In today’s global workplace, moving

abroad is becoming more and more

appealing. However, every

opportunity comes with its own

benefits and challenges.

So, before you make a decision to

relocate internationally for a job,

ask yourself these questions.

8 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE RELOCATING INTERNATIONALLY FOR A JOB

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If you haven’t yet been offered a

role by your current or potential

employer, but are curious to find an

overseas opportunity yourself, find

out where your skills are most in

demand first.

Do your research, make a shortlist

and go from there. You are far more

likely to command a generous

package if you move to a place

where your skills are in short

supply.

1. Where are your skills most in demand?

What are you hoping to gain from

this opportunity? Is it career

enhancement, a lifestyle change or

the appeal of gaining global

experience?

Once you know your objectives, you

can weigh up whether this

relocation and role will meet them.

2. Why do you want to relocate?

If you have been offered a role, find

out how long this assignment will

take. Is the timeframe too short for

achieving your goals? Is it too long?

What other commitments do you

have during this period?

If you haven’t been offered

something specific, then asking

some of these questions can help

shape your search.

3. How long do you plan

on going for?

Relocation as part of a career move

is often not just a personal decision,

but a decision that affects partners,

children, parents and friends.

If you have children, what is the

local education system like? What

are the work opportunities for your

partner? How frequently do you

need to return home? Can you work

overseas for the week and go back

at the weekend?

4. Who are you bringing

with you?

It is essential to do your research

ahead of your move. What is

happening in the local economy and

market? Which places would suit

your lifestyle? How long is your

commute?

Get access to ex-pat guides on the

destination, join forums, and speak

to local contacts on the ground to

get practical tips and advice on

living and working in the new

location.

5. Have you done your

homework?

Will you need to learn a new

language for your new role? Are

there local customs that you need

to learn about? These factors are

certainly not something to be

overlooked; many organisations will

even provide cultural training

sessions.

This can make a huge difference to

how quickly you adjust and how

successful the move is.

6. What are the cultural

differences that you need

to be aware of?

Is there a relocation package?

What is and isn’t included? What is

the cost of living in the new

location? Break down everything

you need to factor in with regards to

the move, from shipping through to

accommodation.

You should then find out what

support you will receive from your

new employer to help you settle in.

7. What support will

your new employer offer

you?

This is key. Can you spend a couple

of weeks in the new location to help

get a feel for the place? If so, take a

trip there and use this time to ask

yourself the above questions.

You will have other questions that

are personal to you, but these are a

great start to shaping your decision

making. Remember; don’t make

your choice in isolation of friends,

family, information and solid facts to

back up your plans.

8. What’s your gut telling

you?

Good luck!

International mobility often provides

fantastic opportunity to broaden your

experience both professionally and

personally. Often, the benefits will

far outweigh the disadvantages to

making such a change, and when

they do, you may never look back.

If you found this advice useful, you

may also enjoy these Viewpoint

blogs:

• Preparing a CV for international

applications

• Are you a ‘global citizen’?

• 4 ways to grow yourself global

ABOUT HAYS

Hays is a leading global

professional recruiting group, the

expert at recruiting qualified,

professional and skilled people

worldwide.

With over 9,420 staff operating from

248 offices in 33 countries across

20 specialism's, last year we placed

around 63,000 candidates into

permanent jobs, and around

200,000 people into temporary

assignments.

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