings.
When you reconnect with your existing network, focus on conversation, not favours. Most people are willing to offer advice or share experiences, especially when you’ve walked a similar path.
Making Friends in Digital Workspaces
Working remotely doesn’t mean working in isolation. If you’re based overseas or constantly moving, your strongest connections might come from online spaces rather than a physical office.
- Join active communities: Look for Slack groups, online forums, or Facebook groups where people in your industry hang out. Whether it’s remote designers in Southeast Asia or digital marketers in Europe, these groups often share job leads and support.
- Make time for short chats: Suggest a quick video call when someone shares something interesting. A ten-minute chat can help you learn something new, and it’s a great way to build trust.
- Offer help before asking for it: If you see someone asking for a tool suggestion or advice, take a minute to respond. It shows your expertise and makes you stand out in busy threads.
- Build a weekly connection habit: Block 15 minutes each week to follow up with someone, respond thoughtfully to a post, or join a group conversation. Little efforts like this help remote workers feel part of a real community.
The more you show up, the more familiar you become. Over time, that familiarity turns into friendships, referrals, and job leads, even if you’ve never met face to face.
Picking a Career That Grows Across Borders
If you want to keep moving and still build something stable, it helps to choose a path that travels well. Some careers fit that goal better than others.
Fields like teaching, healthcare, consulting, and IT often offer roles across multiple countries. These industries tend to need professionals who can adapt quickly and work across time zones. They also have plenty of international job listings and are open to flexible arrangements.
Freelance work can be a good fit, too. Writers, marketers, coders, and designers can often take their work anywhere, as long as they have solid communication skills and meet deadlines. These roles rely more on outcomes than location.
Look for career paths that match your skills but also support your lifestyle. Ask yourself whether the work you’re doing now could continue if you moved to a new destination. Think about what will help you advance, not just this year, but in five years.
With the right focus, you can grow your career while staying open to travel, change, and excellent opportunities that might not be available in one place.
Build Your Global Career Connection Now
You don’t need to figure everything out today. What matters is that you’re moving forward. Building a global career takes time, but it starts with one conversation.
Each person you meet, message you send, and event you attend helps you get clearer about your next step. Connections lead to advice, referrals, support, and sometimes even job offers.
Keep showing up. Keep reaching out. You’re already building something valuable.
For more support in finding jobs overseas, head to Brian Matthews. They specialise in helping professionals like you find meaningful international roles and grow long-term careers abroad.
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