According to a recent US study, 48% of people would leave their home country to get a job in a different country. Whether you’re struggling to find work domestically or simply fancy a change, it’s an attractive prospect. However, it isn’t always as easy as it sounds and you need to do some research and preparation before you go. One route that is very helpful is using the services of an expat business coach to help you with the transition. Here are some more tips that will enable you to make an exciting and worthwhile life change.
Choose somewhere your skills will be valued
Your skills will make you more likely to find work in some countries than others. Language will play a big part in this. If you can only speak English, there are only a limited amount of countries you can move to. If you are fluent in other languages, you will have more options. Certain industries are located in particular areas too. For example if you work in fashion you may find more jobs are available in fashion hubs such as New York, Milan and Tokyo. A business coach can help you narrow down the places you are most suited to.
Ask a business coach to help you hone your Skype skills
If you’re applying for jobs abroad, the majority of your interviews will happen via Skype. Speaking via Skype is very different to speaking in real life and it can be hard to come across well. Make sure you have a decent camera, a quite space at home and an area with a neutral background. Practicing speaking and listening with a slight delay will make interviews go much more smoothly.
Keep a close eye on your industry abroad
When you’ve chosen the country, or countries, you’d like to live in, keep an eye on what is happening there within your industry. Follow international news to see what is going on. Perhaps there has been a downturn in a particular area so you might want to avoid it. Or maybe there has been a sudden tech boom and lots of employees are required. Knowledge is power, and you will find gaining employment easier.
Consider a foreign transfer within your own company
If your current company has offices abroad the easiest route for you to work internationally is to apply for a transfer. Some companies offer programs that allow you to work abroad for two or three years. They will take care of logistical things like visas, moving costs and taxes. If you find you want to stay after the program is over you’ll be perfectly placed to apply for another job in that country.
Localise your resume
Another thing a business coach can help you with is tailoring your resume to a particular country. Make sure your keywords match the correct spelling of a particular country. A good example of this is US spelling, where words like ‘humour’ need to be changed to ‘humor’. If you’re fluent in a different language, translate your resume to that of the country your applying within.
To arrange a no obligation consultation for expat business coaching, get in touch today.