Once You Are There, How Do You Move On To Your Next Job?
Gina Vazquez
When you are first told by your employer that you have the opportunity to be transferred to another country with an expectation of a better life, you really do not think about it twice. Everything seems too good to be true, you pack your things, you say your goodbyes and you start in your new job with this sponge-like feeling of wanting to learn and absorb as much as you can.
For your partner, the feeling is somewhat similar, however, they have to deal with professional issues and accept the fact that they are arriving in a country where nobody knows who they are or what they have done. Their resume, no matter how impressive it was in their own country, does not mean much here. The job search ends up being a lot harder than they anticipated. Employers are looking for candidates with local experience. However, your partner does find work eventually, and whilst it may not be their ideal job, but it is a good one to start with and hopefully it will give them some necessary 'local' experience.
And so, your life in the new country begins. However, something neither of you have probably yet considered is what will happen after a few years. Let's say that your company goes through an economic crisis and they lay you off, or you want to grow professionally and move to a different industry, or you just need more money and your company is not offering it. What do you do?
For your partner, it can just be the urge of getting to the level he or she was before relocating. So once you have passed that first period of adaptation and the time comes for either/both of you to move on, are you prepared to compete against other candidates with a lot more experience (cultural and professional) to stay working in that country, with diplomas from "recognized" (local) institutions and who better understand the whole looking-for-a-job process? Here in Canada, there is government help for newcomers in learning how to write a resume and prepare for an interview but I have not heard of anything that helps them get a promotion or move between companies/industries.
A lot of people say it is much easier once you have had at least one job to gain credibility and be able to start climbing the ladder. I do not think that this is always the case. In my experience, it is just as difficult to get that second or third job, because it is still hard for employers to appreciate your skills and experience and they expect your resume to show at least three or more company names and the description of the jobs you have performed in each one before giving you the opportunity to take a more senior position. They are still looking for some more validation of your knowledge, and there are still hundreds of candidates out there competing against you who probably have better chances of getting the job.
Top 6 Tips for Your Job Progression Abroad
After going through this experience myself, I recommend taking these actions in order to make it easier to move up in the professional field in this new country:
1. Try to grow within your company as fast as you can. Be very proactive and always speak up, make sure your boss realizes the potential you have so that when the opportunity comes you can get the promotion that will take you to the next level. This will make it easier for you to get the same kind of position when you decide (or have) to move to a different company. Plus, you will most likely get a good recommendation from your boss.
2. Get certified or take a course that can validate your knowledge and experience. Choose an institution with a good reputation, do not just enrol in a program for the sake of it: look for a curriculum that will help you enhance your skills - a program in which you money and time will be well-invested.
3. Do not stay stagnant: if you feel you are not comfortable in your job, or if you feel there is not much more you can learn after one year, move on, even if that means getting the same kind of job somewhere else - you can try getting into a different industry or a different type of business.
4. Get to know as many people as you can. Develop your network and make sure people know what you do and what you are good at. When applying for a job try to find someone in your network who works in that company and can recommend you. Remember that relationships must be cultivated, do not expect a recommendation from someone who you met once, added to your contact list and never spoke to again.
5. Keep your goals very clear. Make sure you know what you want, do not send resumes for positions that "sound" nice because there is nothing else available. Wait until you find the job posting that sounds more 'right' for you, or from the company you want to work for. Invest time in finding out more about different companies, their values, their missions and so on.
6. Have you thought about becoming independent and starting your own business? Many countries offer a lot of support (financial, training and so forth) to new entrepreneurs. If you think you can use your skills and experience to offer something new to the market in your new country, then you should consider this option as well.
This is a difficult stage as an immigrant if you are not prepared and if you do not have a plan. However, if you do, it can be a very rewarding experience - one that helps you grow both professionally and personally. Be aware that for you to be successful you must be willing to take control ofr your professional self. Opportunities may not show up as easily as they did back in your own country, you may have to fight for what you want and show what you are made of.
Gina Vazquez has been involved in different areas of language instruction for the past 13 years. From countries such as Mexico, whose northern neighbor controls a lot of its industry and economical situation, to European countries when deciding to become a union, to Canada with more than 250,000 immigrants arriving every year, taking language and cross-cultural training has gone from being a commodity to being a necessity. Her intention through her blog is to share her own experiences about diversity and language training. www.letstalklang.blogspot.com
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