Networking seems to be the key to finding employment wherever you live in this globalized world. The following are some ways that expats “network” in many countries:
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Official receptions
National days in embassies, farewell or welcome parties in companies, United Nations events, NGOs.
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Social and private events and gatherings
Dinners, parties, functions, cocktails, formal and informal drinks, Sunday lunch, coffees, teas, bars, clubs. Make yourself known and promote your skills as much as you can. Let people identify you as a “professional person” as much as possible.
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Private invitations
Invite someone or get invited.
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Ask for professional meeting
Meet people at a social level (dinner, party), then call your contact and ask for a professional appointment (with an Ambassador, a manager, etc.)
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Sports activities and clubs
Sports clubs, golf clubs (inside info and contacts for senior positions), gyms, mountain climbing clubs.
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Meeting someone by chance
Expats seem to visit the same restaurants and the same supermarkets. Be friendly!
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Go to the “in” places
Markets frequented by expats, popular restaurants, coffee shops, and others.
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Through accompanying spouse’s contacts
Getting inside information from spouses (of international employees), your own spouse’s contacts plus your spouse’s current or former colleagues.
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Friends
Through friends in similar fields.
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Professional events
Attend meetings and conferences. Seek out professional associations in your field.
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Identify groups
Professional groups are good ways of networking, including women associations, clubs and committees, and professional associations. Join groups, penetrate them, participate in their meetings, talk to someone attending, and sign up for their mailing list.
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Through colleagues
Former colleagues and former contacts from previous jobs.
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Word of mouth
The expatriate community can be big and very concentrated in some areas. Word of mouth is a very direct way to get information.
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School
Expatriates’ children go to the same schools.
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Places of worship
Widely used by locals and some expatriates.
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Internet
Electronic resources listed throughout this blog and recommendations by others in the country.
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NGO network
Someone you contacted in an NGO can mention you to another NGO or share professional opportunities with you.
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Canvassing
Someone who knows you may promote you and recommend you for a position.
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Conferences
Attend conferences, workshops, seminars (select those that are targeted to your career or where you know there will be HR professionals and executives.) Get the info in newspapers/magazines/ advertisements, Internet, the expat community, and through Chambers of Commerce.
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Clubs and associations for expats
Spouse organizations, such as the Local Expatriate Spouse Associations (LESAs) are often set up by UN organizations that are focusing on support for dual career couples, the Association for American Women Abroad, and other associations that are focused on expat communities.
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International hotels lobbies: info on meetings, seminars, conferences
Check the event announcements in the lobby of the major international hotels, which host conferences, seminars, activities, meetings, which are often regional or international and are attended by many international staff. Also keep in mind that many expats frequent large hotels for their restaurants, bars, social activities, swimming pool, and other resources.
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Mingle with locals
Develop leads through locals and expats.
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Extracurricular activities.
Weekends away, safaris, cinemas, vacations at the beach, skiing trips.
What tips would you add? Add your comments and tips here!
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