3 Areas to Research Before Launching an International Job Search

Posted on Jan 17, 2017 | 0 comments

3 Areas to Research Before Launching an International Job Search

Recently, I was in Toronto. Toronto is known as the most diverse city in the world, with more than half of its population being foreign-born. What a treat for me to spend some time speaking with other career professionals who regularly work with high-skilled, job-seeking international professionals.

 

We discussed many issues facing this population, but I want to share with you the top three areas that were discussed regarding what international professionals need to research in order to be effective in the job search. These three areas apply to you whether you’re an international student wanting to continue to work in your host country, the spouse of an international assignee, or an immigrant or expat in the country.

 

1. Work permits.You need to know the laws governing your ability to work (and, in some countries, your ability to volunteer). It can be confusing to find this information online, and it’s often recommended that you seek an international immigration law firm to assist you with the process. However, you can find some general information and links at the Permits Foundation. This is an excellent site for spouses/partners of international employees, but also provides links for anybody seeking visa/work permit information.

 

2. Career information and options.You’ll need to know what types of employers are in the city where you’ll be living. Will you be in a rural area of an emerging country where most nonprofit organizations operate? Or will you be in a bustling metropolis that is bursting with multinational companies? Some of this research can be done online, but you can get better information from others who have lived there or are currently living there, which takes us to…

 

3. Network/contacts.It may be challenging to develop a network from scratch, but there are many ways to build an effective network within a month or two. You’ll need to research to find out what networks exist. You may find formal networks, such as Chambers of Commerce. Or, you may find online networks through Facebook or LinkedIn or on many of the expat websites. Or, you may find informal networks, such as a women’s group, or expat sports club. Making contacts is critical to an effective, international job search. Check out our guidance on developing your network with the career tool Get Globally Connected!

 

We want to hear from you! What information was most helpful to you before you launched your international job search?

Written by: Susan Musich, Passport Career Founder & Executive Director

Edited by: Anna Sparks, Expert Global Career Consultant

 


 

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT AN INTERNATIONAL JOB SEARCH?

 

Passport Career provides more detailed career information and extensive resources about networking, finding a job, internship, alternative career opportunities as well as information on writing CVs, cover letters and interviews. If your organization, embassy, university/college, library, or other institution would like access to our country portfolios (15,000+ pages of expert content for 80+ countries and 250+ cities) to share with your students, employees, spouses/partners, and others managing a national or international career transition, please click here to contact us (or send an email to: info@passportcareer.com) regarding a free, live, online demo and details on how to obtain a license to access Passport Career.

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