Landing a new job overseas: Optimize your application and stand out.
Unlike generic job-hunting advice, this course provides insider tips from hiring experts at Proppel. By the end of this course, you’ll know how to customize your CV to stand out, craft an impressive portfolio, optimize your LinkedIn profile, and write a compelling cover letter that grabs recruiters' attention.
Plus, you can download our free CV and portfolio templates to customize and make your own!
Make a lasting impression with your CV
A well-crafted CV is your ticket to get your dream job. It is one of the first impressions the recruiter will have on your profile, and as so, it should have a powerful effect. But, what goes into a CV exactly? Let’s break it down together:
Also, keep in mind these tips to avoid some small yet common mistakes many applicants make:
Include keywords from the job description: Keep in mind that recruiters review dozens of CVs daily and often use filters to identify the most relevant ones. To improve your chances, include keywords from the job description. For example, if you’re applying for a Video Editor role, use terms like “Video Editing,” “Motion Graphics,” and “Color Correction.”
Use standard headings like “Work Experience”, “Skills” and “Education”: Standard headings help recruiters quickly scan your CV with certain platforms and find key information needed for the role.
Tailor your CV to the role you’re applying for: Always highlight the bits of your experience that align with what the company is looking for. For example, if you are applying for a Video Editor role, share past examples and results of videos you created for different companies. This is the first thing our recruiters will see and it will increase your chances of getting noticed. Also, list your skills and experience in order of importance to ensure recruiters can quickly recognize your fit for the role.
Prioritize relevant information: Start with your recent roles or those that best align with the position you are applying for and avoid listing every job you ever had as it may be irrelevant and take up useful space in your CV. Remember: quality over quantity.
Build a professional portfolio.
If you’re trying to land a job in Marketing, having an impressive portfolio can be a game-changer. A portfolio is not just a showcase of design work, it's a powerful tool for professionals across various fields. By including a portfolio, you provide tangible evidence of your skills. Let’s delve into the art of creating a compelling portfolio together!
Step 1 - Decide the format and style
While there are many options available (like creating a document or PDF), our recruiters suggest that you host your portfolio on a website, which is the easiest and most stylish way to showcase your work to potential employers.
Here are four platforms where you can build a stunning portfolio for free:
Ideal for full customization. It offers eye-catching templates and easy-to-use tools, which is great for beginners.
This is best for creating something dynamic and interactive, with a focus on user experience.
This is perfect for those who prefer simplicity. If Canva or Wix feels too complex, Google Slides offers a straightforward solution that makes it easy to share via Google Drive.
Ideal for designers, creatives, and marketers with visual projects.
Step 2 - Select your best work
Don’t include old projects you’re not proud of just to fill more space. Remember, quality is better than quantity.
If you do not have a lot of professional work to show, you can include projects you did at school or courses you took in your spare time.
Step 3 - Organise your content strategically
Arrange your portfolio in a logical and easy-to-follow order. You can start with a brief overview that highlights your skills and experience. Then, categorize your work into sections or areas of expertise, providing screenshots and links of your work and the results.
Step 4 - Craft compelling descriptions
Accompany each project with a concise description that explains the purpose, challenges, and outcomes of the work. Highlight your role in the project and your key responsibilities.
Step 5 - Polish and proofread
Again, carefully review each page for grammar, spelling or formatting errors before finalising your portfolio. Keep in mind that if you’re applying for Proppel, your portfolio must be sent in English.
Create an engaging cover letter
Writing a compelling cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview or being overlooked. Your cover letter tells your story, showcases your personality, and makes a memorable first impression. While not always required, it’s a great opportunity to send a personalized message to the employer or hiring team. And we are here to help you tackle it like a professional.
The key to a successful cover letter is personalization. To achieve this, research the company and carefully read the job description. If possible, find the name of the hiring manager and address the letter to them directly. Tailor your message to the specific role and company, and explain why you're excited about this opportunity, not just any job.
Hook them from the start! Instead of saying, “I am writing to apply for...,” try something like:
“As a [your profession], I was excited to see [Company Name]’s opening for [Position], especially because [specific company initiative or value, or your key point to stand out].”
Provide context by mentioning how you discovered the company or job posting. Then, highlight your experience and key skills to explain why you're the perfect fit. But don’t just tell, show. If you can, back up your claims with metrics and achievements that demonstrate your impact.
Make sure your cover letter includes the following:
Your full name
Contact information (city/country, phone number, email, LinkedIn)
The current date
Last but not least, keep it concise and impactful. Only one page (3-4 short paragraphs), and every sentence should add value, no fluff! End with an impactful closing statement that expresses enthusiasm and invites action. For example: “I’d love to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Looking forward to connecting!” You can also end it with a call to action (CTA), asking for a meeting.
