Get Globally Connected!
I’ve worked with job seekers from more than 180 countries. I have yet to find a job seeker whose home country doesn’t use some form of networking to find employment opportunities. Whether you call it “networking” in the United States, “guanxi” in Hong Kong, or “reseautage” in France, it’s all the same thing: making connections! Making connections is a part of daily life in most parts of the world. We can’t survive alone nor would most people want to. It’s natural to connect with others who share similar interests, which is why networking during a job search should be an innate part of...
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...
Read More23 Networking Opportunities for Expats
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: Official receptions National days in embassies, farewell or welcome parties in companies, United Nations events, NGOs. 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. Private invitations Invite...
Read More3 Strategies for Explaining a Career Gap While You Were Overseas
Almost all expats have a break in their career at some point. The moves overseas and spouses having to quit jobs to move along with their families mean months or sometimes years without working in your chosen profession. If the gap in your employment is less than one year, don’t worry about it. Employers are used to seeing gaps of a year or less, and this doesn’t put them off. But what if your gap is more than a year, what should you do? 1. Make sure to include any relevant activities during the gap on your resume. If you studied for your Master’s or took some classes during your gap,...
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