Success Tips for Expat & International Careers

Expat & International Careers: New Strategies Required for Career Success Abroad in Today's Global Marketplace

Having 20 years experience in career, organizational and business development in 40+ countries, I can tell you that the world of work is going through some dramatic changes right now. Companies and organizations worldwide recognize they must expand outside their borders if they want to survive, but must do so with less resources. International assignments (and their compensation packages) are being redefined to minimize costs while meeting staffing needs overseas. A complex and dynamic global economic climate means things change quickly and organizations must be able to adapt and respond accordingly.

 

Current career and talent management strategies no longer work

Despite widespread unemployment, there are incredible skill shortages and an unmet demand for talent worldwide. This is leaving companies unable to fill positions necessary to drive growth outside their borders and capitalize on opportunities in new and emerging markets. Organizations are trying numerous strategies to attract and retain their talent while developing their global competencies. And yet we have high jobless rates and reports showing that 30+% of expat professionals and executives are actively looking for new jobs while abroad and a third of them leave their company within a year of returning home. 

Why is there a disconnect between the supply of and demand for talent?

One of the reasons is because career and talent management strategies effective even a few years ago are not working in today's global employment climate. 

 

International Job Search: Cross Cultural Confidence is a Critical International Job Search Skill

I've just posted a new article on job-hunt.org : A Critical International Job Search Skill: Cross-Cultural Confidence 

Specifically I write about:

• how the international job search can lead to a loss of confidence  
• how a loss of confidence can affect all aspects of the international job search
• how to prevent loss of confidence from sabotaging your job search

Read the full article: A Critical International Job Search Skill: Cross-Cultural Confidence

Expat & International Careers: Your Personal Brand DNA is Critical to your Career Success Abroad

In today's competitive global marketplace, you cannot afford to not set yourself up for success or jeopardize your performance with poor role and environment choices. Being able to compete with top talent requires demonstrating a history of results that comes with performing well at work.

By positioning yourself using your true strengths and unique qualities - what I like to call your Personal Brand DNA - for best fit roles and environments, you will not only naturally stand out in a highly qualified global talent pool, but you will set yourself up to perform at your best by being your best self.

 

Expat and International Careers: Personal Branding is the Key to Expat and International Career Success

In today’s dynamic, competitive, global marketplace where employers are seeking out talent across the globe, we must be visible to right decision makers so when those choice projects and job opportunities come up we are well positioned to secure them. 

This is why personal branding is what any current or aspiring expat should be using to guide their career management or international job search.

My recent article in the Expat Career Column on Expat Focus, a top online resource for all aspects of expat life, describes numerous other benefits of using personal branding to drive your international career plan, including:

Expat Stories: Big in China's Alan Paul on Blogging and Balancing Passion and Practicality for Success Abroad

Imagine being settled into a comfortable life not too far from New York City. Things are going well for you professionally. You feel secure, confident and in control of your future. All in all life is pretty good. 

Now imagine your spouse being offered a job half way around the world in a country you know little about. A place where you are certain that there would be few local professional prospects given you don't speak the language. A place where you know no one and have no idea what living would really look like. Understandably, you experience a gamut of emotions from excitement to fear and everything in between.

You decide that, despite your fears, you'll embrace the adventure and dive in head first - moving with your spouse and three kids to Beijing, China. 

What follows is the story of Alan Paul, author of Big in China. In his book he writes about moving his family to China when he wife was offered a three year assignment as the Wall Street Journal's China Bureau Chief. Alan shares about his experiences in becoming a stay-at-home dad and a successful expat blogger, as well as connecting with the local community and building a band that went on to win "Best Band in Beijing".  

Given what  Alan has accomplished, I'd say the man is a true rock star in many senses of the word. Alan serves as a great example of what is possible when you can fully engage in the expat experience and don't let your fears hold you back from pursuing your passions overseas.