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Working Abroad – 5 Essential Tips for Those Dreaming of an International Career.
Traveling to various countries, obtaining international certifications, meeting professionals from around the world, and earning in dollars are just a few of the advantages of working abroad. However, to achieve such a goal, it’s essential to follow certain steps and have persistence in this journey. To make your life easier and provide you with a QUICK GUIDE on how to get there, Luis Franco (with over 12 years of experience in Brazil and abroad) shares some tips for you. WRITE THIS DOWN:
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ESSENTIAL TIPS
1 – LANGUAGE
This is the first step and perhaps the most important to consider for anyone wanting to work abroad. Speaking the language of the country you are interested in working in is crucial. The business language worldwide is English, but depending on the country, other languages may be requested as a preference.
Before moving on to the next tip, understand one very important thing: WITHOUT SPEAKING ENGLISH, THERE IS NO CHANCE AT ALL.
2 – QUALIFICATION
You need to find out what is required in terms of qualifications, documentation (passport, visa, certificates) for you to be eligible for a job in another country.
THINK ALONG WITH ME: What would make a country on the other side of the planet interested in relocating you to work there instead of using its own workforce? The answer is quite simple: Need Vs Qualification. The need arises when the country cannot find the professional it requires with the necessary qualifications.
It’s worth noting that to apply for a job abroad you must do it online. You need to have your resume updated and preferably in English. You need to have an email (of course) and ideally, you should be connected with the major social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.). Most companies abroad conduct interviews via Skype, however, the Phone may be used to speak with you and check your level of conversation in the foreign language. Many candidates can’t even get past this stage. Believe me, even the mobile application WhatsApp may be requested to facilitate the interview.
LinkedIn is a great source of opportunities and job postings. Keep your resume updated and in English. Make good use of this online tool. Be very careful with the photos you post on social media as they could work against your reputation.
CAUTION!
Don’t post pictures without a shirt, at the beach, by the pool, consuming alcoholic drinks, with other people, wearing sunglasses, or in inappropriate clothing. After all, LinkedIn is a social network that will showcase you as a professional, so, BE PROFESSIONAL.
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3 – NETWORKING
It is highly recommended that you have contacts outside the country. This will greatly facilitate an international employer in choosing you for an interview. Join groups that share the same interests as you and be open to receiving help, tips, and feedback from those who are already where you want to be. Remember that in order for someone to recommend you, that person needs to know you and trust you. So keep in mind that we are always being observed. Always maintain a professional demeanor, even if no one is around you.
4 – CULTURE
Can you imagine getting your long-desired international contract and when you arrive there, you know absolutely nothing about the customs, history, and culture of that place? There will probably be a culture shock, don’t you think?
Just to give you an example, there are countries that find the following normal:
- Having more than one wife – Saudi Arabia;
- That women have little value and exist only to serve men – Some Middle Eastern countries;
- Not using toilet paper (only washing with a bidet or a container with water) – India;
- That a couple displaying affection in public is prohibited and may even lead to imprisonment – India;
- That possessing nude or pornographic images on a phone could condemn the owner to death – Saudi Arabia;
- That carrying drugs is a crime punishable by death – Saudi Arabia;
- That arriving at meetings or appointments BEFORE or AFTER the scheduled time is disrespectful – Some European countries;
- That it is normal to hold an employee by the arm in the workplace – USA;
- That it is normal to shout at an employee and treat them with disrespect – Some countries, etc.
Does all this seem absurd? Well, this is their culture, and for them, all of it is normal. Knowing the customs of the country where you will be working and respecting them is essential for your success.
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5 – FLEXIBILITY
Being FLEXIBLE, or having the ability to ADAPT to the work environment, is the KEY to increasing your chances of success.
Not everything will be perfect, and what will be offered to you may not be exactly what you expected when it comes to working abroad.
Be cautious of your BELIEFS – what is true for you may not be true for someone else.
Be careful when expressing your CULTURAL HABITS – culture shock can deeply affect you, and trying to understand the culture of the country where you will be working will help you avoid gaffes and offenses.
Keeping these tips in mind and working on each of them towards achieving your goal will lead you to the long-desired international contract. Study, research, and be prepared when the opportunity arrives.
Take the opportunity to stay connected with Click Petróleo e Gás so you don’t miss any news and most importantly, your chance to secure a good job offer. Good luck.
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THE AUTHOR
Luis Franco, (46), originally from Salvador-Ba, Safety Technician (11 years of offshore experience), has two daughters (8 and 16). He studied International Relations at FIB (now Estácio University) and started his career as a Safety Technician in 2005 at a large copper industry company (2 years at Caraíba Metais – Grupo Paranapanema) and in 2007 was called to work at Transocean do Brasil (drilling) where he traveled to various countries for work and training. He stayed there for 10 years as RSTC (Rig Safety & Training Coordinator) and in 2017 had the long-desired chance to work abroad on an international contract. He currently works in Saudi Arabia for an offshore construction company – McDermott (headquartered in Houston-USA, with an office in Dubai – United Arab Emirates).
Channel on YouTube:
francopelomundo – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEstAkjxRYeQFJdUvqi6Fdw
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