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:: Career News

Are You Expat Material?

2009-11-22
by Tim Gray

Here are five things to consider before hunting for work overseas.

Most happy expats possess some similar traits: They’re adventurous, embrace unknown situations, have high self-esteem, and are generally outgoing. Still with us? OK. So what next? What do you ask yourself to make sure heading offshore is right for you? And how do you enhance your chances of landing the right job? We asked Mary Anne Thompson, founder and president of Going Global, and she offered the following sensible tips:

#1 Consider if this move is going to help or hurt your career.

If a job opportunity is in your field, and it involves taking on more responsibility, it doesn’t really matter where it is. Plus, odds are the international experience will provide advantages in an increasingly global job market.

#2 Find a niche that the locals cannot do.

For example: If you work in finance, or marketing, or public relations, you might seek opportunities that involve helping firms looking to acquire U.S. companies. Or find companies interested in gaining a foothold in the U.S. and need marketing help with people who know America. Chances are your cultural awareness is a strength — you just don’t yet see it as such.

#3 Consider the paperwork and bureaucracy.

In many countries, any serious potential employer will need to prove your job isn’t taking away a local job. If you’ve already developed a niche, you’re all set: You have built the business case for the employer to hire you. But if not, and a prospective employer is casual about this issue, beware: It could be a warning that the employer isn’t someone you want to work for.

#4 Evaluate your finances.

Are they going to pay you in euros or dollars, dong or baht, yen or pesos? Getting paid in the local currency can work out just fine, but be sure you’re aware of the risks. If you work in India, for example, and the currency is devalued by 20 percent (as happened last year) those college loans might have to be put on hold for a long time.

#5 Know thyself.

Sure, it sounds obvious, but think hard about whether you’re going to be comfortable with the local standard of living, lifestyle, and even weather. You know who you are better than any recruiter, so don’t let someone convince you to take something you don’t feel certain about. Living long term in another culture can be rough no matter the benefits. Remember, you can always try to go first as a tourist. You might decide you just need to stay near home.