Planning to work abroad? What should I think of?

Working overseas is a great opportunity to gain both life and work experience, both which will assist your progressions. You should take into consideration a number of things before you finalize your plans. Below is a list to start you off:

1. When is it most timely to make a move?
   Does a particular time fit into your personal life – completing a major assignment/qualification or milestone before you move? You want to give yourself every opportunity to find the most relevant opportunities in abundance, moving during calendar peaks will help with this. So consider when are the best times of the year for the recruitment of your skill set. Otherwise, which times of the year should I try to avoid – Christmas/holiday/festival times? Finally, how long will you be able to commit for? You should be prepared to commit to a minimum of 2-4 years with an employer if possible. If you are able to, a working holiday visa will enable more flexibility around this commitment.
2. Working abroad will be either a progressive career move or a career break – which are you hoping for? What is the objective of your holiday? Are you looking to gain experience in new areas? Are you keen to see the world? Work in other disciplines or develop new skills? You should arrive with a rough idea of exactly what is it you want to gain from the opportunity. Knowing will help you to articulate what you want to potential employers, making you more attractive.
3. What is the local market like & what’s in demand – do your due diligence, research about the country (if you have not been able to visit previously) how are the economic conditions and what is the forecast? What types of roles are being recruited and do you have the relevant skills to do such a role? You can gain such information by looking on local job boards, speaking with employers and recruiters directly. Speak to such sources and let them know when you will be arriving and is it possible to get a role from your homeland before you arrive?
4. Research what terminology and business language you need to be familiar with. Be sure the roles you apply to are most relevant given your experience. Locally the terminology you may be familiar with may vary, if you are a ‘financial accountant” make sure the responsibilities of a financial accountant in this country are relevant and not termed something different. This also applies for the level you are applying to. Does your experience align to a “senior” level or is it more commonly termed “manager”?
5. Salary expectations and flexibility – What is a reasonable level of remuneration for the role you are applying for? How do you compare and make yourself more attractive on such a scale? When you are targeting a new market, you should ensure you are appropriately priced – not over or under! You should avoid comparing your salary directly to that of the local currency, accept that they won’t convert! Instead consider saving slightly more before you head abroad so you have the ability to accept a position based on the opportunity not the remuneration. Once you are working for a firm you will gain more ability to negotiate your salary. A good guide is to consider the comparison of the cost of living rather than the compensation.
6. Visa/residency requirements -Without a relevant visa or residency, you will find it impossible to discuss opportunities. Potential employers will be requiring you to demonstrate your ability to work and availability to start. You should clearly state this on your resume to ensure you are competitive.
7. Location - where will you live and where will you work? This question will be asked of you when you interview with a recruiter. You should have a rough idea of where you would like to be based and the distance you are happy to commute for work.
8. Local qualifications – Will your current qualification be recognized or do you need to convert your qualification to a local one? Can you convert it to a local one? Will it be worthwhile investing in the completion of a new local qualification or an internationally accredited one before you relocate? If you are unable to convert your qualification, it is certainly worthwhile to know and have an awareness of the local equivalent.
9. Culturally – this is perhaps the most important consideration; will the location be a “fit” for you? Are there obvious cultural barriers – the language, the food, local customs or etiquette? If you love the outdoors, there is no point relocating to a location where the weather is extreme and everything is of an indoor nature. Further to this, how will your family fit in with the local customs? Will the overall experience be enjoyable?