In short, if you want to leapfrog yourself into a job overseas go and learn a new language. You will not regret it.
Working overseas is what many people dream of. It is more than just the work, it is the travel, the adventure, the challenge and for many the chance to earn more money. But how can you improve your chances of getting a job overseas? There are a number of ways to improve your chances of working overseas. There is also one sure thing that will put you in the running more than others. Get the facts: The first thing to do is get as much information as you can about the country, city or company you wish to work for overseas. If you are already employed in the company and are eyeing an overseas position having as much information as possible about the country and city is still vitally important. By having the information you will be well equipped to answer any questions that may arise. Being able to answer the question “why do you want to work in this country?” with facts and something that will show are taking it seriously will help you. Network: There is a very good chance that you know someone working overseas in the country you wish to work in. Using social media reach out and start asking questions. Let people in the places you want to work know that you are looking and keep in touch. This way when a job does come up you will spring to mind. Know the industry or job well: Knowing the industry you are working in or wish to work well will often increase your chances of a getting a job overseas. Many big companies employ many foreign nationals in many countries; there is something to be said for a diversity of cultures. However, knowing the industry or the role you wish to work in well will make you stand out from others. Overseas work is highly competitive and not all roles are equal, normal job hunting rules do not apply. The one sure thing? Language. Language. Language. The word language has been repeated three times for a reason. Speaking the language, showing you have taken or are taking the time to learn another language is the number one way to improve your chances of getting an overseas job. You may be Australian, have great friends in France and be a great systems architect but if you cannot speak French then you stand less of chance of getting that job in the Paris office over the person who speaks French. Even someone learning French has a better chance. A job overseas is not just about doing the work and hoping those you work with speak your language, primarily English. An overseas Job means living in the country and conversing with locals of which a large number may not speak your language. By speaking the language, you automatically become a better fit for job, having taken the time to learn you have shown determination and dedication to further yourself and many employers are looking for this. Speaking French, German, Polish or any other language automatically opens up, and yes maybe improves, your chances of getting that dream job overseas. With a language, you become valuable; companies are looking for you rather than you looking for them.
In short, if you want to leapfrog yourself into a job overseas go and learn a new language. You will not regret it.
1 Comment
In South East Asia’s Indochina peninsula lays the country of Thailand, formerly the Siam so well portrayed in the musical The King and I. For many, Thailand is known for its wonderful food made with fragrant spices creating a flavour that is uniquely Thai and for vacations, massages and honeymoons. With images of practicing yoga in peaceful lush surroundings with a statue of Buddha in the background, Thailand is a place that many people have on their bucket list. But Thailand is not just great food and vacations, and with a population rapidly approaching 70 million, Thailand is a country open for business. Over the last decade, doing business in and with Thailand has been made a great deal easier having implemented a number of reforms that have benefited entrepreneurs and seen new businesses grow. These benefits have seen regulatory hurdles fall and a greater integration and use of technology such as electronic documentation being accepted as business standards. Thailand is most certainly open for business and whilst to the outsider Thailand would seem to be primarily a country that thrives on tourism, and tourism does play a huge part, it should be noted that more than 50% of the population are employed in the agricultural sector that accounts for less than 10% of the GDP of Thailand. Industry in Thailand has grown on the back of the large numbers employed in agriculture and whilst directly it only accounts for 10% of the GDP it indirectly influences the rest of the economy. But what about doing business in Thailand on the ground? With the growth in entrepreneurial business, one can expect to be dealing with a new generation of business owner or manager, many will speak English especially those who are determined to break into international markets but, and again, this goes back in a way to the large number employed in agriculture, being able to speak the local language, Thai, is essential for trade to really begin. Thailand’s tourism sector has grown, and in this industry, English is almost a must, but for those areas less touched by tourism that want the same success, often rural or remote areas that are stunningly beautiful, language becomes the barrier. Even an executive who has Thai speaking guides or staff may feel a little excluded from the dealings and conversation without even the smallest amount of spoken Thai. The Thai language is a powerful tool for any business or person looking to trade beyond the stereotypical Thailand of Buddha's and Massages that are a little more outside Phuket and Bangkok. Speaking the language breaks down barriers and further opens up opportunities the country has created. Even in the boardrooms of Bangkok, speaking Thai makes an impact, it shows respect, and if you have the wherewithal to learn the language you will be seen as a person worth doing business with. Thailand is sneakily making its way up the ranks of countries that are easy to deal with and learning the language (in-house or online) may just get you in to a growth market sooner than the rest. With the language you can have the pleasure of doing business in Thailand and enjoy the pleasure that Thailand is renowned for.
|
Archives
April 2024
AboutThese blogs are about learning a foreign language and utilising that skill to forward your professional path. Categories
|