Scope out the market
We recommend that you take a look at online job portals such as ours and see what opportunities there are on offer for experts and whether your skills are in high demand before you make any definitive decisions to relocate permanently. It might be worth taking a trip for a few weeks to scope out the job market and make acquaintances with the locals as they can often be the best source for finding out about the current job climate and the latest opportunities.
If you're able to get a prospective employer to send you a letter of invitation, the responsibility of filling out the paperwork is with them, which can take a long time and is much easier for employers to do than expats, making your transition abroad that much smoother.
Obtain a work permit
If you don’t have a job offer waiting for you on arrival or a company willing to arrange your permit, make sure you get your visa and work permit arranged before you start applying for jobs as this, no doubt, will be one of the first questions you get asked. Many employers will also ask you to provide your diploma and any other qualifications, if applicable, and make sure you have your most up-to-date CV on hand. They will also likely ask you for references from previous employers so ensure that you have these ready and available just in case.
Work for free
Sometimes volunteering is a good way to get your foot in the door, as it allows potential employers to witness your skills first hand and see you as a valuable asset to their company.
Although the Kazakhstan economy is developing and there are opportunities for skilled workers, bear in mind that most companies would prefer to hire a local over an expat whenever possible.
Things to remember
When you do find work, remember to get a contract and expect around 30% of your wages to go to taxes. Companies generally pay their employees once per month so make sure you have a safety net to keep you supported during the first few weeks while you’re not getting paid.