An "international job" can mean any number of things, from a two-year gig in the Peace Corps to a stint as a C++ programmer for an Italian telecommunications company. Cultures and customs vary from nation to nation, from one industry to another, but some general advice can help when you're starting to think about working abroad. Here is a quick rundown of some of the initial questions you might have if you're embarking on an international job search.

For more answers about making the leap to work abroad, check out these articles as well:
International Costs and Benefits
International Myths and Realities

What should I expect from the international job-search process?
Searching for an international job is considerably more time consuming than searching for a domestic one. The complexities involve language barriers, cultural differences and the logistics of interviewing with a company thousands of miles away. All of this means you will need to devote extra time to researching prospective employers and learning how to approach them. Blindly sending resumes to companies with international offices is not enough.
See International Job Structure and Hiring Practices and Effective Job Search Strategies

What types of jobs are available?
The major sources for international jobs include the Federal government, businesses, consulting firms, nonprofits and universities. International organizations, from development banks to health policy groups, hire workers for jobs abroad, as do consulting companies in fields as diverse as construction and telecommunications. The somewhat chaotic, decentralized nature of the international job market means the job seeker needs to target specific fields and organizations.
See Preparing for an International Career and International Job Search

Should I be concerned with the state of the international economy?
The global economy can certainly be volatile, as anyone who reads the headlines knows. Consider the excitement over the economies of southeast Asia and Russia in the early 1990s, followed by the current situation, characterized by a great deal of uncertainty in many regions. Still, while the international economy may not be in perfect shape, opportunities abound for those willing to seek them out.

Do I need to develop a new resume for an international job?
Don't rely on your brief, American-style resume for an international position. International employers often want a much more in-depth curriculum vitae (CV) from applicants. Of course, your existing resume may serve you well if you're applying to a firm based in the U.S.
See International Resume Choices, Turning a Resume into a CV and Monster Resume Resources

Do companies provide special programs to help workers and their families acclimate to another culture?
Do not underestimate the challenge of adjusting to life in another country. Before even applying for an international job, consider what it will mean for you and your family. Will your spouse be able to find work? Do you have elderly parents who may require care? Will you have to leave pets behind? What will this mean for your children's education? Some companies offer programs to help with educational issues, cultural ones, and other concerns, both when you're planning to make a move and once you've arrived.
See Family Relocation and Cross-cultural training

Should I pay someone to help me find an international job?
Be wary of companies charging a fee to secure you an international position. The promises of such firms are often overblown and should be viewed with caution; they may claim to have special connections, but do no more than put your resume in the mail. Reputable recruiters are paid by employers, not by job seekers.

How will a company in another country evaluate my credentials and interview me?
If the company has operations in the U.S., you may be interviewed here. Otherwise, an organization may interview you by phone, by email, or may ask you to be interviewed overseas.
See International Images and Questions to Ask Before Relocating

Is knowledge of another language and culture enough to get me in the door?
Don't assume you're a shoe-in for that job at the German book publisher just because you know the language and spent your junior year abroad in Berlin. Those experiences may help, but they are in no way essential to finding a job abroad. Companies look for sought-after skills, rather than knowledge of a country's customs. If business is conducted exclusively in the native language, then that will, needless to say, be a prerequisite for the job. In fact, international business is often conducted in English.
See International Images and International Job Structure and Hiring Practices

Is it easier to find a job abroad when you're already in another country, or is it best to conduct the search from the U.S.?
Do not assume that you would be better off looking for a job while in your country of choice, as that is often not the case. Expatriates may have the advantage with short-term jobs, but companies based in United States often prefer to hire from corporate headquarters.
See Finding a Job Abroad and Effective Job Search Strategies

Is there much "job hopping" among those with positions abroad?
Those devoted to an international career, rather than a short stint abroad, often switch jobs frequently, moving among assignments in different countries or organizations.

Is it necessary to secure a work permit for an international job?
Many countries put a number of restrictions on foreign workers. They may require you to pay special visa fees, prevent you from taking a job in competition with local workers, and require you to renew your work permits and visa periodically. Why the restrictions? Other nations do not want foreign workers competing for local jobs. You will be in the best position to get a work permit if you find a job with a company that hires foreign workers and handles the logistics of securing the necessary papers.
See World of Work Permits

Who will pay for moving expenses?
Policies vary from company to company, but at the very least, you should expect to be compensated for airfare. Companies also typically provide allowances for you to bring (and return) household items.
See What to Expect in a Relocation Package and Family Relocation

Should I expect a housing allowance?
Your housing costs will vary by location, of course; you should ask potential employers about whether-and how much-they will contribute to your housing costs. In some countries you could easily pay $2,500 to $5,000 per month on housing.
See Housing

Will my employer help my spouse find employment?
Do not wait until you're working in another country to address the issue of your spouse's employment. Discuss the issue with both your spouse and your employer. Companies are increasingly aware of the need to accommodate the needs of a spouse, and the employer may either find work for the spouse in-house or else in another organization.
See Following a Spouse Abroad

Where will my children attend school?
Schooling options vary from country to country. If an international school is nearby, inquire with your employer about the possibility of tuition reimbursement. In some areas, a suitable school may not be available, and you may wish to consider boarding school. These matters should be considered and evaluated as part of your decision about whether you want an international job and whether the compensation is adequate.
See Family Relocation

What is the best way to start my job search?
To find an international position, follow these steps:

1. Consider your career goals and how a job abroad would fit into those goals;
2. Research regions where you would like to work;
3. Revise your resume, if necessary, to suit the international job market;
4. Target specific organizations as potential employers;
5. Review the openings available through Monster.com and other resources.