Working in a foreign country looks very impressive on your CV and will help your application stand out in the competitive job market. You get the opportunity to explore a new country, immerse yourself in a new culture and meet people from all over the world. If you can complete an international internship or job abroad then you show yourself as an organised and independent candidate to future employers. You cannot underestimate how this period of your life can boost your career.
The business world is becoming more international ever and employers are increasingly turning to those candidates that have overseas experience. Big name companies have a presence in various countries, and landing a job with one, means you could soon be living overseas in some of the most exciting and diverse cities on the planet.
If you want a new challenge, here are our top tips for getting a job with an international company.
Do your homework before applying
Before you decide to join a company, which will want you to relocate, you really need to find out as much as possible about your potential new home. It is a good idea to dig into everything from work permits, property prices, employment laws and schools, to the overall political stability and climate. Consider also a short-term trip abroad to help you learn the culture, get acquainted with the location and make face-to-face connections. This is also a great opportunity to line up in-person meetings or interviews with prospective employers.
Learn about work ethic
Similarly, you need to get a feel for the work ethic in the company and the country you’d be committing to. Dress code, work life balance and communication are just some of the things that differ between countries. When it comes to talking with colleagues, some cultures prefer to be direct and get straight to the point, whereas others feel uncomfortable with authority. It can be easy to wrongly assume people are rude or the environment is too laid-back. It’s worth keeping these in mind before you get offended with office communication.
Get networking
Making use of the contacts you already have is a great place to start when you’re looking for international companies to apply to. Use LinkedIn to find upcoming vacancies in companies with a big international presence or get in touch with contacts in other firms who may know who is hiring. The more people you talk to, the more likely you are to hear about an upcoming position in a country you’re keen to relocate to.
Brush up on your language skills
If you’re lucky enough to get through to the interview stages, make sure you know what you’re letting yourself in for. Some countries can be very formal when it comes to interviewing, while in other cultures it might be as laid-back as dinner with a potential employer, so they can find out about you, your family and your ambitions. Make sure you know what to expect and practice a few questions beforehand.
When it comes to landing a job with an international company, the most important thing you can do is research the companies and countries you are most interested in. Once you’ve identified the sort of role you want and the area of the world you’d like to get to know, polish up on your transferable skills and try to immerse yourself in the culture before you apply. Pick the right company and the right city, and the next chapter of your career could be an incredibly fulfilling one.