28/10/11

By Chris Slay

As an international recruiter I know that working abroad is not something that you can or should decide on the spur of the moment. Choose the right country and job and it can be very worthwhile but chose unwisely and it will be a nightmare so I’ve come up with a few tips that should help you make an informed choice and fulfil those ambitions.

Do I really want to work abroad?

This is a question that only you, as the individual can answer but do examine you reasons for wanting to work abroad carefully. In my experience running away from problems etc is unlikely to be the best motive. Alternatively, the desire to get experience, embrace a different culture and drive yourself forward are usually excellent motives.

Research

Living and working abroad is definitely not like a fortnight’s holiday and so, without exception, you must take time to properly research and understand exactly what your experience will involve. Once you have committed to an employment contract (probably under a non UK jurisdiction) it may not be so easy to simply give up and come home if you don’t like it after a month.

Once you have chosen the country and business sector that you want to work in research to find out what a typical the working life is like. Join internet forums where the day to day concerns of working abroad are vented. “Meet” individuals who are actually doing the job that you want to do, both expats and that country’s nationals.

Language

One of the first considerations has to be your language skills so that you can comfortably do the job you choose. This means that you will need to be sure that you have more than just a grasp of everyday conversation because you’ll need to know all the “technical” language relating to your chosen job.

There is nothing to stop you learning a new language relatively quickly but do this before you start the recruitment process and, where possible, obtain a qualification to add to your CV.

Culture

Working in a different country will bring a culture change that you must be prepared for. This applies even if you are going to a county which, on face value, may have a similar culture to the UK, such as Australia. It is important that you do not underestimate the impact that this will have.

Opportunities - Where and what

Yes, the world awaits you but make sure that you understand where what your skills are and where the realistic opportunities currently lie to secure a job more easily.

Remember to take into account that some opportunities may be “seasonal”. For example, if you are a teacher then the main opportunities may be available between May and September in preparation for the next academic year.

Likewise, look for changes in that country which affect your employment. For example, from September 2011 the teaching of English in Saudi is mandatory for grade 4 and above and so there is currently still a huge demand for English teachers.

Alternatively if you really have decided on a destination (or you have no choice because for example, your spouse/partner has a job move) then do look at what skills are needed and consider whether you can reasonably acquire them. For example, if you have existing accountancy skills can you obtain a qualification to prove their transferability? If so where can you do this and what are the costs (time and money) to you?

Halfway House

Consider employment with an organisation that provides the possibility to work in the UK and another country. Many organisations have offices here and elsewhere so investigate those opportunities.

Very often this type of arrangement may allow you to work abroad for a short, fixed time, for example, 6 months. This will give you the opportunity to have a “trail” with some security of the same employer and is a great opportunity if you are not absolutely sure.

Visa

Depending on where you want to be, the right to work in another country, or obtaining a visa to do so, may be complex. For example, the EEC generally allows free movement for employment without permission whilst certain countries, such as the USA, may initially have a more stringent visa application requirement.

Other countries may have links and special arrangements for individuals from the respective countries, such as Australia and the UK. In addition, do also remember that most countries have a much more flexible approach where you are transferring with an existing employer or where that country has a particular skill shortage.

How to start

The internet has made things a lot easier and if you are determined to do it alone make sure that you thoroughly research the salary and working conditions you can expect for the type of job you want as well as the individual organisations you are applying to. Remember that employment law rights will differ, so make sure you have at least a basic understanding of you entitlement and rights in your chosen country.

I would always advise getting the help of an expert before you start your search. There are recruitment organisations which specialise in particular sectors and countries and these have links with various organisations in each country. They have access to available jobs and they also have an awareness of the global workforce and multilingual workers. They also have the skills and knowledge (such as advice and assistance about visas, banking, tax and other general migration needs) which will make your move to the new country much smother,

The best things about working abroad

Working in a different country will always bring a wealth of experience that you could not obtain otherwise. This includes:

Problem solving –you will deal with situations that you simply would not face in the UK
Team work and relationship building with a diverse range of people and organisations
Higher earning potential which is often (for example in Saudi) tax free
Cost of living in relative terms may be low so it can provide an opportunity to start build savings

However, whether you are intending to work abroad for a limited time or you wish to emigrate make sure that you research your experience so that it is a truly fulfilling one.

Chris Slay, started his career in international banking to become of Head of Commercial Banking at Union Bank of Switzerland and Group Operations Director at NHL and was asked to advise Lloyds of London.. Chris is now the CEO of an international recruitment organisation Skills Provision www.skillsprovision.co.uk and www.recruitment-agency.eu