Ok, sorry for the lack of content lately. Ten days of vacation and the following dig-out has put me WAY behind. Regardless...I’m back, I’m rested and ready to write. This week's post comes at the request of Alexey Tokarev and I really appreciate it as I think writing posts via request is my favorite thing kind of blog.
Anyway, Alexey asked me to give a few thoughts on networking for a for a job in a foreign country. Here we go:
1) Understand the visa or work requirements - This might seem like overkill but honestly, this has to be step one. You need to be an expert in how things work and what you need to do to legally work in the country. Why you ask? Because you’ll want to be able to articulate how easy or difficult it will be to get there. Some places it’s easy to work....some it’s impossible and you need to know that before you start.
2) Go local - You’re going to need to do some hardcore networking to find a gig in another country. Start be networking with local offices and use those relationships to to leverage connections in your target location.
3) Know your, um stuff - Take time to really understand the country/location you are targeting. Having a solid understanding of the language, culture, traditions and job market will show potential employers that you’re serious and interested in trying something new.
4) Visit - This one is tough because it costs money...potentially a ton of money but if you really want to show people you are serious about going to another country...take a trip. Set up a ton of networking meetings, cups of coffee and hopefully interviews...and do them in person with a little luck.
Ok, hope that makes sense. Getting a job or internship in another country is TOUGH stuff...but people do it all the time you just have a to be diligent, have a plan and execute. Good luck and if anyone has other tips I’d love to hear them.
Good article as always. I also think people should make sure they research the salary structure and cost of living in the other countries as there can be some pretty significant differences (even for the same role in other countries).
ReplyDeleteThe other path is to find a job in your home country with a big multi-national and then transfer within the company after a period of time. This might be the easiest path to realizing the dream of working abroad...if you're patient...it could take a few years to make it happen.
ReplyDeleteGreat points guys, both REALLY helpful for folks who are looking to make a move....
ReplyDeleteYou will definitely eat some cash, but just go! Touch down and meet some folks. Talk about what you love and what you want to do and do the best you can to be in the right place at the right time. Learning the language is a lot easier on the ground as well. In my experience, I could use networks I had back in the states to help me in my new spot. I was the default because I was the only person they knew over here, and I had a good reputation. The Expat community can be a great resource too, especially if you get to know them and they want you to stick around. There's a lot of luck involved, but nothing ventured nothing gained, and worst case you'll get a great adventure out of it if it's somewhere you'd really like to be!
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