Martina Mina
Digital Marketing Executive
Av. Corrientes 800, Buenos Aires, Argentina
May 24, 2025
Dear Leandro,
As a digital marketing executive, I was excited to see Proppel’s opening for this role, especially because I admire what you do at Proppel. I believe my expertise in digital marketing and social media would be a great asset to your team. After carefully reviewing the job description, I’m confident that my skills and experience align perfectly with what you're looking for.
I first discovered Proppel through LinkedIn. While exploring your website, I found a link to your Instagram account, and I was immediately drawn to your engaging and relatable organic content.
My background in video creation, which has helped me build an audience of over 300K followers on TikTok, along with my experience at a marketing agency, aligns seamlessly with the requirements of this role.
My strongest skills include: organic content creation, paid media content strategy, video editing, graphic design, and email marketing.
I would love the opportunity to discuss how my experience can contribute to your team. Looking forward to connecting!
Best,
Martina Mina
Prepare an appealing introductory video
While not a requirement for most applications, recording a simple video introduction in English can significantly increase your chances of securing a first interview for a remote job at an international company.
In this chapter, we’ll guide you through preparing and delivering an engaging video introduction that effectively highlights your background, skills, and enthusiasm for the role you're pursuing.
Why do some companies request an introductory video?
When a company asks for an introductory video, the goal is to get a first impression of you and assess whether your profile aligns with the role.
An introductory video provides a great opportunity to showcase your personality, communication skills, and enthusiasm while demonstrating why you are a strong candidate. At Proppel, we encourage candidates to submit a video with all applications. Our primary objective is to assess your spoken English proficiency and gain a better understanding of your background beyond your resume.
This doesn’t require a script, background music, or advanced editing—we are not looking for that. A clear and confident introduction in a natural, conversational tone is far more effective.
💡 Top Tip: To ensure a professional presentation, we recommend good lighting, a tidy background, and clear audio quality.
Some companies may provide specific questions to answer in your video. If not, here are some key points to cover:
✅ A brief introduction about yourself.
✅ Information about your current or last role.
✅ A set of skills relevant to the role.
✅ The software you've used.
✅ Why you believe you’re a great fit for the position.
How to record it
You can easily record your video using your phone and upload it to Google Drive, or use tools like Loom and Veed.io for a smoother recording experience. If you need basic editing, free apps like CapCut allow you to make simple cuts. You can even start a Google Meet session and screen-record it.
Watch the example and a quick tutorial below:
Optimize your LinkedIn profile
Building a strong LinkedIn profile is essential, especially when applying to companies through the platform. A well-optimized profile increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.
Key tips to make your profile stand out:
Optimize the Profile Picture and Banner: Your profile picture is the first thing people see when you connect with them. Use a high-quality, professional photo where you appear approachable and confident. Additionally, an eye-catching banner image that relates to your field or personal brand can make your profile more memorable.
Craft a Powerful Headline: Instead of just listing your job title, use the headline to highlight your expertise, key skills, and career goals. This is one of the most searchable sections on LinkedIn, so make it strategic. For example; Marketing Strategist | Helping Brands Grow with Data-Driven Campaigns | Open to Remote Roles.
Write a Compelling About Section: Your summary should clearly describe who you are, what you do, and what sets you apart. Focus on your skills, achievements, and career passions. End with a call to action, such as: "I’m always open to connecting, feel free to reach out."
Highlight Key Skills: List skills that align with your target roles and keep endorsements up to date. Recruiters often search for profiles by skills, so having them prominently displayed increases your visibility.
Use Keywords Strategically: Research and incorporate industry-relevant keywords throughout your profile, particularly in your headline, about section, and job descriptions. Recruiters use these keywords to search for candidates, so using them wisely boosts your discoverability.
Optimize your Experience Section: Instead of just listing tasks, describe your roles using measurable achievements. Use numbers and impact-driven statements, such as:
“Increased client engagement by 30% through targeted email campaigns.”
“Led a team of five designers to successfully launch a product rebranding project.”
Request and Display Recommendations: Personalized recommendations from colleagues, managers, or clients add credibility to your profile. They serve as social proof of your skills and work ethic, making a strong impression on recruiters.
Engage Regularly with Content: LinkedIn is more than just an online resume, it’s a networking platform. Engage by commenting, sharing insights, and posting updates to increase your visibility.
💡 Pro Tip: Even if a recruiter reaches out about a role that’s not the right fit, replying and maintaining the connection could open doors for future opportunities
Open to Work and Contact Info: Enable the “Open to Work” setting if you’re actively looking, and make sure your contact information is easy to find for interested recruiters. Recruiters get notified when people are set as Open to Work, and you can select that only recruiters see when you're open to work. Watch this tutorial on how to do it:
Showcase Portfolio or Media: Enhance your profile by adding links, images, documents, or case studies. Whether it's a presentation, project highlight, or personal website, showcasing your work demonstrates your expertise beyond words.
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is just the first step. Building and maintaining a strong network is just as important. A well-connected profile amplifies your visibility and increases your chances of discovering new opportunities.
