Working in an international company is not just great for your CV, but working abroad can also provide you with exciting new opportunities and give you a different perspective on the world and business. This experience and increased knowledge will make you highly desirable and give you a lot of leverage, especially in this current climate where employers are fighting over applicants due to the great resignation!
But how exactly do you get a job in an international company? This article will provide you with some tips and tricks.
1. Research
Before choosing to implant yourself in a new country and culture, you need to do your homework to ensure that your selected country corresponds to your requirements and desires. Find out all the information you can, the culture, the food, employment, behavioral and privacy laws, education, property prices, the weather! When moving to a new country, it’s always difficult at first as you are out of your comfort zone, hence, it’s imperative to ensure that your transition is as smooth as possible and you are not confronted with any surprises (For example, in some countries, you cannot drink alcohol in public.)
2. Start your job search
Once settled on the country that you would like to move to, start to look for a job in your field. You do not want to arrive in a foreign country, without any support system, without a guaranteed job. Although it is harder to find a job abroad than nationally, it is still possible. You can use search engines like Linkedin to filter the country you would like to find a job in. You can also build your social media presence to network and to attract employers to you. Linkedin premium may be a great tool to invest in as it will facilitate your job search and allow you to message people who are not your contacts. Jobs fairs for specific countries usually take place in large cities, so make sure to attend! Lastly, don’t forget that if you already work for a multinational firm, you may be able to internally transfer!
3. Get your visa / work permit
Unless you live in a free movement zone, you cannot just move to another country without prior administrative procedures. Some companies will sponsor your visa, but many will not and will even refuse to give you an interview unless you are legally allowed to work in that country so to give yourself the highest chance of getting a job in an international company, start the process as early as possible!
4. Perfect your language skills
To work in an international company, you must be able to speak the language fluently, so before attending an interview, perfect your language skills. Start to watch series / listen to music in that foreign language and hang out with expat groups in your country to give you the chance to practise speaking!
5. Adapt your CV
Before applying for the job, you may have to adapt your CV as norms can vary across countries. Some countries prefer a short and sweet CV, whilst others are looking for something more detailed. Remember to translate your CV.
6. Prepare for the interview
The final and most important stage! After having completed the first five steps, the last thing you want to do is falter at the last hurdle! Before attending the interview, make sure that you have done your necessary research, and nailed down your answers to potential questions! Being foreign can give you an advantage! Highlight the fact that by coming from a different country, you can bring fresh ideas and a different way of working to the enterprise
