Language

 

Probably one of the most important considerations when you are moving to another country, and even more so if you are seeking employment, is being able to communicate in the language of that country. If you are not fluent, communication will be a barrier, and you will not be desirable as an employee.

You don’t have to be a grammar expert, but you certainly need to have a good grasp of the language, especially if your role involves liaising with a wide range of people.

Poor language skills mean your chances of landing employment are relatively poor, and this will be a significant barrier to any role you are looking at undertaking.

You will, however, find once you have made a move, your language skills will improve significantly just by surrounding yourself with native speakers, and this is one of the best and quickest ways to learn any language.

 

Economy

 

It will be advantageous to be informed and up to date with the country’s economy. You will want to know things like the currency exchange rate from your country to theirs and whether the country has a reasonably stable economy. You don’t want to end up working more long hours with less monetary value. The country you intend to live in should have an expected growth in the field you are seeking employment, so your chances of securing employment against a local selection of applicants will be sort after.

 

Employment Opportunities

 

You also want to research the employment opportunities in your particular niche of the job market you are active in or any you might be interested in and qualified in before you make a move.

Be aware of social security benefits and policies on sick leave and holiday pay. Holidays are an essential part of any employment contract, and in most countries, there is an obligation on the employer’s part to provide paid holidays for a certain period of time. Some companies also provide assistance with transferring to another country and entitlement benefits for your family.

 

Health Care System

 

Having an understanding of how the country’s healthcare system works is very important. You will need to know what entitlements (if any) are provided and what kind of health insurance (if any) your job market offers.

Health insurance can sometimes be part of an employment package – but this is not compulsory. At some point in time, you’ll need to take advantage of the country’s healthcare system, and when that time comes, you will want to be fully informed of what is available to you.

 

The culture of another country

 

Culture is vitally essential and utterly different in every country. The environment in which you will be working will always strongly reflect that country’s culture. If you are in a country in which it is customary for specific persons of authority to receive special treatment, gestures, or be addressed in a specific manner, you must comply with these practices.

If you are a religious person and you are in a foreign land that bans public prayer or only allows certain religious practices, this is something you must refrain from, especially in your workplace.

Having knowledge and respect for another country’s culture will help you gain respect, which in turn will help you be more successful in your job market.

New Kiwis is a Chamber of Commerce initiative designed to tap into the wealth of international talent living in New Zealand and looking for employment.
At New Kiwis, we connect employers with ex-pat kiwis and new immigrants and provide valuable information and resources to ease the burden of finding employment in New Zealand.
New Zealand Businesses appreciate the diversity within their organizations and understand having staff from different cultures can be advantageous for international markets.