Your Global Career GPS: Mapping Your Int'l Career Moves

In today's globalized world, the allure of an international career has never been stronger. As a French-American professional preparing for my move to Paris, I've discovered that navigating the international job market is as much art as science. From deciphering visa requirements to mastering cultural nuances, the path to a successful international career is paved with both challenges and exciting opportunities. Whether you're one of the 80% of millennials dreaming of working abroad (Zety, 2024) or part of the growing wave of professionals seeking international roles post-pandemic (LinkedIn, 2023), this article will be your compass. Drawing from my own experiences straddling two cultures, I'll guide you through the essential considerations, planning strategies, and cultural insights that can transform your international job hunt from daunting to doable.

When outweighing the pros and cons of working abroad, taking the plunge (or not) often comes down to your values and priorities. Does your future country have a culture with similar values to yours such as work/life balance, adequate PTO, and higher compensation?

I stack-ranked cultural values that were important to me and found that some of the American ones were lower on my list. As a French-American, I realized that my values are more aligned with the French culture and have decided to move to Paris in September.?

Keep in mind: There is no predetermined amount of time that an international move could take. It’s different for everyone. That could be months, or more than a year. Level set your expectations so that you can complete this process from start to finish and still have the energy remaining to kickstart the new chapter in your life!

Getting started: What are things you should consider when moving abroad for work?

• Analyze your profile: Assess your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the international job market. This SWOT analysis allows you to identify areas to improve, better position yourself in the market, and will build your confidence. The more in-demand your skills are in your target market, the easier time you will have.?
• Research visa requirements and work permits: Check the legal requirements for working in your target country to avoid any legal issues down the road. Consult your local embassy or consulate or hire a consultant if necessary to understand the requirements and considerations fully.??
• Develop language skills and cultural awareness skills: Understanding cultural nuances and being self-aware is key when navigating interviews in foreign countries and languages. Being prepared for different interview styles and expectations is key to navigating an international job hunt. To show up authentic and confident, you’ll want to dig deeper into how you can adapt to local business culture and etiquette. Ask your current network, post in forums, listen to podcasts, ask ChatGPT, and leverage other resources around you to ensure you’re ready to adapt.??

What are other aspects to consider?

• Can you see yourself adapting and being open to cultural adaptions??
• What do the career advancement/growth opportunities look like?
• What are the cultural nuances to keep top of mind when interviewing and moving there?
• How to negotiate job offers in your target country?
• Will you get permanent residency or work authorization and a visa? Will there be a relocation assistance package?
• What does the housing situation look like? Do you need to work with an expat agency?
• Will you be saving money every month or living off most/your entire salary?

Networking across borders:

• Attend international job fairs, both virtual and in-person
• Leverage LinkedIn's 'Global Connection' feature to connect with professionals in your target country or research people in your field who live in your target country and city - hit them up on LinkedIn with an intro
• Participate in language exchange classes/programs to meet people and practice the language
• Search Facebook for expat groups and join online communities - you’d be surprised you meet!

Let’s say you’re ready to job hunt internationally, what does your checklist look like?

• Adjust your social profiles to fit the business culture of your target country
• Take the time to upskill via online courses, and executive, or graduate courses
• Update your resume/CV to match the style, needs and expectations of your target country
• Review local market job hunting timelines and expectations, some countries have longer bureaucratic practices than others, resulting in a 3+ month interview and hiring process
• Researching companies and roles in demand, follow prospective employers and industry leaders on various platforms
• Expand your international network, engage with expat groups, meetup groups, and professional groups on LinkedIn and Facebook to optimize your visibility
• Research local job boards which may differ from the traditional global sites like LinkedIn and Indeed
• Ask for referrals and get your recommendation list ready
• Apply and keep track of your applications?
• Legal and Immigration (visa process, timeline, cost)
• Cost of living adjustments (salary, healthcare, groceries)
• Organize moving logistics like shipping, housing, and settling in

Remember to take it one step at a time and to use all the resources around you to get you to where you want to go. Share your resume, ask for feedback, and connect with people in your target country to get their insider’s perspective on the job market and cultural nuances to be aware of.?

When moving internationally and navigating fluctuating economies, be honest about who you are and what skills and experiences you bring to the table. Be open and compassionate towards yourself on what you can improve. Is it your confidence? A language barrier? A course you need to take? While this can time, you’re also leveling up your skills, building stronger relationships along the way, and finessing your profile so you get a better chance at getting hired.?

Keep checking in with yourself and keep your values close to help you stay focused on your goal. Whether your international career starts in 3 months or a year, each step you take will bring you closer to your global ambitions. You've got this!

A huge thank you to Jordan Byrd for your contributions and support in ideating and editing this article.