The following section identifies specific challenges for internationally based roles that you should consider in advance:
Passport and Visa
- Is there anything that may exclude you from entry/working in another country
- Many organisations will conduct a full pre-employment check (medical, security clearance/disclosure) on preferred candidates. Outcomes of these checks may affect a full employment offer
Networking
- Is there an alumni/professional networking group you can/have joined in preparation for your relocation? Early involvement in location-specific networking groups can help support you pre-arrival and can be useful for intelligence gathering pre-interview
Cultural Awareness
- Are you/your family prepared for living overseas
- Have you spent time in the location itself to acclimatise to a different way of working/living
Location
- Have you researched cost of living (including housing/education, if children are also relocating?)
- Be clear on what attracts/motivates you to working internationally and to the particular country or city
Language Skills
- Can you show evidence of a second language if needed
- Are you willing in advance (or in-market) to learn another language
Your Future Employer
- Investigate what internal support there is for you/your family relocating
- Large organisations may support relocation, but it is worth checking the range of this support (regarding, for example, from estate/housing agents, setting up local bank accounts, enrolling children at schools/doctor etc.)
Studies have been undertaken by the UK government on emigration from the UK.
Much of the resources and up-to-date UK government advice on living and working abroad from tax to National Insurance questions can be found here.