Like financial markets, the job market ebbs and flows. Jobs come into demand when the number of openings outpace the number of qualified workers.
These talent gaps are often a result of tech revolutions, like the widespread adoption of smartphones, which has created a shortage of skilled software engineers and app developers. They’re also an indication of growth, both in infrastructure and population, which calls for more teachers, medical professionals, surveyors, and builders. Take Canada, for example: With one of the fastest growing economies in the world, they have a supply-demand gap in over 100 professions.
For those seeking new employment opportunities, this talent deficit can work in your favor; especially if you’re willing to relocate to a country where your skill is in high demand. Michael Page, a global recruitment firm, has compiled a list of the professions most in demand around the world. If you think you have what it takes to be a successful expat, check out the careers most in-demand around the world – and where they’re needed.
Software Engineers and Developers
Interested in the Silicon Valley life? How about “Silicon Welly?” Wellington’s economic development agency just completed a program to recruit top talent around the world, going so far as covering moving costs.
Countries in Demand: Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Russia, Slovak Republic, Sweden, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, United States, Brazil, Chile, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand
Nurses
According to the World Health Organization, 27 percent of member states have less than one nurse per 1,000 people
Countries in Need: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Slovak Republic, Russia, Sweden, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Australia
Mechanical & Civil Engineers
Countries in Demand: Denmark, Belgium, Estonia, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Netherlands, Russia, Slovak Republic, Spain, United Kingdom, Hungary, Luxembourg, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, United States, Brazil, Chile, Australia, New Zealand
IT Analysts
Countries in Demand: Belgium, France, Czech Republic, Israel, Slovak Republic, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United States, Brazil, Korea, Australia
Accountants
Countries in Demand: Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, Canada, Chile, Australia, Korea
Surveyors & Skilled Construction
Countries in Demand: Denmark, Estonia, France, Switzerland, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
Teachers
If you’re an out-of-work teacher, keep calm. England can use your expertise. British teachers have been flocking to warmer climates and tax-free salaries, leaving classrooms vacant and chalkboards blank.
Countries in Demand: Belgium, Iceland, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia
Chefs
Countries in Demand: Belgium, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
Pharmacists
This talent gap may have something to do with the profession’s training requirement, but if you’re up for the challenge, the average salary for a pharmacist in Switzerland hovers around $83,000.
Countries in Demand: Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada
Psychologists
Countries in Demand: Denmark, Finland, Russia, Sweden, Canada, Chile, Australia, New Zealand
Find a career-country talent gap that you’d like to explore? Check out the resources below to help you get started:
- International Job Sites for Aspiring Expats
- How to Apply to Jobs in Another Country
- 8 Strategies for Landing a Job Overseas
