Moving to a foreign country is a huge change – but often the bigger challenge is getting used to your new workplace and making a success of your new job. If you’ve moved from a country with a relaxed work culture to a country with a far more formal one, then it might take you a while to adapt. However, if you follow these five tips, you should soon be settling in and climbing the career ladder with ease.
Career tips for expats
1. Do your research before you even arrive
These days Google is a font of information. You’ll be able to research your new country from a distance and check out your new company online. If you haven’t got a job lined up, you can research recruitment agents and even start applying.
If you do have an employment contract, make sure you are happy with it and know exactly what is required of you before you arrive. If you are expected to fulfil new functions, you can start researching these to see what is involved and how to best meet your new challenges.
2. Adjust to your new country’s business culture
Google will broadly cover the business cultural differences from country to country, however, it’s only when you are on the ground and doing business that you’ll actually experience them.
If you are a western woman and are moving to the UAE, you might find the business cultural differences hard to adjust to. Unfortunately, to be a success in business as an expat, you need to be able to take business cultural differences in your stride. Swimming upstream is a lot harder than going with the flow.
3. Observe from the rear before making your first move
Spend your first few weeks in your new job getting used to the way business is done in your new country. Take your time to observe your team and identify strengths and weaknesses before you make any decisive actions. One of the worst things you can do is dive into the workplace and start making decisions that are likely to upset the morale of your team.
Observe your fellow team members and see what’s working and where you can make improvements – then quietly start to make some changes. Before you know it, your team may be adopting successful business practices from your own country with very little fuss.
4. Fake it till you make it
A confident, optimistic attitude is important. “Fake it till you make it” is an old adage, but a very good one to follow when you’re starting a job in a new country. There will be a lot you have to get your head round, but if you’re smiling and happy, people will generally have more confidence in your abilities.
If there is a preferred dress code in your new company, embrace it. There is not point in dressing down if everyone else is wearing a suit and tie. The management of your new company will respond to you more positively if they feel you are making an effort to fit in with their business culture.
5. Network after hours
In many countries a great deal of business is done on the golf course or after work over drinks. Make an effort to meet your colleagues after work and join in any social activities they participate in. As you socialise and get to know your colleagues, they will, in turn, make more of an effort with you and before you know it, you’ll be widely regarded as a team player.
If you’re planning on immigrating and need any advice about your financial migration, contact us today and we’ll help you on the path to financial freedom in your new home.
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