Working abroad – How to make the move
Ever wanted to work abroad? Thought it would be too difficult? Here are five simple tips to get you started.
It’s not just the retiring population who are looking to move abroad. British expats are not simply flooding the Costa del Sol or French Riviera, a staggering 58% of Britain’s 1.16 million expats are actually working abroad. That’s more than 670,000 people – about the population of Sheffield and surrounding towns.
WRS Tech is an independent Technical Recruitment Consultancy who resource, recruit and retain technical professionals.We work with a global client and candidate base and maintain relationships with some of the industry’s most respected individuals and companies. There are so many exciting prospects out there in the industries we work with and at WRS Tech we want to help you realise these opportunities.
1. Plan. Plan. And plan again.
Obtaining a visa and relocating can be a lengthy process. So ensure you do your research thoroughly and speak to your WRS Tech consultant to ensure all eventualities are considered. Our Consultants are very experienced recruitment professionals and we daily deal with moving people around the world to support the offshore and marine industry. If you consultant has not dealt with the specific region you are moving to, it is likely they are sitting within 15 ft of someone who has who can pass on some inside information.
2. Get the job first
Finding the right job first will give you a fantastic safety net and allow you to plan so much more of your relocation. You will know your income, start date and any benefits your new company has to offer. They may cover the costs of your relocation. WRS Tech's consultants thoroughly recommend that you hold off laying down any expenditure until you have a job offer in writing.
3. Avoid visa fever
Remember, if you are moving from one member country of the EU to another you DO NOT need a visa. However, other countries have different rules, so do your research thoroughly. Eg, in the USA, unless you’re married to an American (and even then it’s not easy) you have to be ‘sponsored’ by your employer to get a work visa.
4. Research your new working environment
Understand the culture and etiquette expected within the country you are moving to. This could prove invaluable in the meetings with clients and customers, and prevent any awkward situations. Research avoids disappointment as well and ensures that such a life changing decision is made with as much information as possible. Again We recommend speaking to you WRS Tech consultant for advice on areas to research.
5. Cut the confusion
Eliminate confusion at all opportunities. When the time is right and on the advice of your WRS Tech consultant (mainly once the written offer of employment has been secured) Speak to your employer directly to avoid any confusion, emails can all too often be misinterpreted, and something as simple as the gender of an individual cannot always be determined from written correspondence.
So with all these exciting opportunities available do not sit on the fence wondering what could have been. Let WRS Tech help you make the exciting decision which will change your life!
WRS Tech is based in between Portsmouth and Southampton in the South of England, close to air, sea, rail and road links. WRS Tech benefits in being sandwiched between the UK’s two premier maritime cities and a short trip from London.
Chris Ellis
Offshore Technology Team
