Protocol for Business Cards in Argentina
When traveling for work, business cards are one of the essentials. They serve as a means of introduction, of exchanging contact information and of maintaining networks. Although the content, form and layout of business cards worldwide is very similar, there are key regional differences in both the content and most importantly, in the etiquette of exchanging them. In doing your best to be successful, having a culturally appropriate business card and knowing the proper etiquette of exchange can make all the difference. The Card: Business cards in Argentina are important and...
Read More5 Tips for an International Job Search
There are many considerations when launching an international job search. You need to think about what you want to do versus what opportunities are available, who are your potential contacts, where to look for openings, and how to apply for jobs. Here are a few tips you may not have considered: 1. Understand your competition. When searching for a job as an expat in another country it is helpful to remember that your competition will mostly likely consist of locals. There are many foreign-educated locals competing for the best jobs in most countries. Even though there may...
Read MoreMonochronic and Polychronic Cultures
In general, the way that different cultures view time can be described as a spectrum with monochronic or polychronic at either end. While there are cultures that fall in between, when planning a transition abroad it is a good idea to understand which end of the spectrum your native culture falls closest to and which end your destination culture falls closest to. Monochronic Cultures In a monochronic culture, people tend to place a high value on timeliness and schedules. They focus on the value of time, and therefore tend to have a very rigid interpretation of how to organize their...
Read More3 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...
Read MoreGet Lost in Business Culture
As Susanne Taylor points out in her blog post “Why Getting Lost is Good for You,” it can be helpful to “get lost” in the culture of another country. Not to “be lost,” as Susanne points out, but to “get lost” by observing the nuances of the country and its culture. Learning the business culture in your new host country is critical to making a strong first impression as well as demonstrating professional behavior to your peers, whether they are locals or expatriates. The nexus of culture and your job search is where you will ultimately achieve job search success. Almost everything you...
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