INTERNATIONAL JOB SEEKERS
International candidates, in addition to credibility issues, must address a series of language and culture concerns. If what you seek is a transfer from one corporate office of a multinational corporation to another, this element may be less critical. You are, after all, already a part of the corporate culture. Although you seek a transfer to a different location, this is less complex than many other situations. Common company goals and themes may smooth the way for your application and may make the language and cultural factors less important. For many other international candidates, say executives working overseas who wish to establish completely new ties in the United States, or those who want to work in their country for a US-based corporation or company, the language and culture issues are critical and often subtle.
Standard English is mostly a fiction. English, the business language of our day, is anything but standard. Words and phrases that are commonly understood, say in Australia or Pakistan, will have a totally different meaning or connotation in Houston, Texas or Boston, Massachusetts. Similarly, grammatically correct Standard English may strike a US reader as stilted, officious or even phoney. For any of these reasons, the reviewer is likely to reject an application and cover letter, without even getting to issues related to a candidate's credentials and competence. At the core, a simple principle is operating: people feel most comfortable with what they find to be familiar. The international candidate, then, has an extra burden to bear. He or she must go the extra mile to establish ties, to make his/her materials not only legible and correct, but idiomatic and current. Assume that your reader is not particularly well-traveled and that he or she would rather deal with someone from his/her part of the world than with an international candidate. This will guide you to ask the right kinds of questions and to frame your application in a way that makes it "user friendly."
This probably means that you will need expert assistance. If your resume is being translated into English (or another language) you may want to engage the services of an expert translator to assist you. A poorly tranlsated resume will make you look bad on two counts. First, it will make you look less competent and organized than you are. Also, it will throw your judgment (and therefore your leadership skill) into question. Make sure that your translated resume is handled by a first-rate professional who can capture the nuances in your experience and highlight your skills.
Particularly in highly technical areas, the wording of your resume will have a significant impact on whether or not people are interested in meeting you. Also, much of this is industry specific and sometimes driven by geography. High-tech companies across the United States do not use the same lingo. Even the same company, operating in different regions of the United States or the world, will have different names for the same or similar procedure. The closer you can get to replicating the language, and therefore the culture, of the company you want to woo, the better your chances of being invited for an interview.
The goal of an effective application is to make your reader believe that you fit. "Fit" certainly has to do with competence and credentials. It also has to do with how quickly you can show that you understand and respect the protocol, language and culture of the organization you wish to work with. This is a part of why a personal introduction goes a long way in long-distance applications. Having a person on site, or at least within the same system, who can vouch for you, will make it easier for the person making hiring decisions to feel comfortable that you will fit in. Displaying a solid knowledge of the company, its operating priorities and its culture will also pave the way for an invitation to interview. Even if you do not have a personal contact within the company, get feedback from your professional networks, study the Annual Report, check the news to find out more and generally get up to speed on the company before applying. The time you take to investigate the company will be one of the best investments you can make in your own job search.
Beyond this, it is helpful to have done some homework in advance regarding
practical issues such as:
1. Relocation costs;
2. Equivalent salaries/benefits;
3. Legal issues (eligibility for visas, work permits and benefits in the coutry
to which you are applying);
4. Areas you are willing to negotiate. (Will you accept a lower salary, for
example, to offset high relocation costs? Will you forego an commission bonus
in favor of a higher base salary?); and
5. Your family's relocation needs and preferences. (Will you need assistance
locating a professional position for your spouse? What about health benefits,
pensions and savings plans? Will you forfeit benefits if you relocate? Have
you already investigated likely schools for your children and their cost?)
For example, if a spouse is reluctant to relocate, have that discussion and understand his/her objections before submitting an application. You do not want to disappoint your potential employer either by declining an offer after multiple meetings or by dragging out negotiations as you iron out the logistics with your family/spouse. Know in advance that you have support for relocation and know in advance the general package that will suit your family's needs.
A prospective employer is much likely to entertain an international candidate who has done his/her homework and presents himself/herself as both a competent and cost-effective option. Also, your would-be employer will be relieved the burden of investigating all kinds of issues with regard to your application. He or she will also take it as an indication of your seriousness that you have put together a cogent relocation plan. Ofcourse, during the negotiation process you should remain flexible and open to new ideas. At the same time, going into the negotiations with clear ideas and parameters will only help you to secure the best possible offer.
Finally, your extra work will probably pay off handsomely. Many savvy employers
know that, in a global marketplace, a diverse workforce is an asset. They
will see your added exposure and global perspective as an enhancement of their
capacity to play in the world marketplace. They will learn to appreciate the
nuances you will bring to their analysis and the added perspective you will
give to their thinking. Make it easy for them to see your value. Bridge the
gap first with a solid resume, clear expectations and the willingness to be
flexible. Then, you will reap the rewards of your careful planning.
Karen
Alphonse, Senior Consultant
ExecSearches.com