How to Get a Job with an International Company

Working for an international company can be a great way to see something of the world whilst you’re learning. Big name companies have a presence in various countries, and landing a job with one, means you could soon be living overseas in some of the most exciting and diverse cities on the planet.

If you want a new challenge and a spot of globetrotting, here are our top tips for getting a job with an international company.

1. Do Your homework

Before you decide to join a company, which will want you to relocate, you really need to find out as much as possible about your potential new home. Do some in-depth digging into everything from work permits, property prices, employment laws and schools, to the overall political stability and climate. You won’t want to join an international company and find you’ve been posted somewhere you don’t feel happy, so always do your homework before you even start applying.

2. Learn about work ethic 

Similarly, you need to get a feel for the work ethic in the company and the country you’d be committing to. Dress code, work life balance and communication are just some of the things that differ between countries. When it comes to talking with colleagues, some cultures prefer to be direct and get straight to the point, whereas others feel uncomfortable with authority. It can be easy to wrongly assume people are rude or the environment is too laid-back. It’s worth keeping these in mind before you get offended with office communication.

3. Get networking

Making use of the contacts you already have is a great place to start when you’re looking for international companies to apply to. Use LinkedIn to find upcoming vacancies in companies with a big international presence or get in touch with contacts in other firms who may know who is hiring. The more people you talk to, the more likely you are to hear about an upcoming position in a country you’re keen to relocate to.

4. Brush up on your language skills 

If you really want your application to stand out, then starting to pick up the language you’ll need can be a great place to start, why not brush up on your English skills with Kaplan? Many local companies are expanding globally and need workers who can speak their native tongue in addition to English. Whether your language skills are at an intermediate level or fluent, showing you are eager to keep learning can put you head and shoulders above the competition. 

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5. Be prepared for the interview

If you’re lucky enough to get through to the interview stages, make sure you know what you’re letting yourself in for. Some countries can be very formal when it comes to interviewing, while in other cultures it might be as laid back as dinner with a potential employer, so they can find out about you, your family and your ambitions. Make sure you know what to expect and practice a few questions beforehand. You don’t want to find yourself at a loss for words or making an etiquette faux-pas at such an important stage in the game.

When it comes to landing a job with an international company, the most important thing you can do is research the companies and countries you are most interested in. Once you’ve identified the sort of role you want and the area of the world you’d like to get to know, polish up on your transferable skills and try to immerse yourself in the culture before you apply. Pick the right company and the right city, and the next chapter of your career could be an incredibly fulfilling one.