Applying for Jobs Abroad

Furrtiv

Hi guys, I've sadly been laid off due to staff cutbacks - last in, first out kind of thing - and am still looking for work in the creative arena. There are lots of jobs abroad for concept/character/storyboard artists, for which I have the skills, so I was wondering what would be the things I could say in a CV/cover letter that would make me appear an attractive potential employee, over and above native citizens of these other countries? (Apart from an outstanding portfolio, of course!)
I'm looking at applying in the States and in Europe, as well as considering freelancing from home, depending on what comes around.
I have a current passport and driving licence, and apart from all the usual stuff about uprooting one's entire life (no kids, but do have a partner and pets and friends, plus student loan debt and personal loan currently on a CCCS agreement), are there any legal issues I need to be aware of? I've heard that travelling to the States, even for a holiday, can be a paperwork nightmare. I'm hoping that any preliminary interviews can be done via Skype, but I am prepared to travel and use up savings if that's what it takes.
Anything else I need to consider?

PinkLipgloss

I've been working abroad for several years.

In my experience, employers are often weary of overseas applicants because they worry the move won't suit them and they will then up sticks and return to the UK.

It is much easier to move within the EU in the first instance as you are automatically entitled to work and therefore paperwork (although annoying) is straightforward and employers don't have to worry about going through the ordeal of visa/sponsorship application processes.

Furthermore, it makes employers less nervous as you are only a few hours (by plane) from home and regular weekend trips to see family/friends are viable.

It's important to emphasise your commitment to living abroad. Thoroughly research areas you are applying to and ensure you use this knowledge to support your application. Ideally, you would be able to draw upon previous experience of working abroad.

Furrtiv

Thankyou, I don't have experience of working abroad, but I simply want to be able to go where the good work is, and that may mean travelling and relocating. My applications are in their infancy; I applied for a post at Pixar today, and will have to send a portfolio of work out (they require hardcopy) first thing Monday morning, by the quickest route available. Luckily, I already have good quality photocopies of my work ready to go. (That reminds me, thankyou for mentioning research about the area, I must do that.)
It's simply the situation I find myself in, that if I want to work in a place where I can still paint, draw, etc, then I have to be prepared to uproot myself.