KEY POINTS:
Living and working overseas for a few years is an integral part of being a Kiwi. But it's a big step, and with more countries than ever before offering work visas, the decision of where to go can be difficult.
With a huge amount of information available on the internet, it can also be overwhelming and difficult to know which source to trust.
Here are 10 tips to help professionals see the world and advance their career at the same time.
1. Prepare your documents.
Before going overseas, find out what sort of visa you need for the country you plan to live and work in. Contact the country's embassy, high commission or consulate and explain why you are visiting and ask what visa you need and how to apply.
Make sure your passport is valid before applying for a visa and venturing overseas. It must be valid before you leave and while you are living in your chosen country. For example, some countries will not give you a visa if your passport is valid for fewer than six months.
As you are moving overseas mainly for work, make sure your CV is up to date and in the format used most widely in your chosen country.
If you intend to remain overseas for a long time, you may need to take other personal documents and identification, such as birth and marriage certificates.
2. Investigate your industry-specific options.
Deciding on a country or city you will work in will depend on the industry you are in, so research this well. For example, financial services recruitment is buoyant in the UK, driven by continued mergers and acquisitions and financial markets being at record highs.
If you work for a global organisation with branches in other countries, perhaps you can investigate an international transfer.
And if you can afford it, it may be useful to visit your country of choice before moving. This will help you become familiar with the culture and environment, and perhaps even meet potential employers face-to-face.
3. Set yourself a timeline.
Knowing approximately when you'd like to move overseas is essential to your preparations and will guide you through the process. Having a timeline will help you sort out what you need to do and when you need to do it while keeping you focused on the end goal.
4. Research potential job options.
While there are several places you can search for overseas work, probably the easiest option is to register with and meet a recruitment agency, preferably one with global offices, such as Robert Half. The agency will be able to take the headache out of exploring all the options available and help you find the positions that best suit you.
Robert Half now has a new website for accounting and finance professionals who want to work abroad - www.financejobsabroad.com - and through it you can search for jobs in your chosen destination.
It's also a great idea to speak to colleagues, friends and professional industry associations who may help to put you in touch with prospective employers.
5. Determine the best time to go.
The best time to go will depend on what you want to achieve and how much change you can cope with at one time. For example, if you leave New Zealand during summer, you will arrive in the middle of a European or American winter, which can be bitterly cold. Are you ready for that, or is it best to get used to your new country while the weather is still warm?
6. Manage your money.
By following a timeline, you'll be better equipped to manage your savings, as moving overseas can be expensive. Consider how much it will cost to get over there and estimate how much you'll need once you arrive, especially if you are looking for work when you land.
Think about rent and everyday living expenses, such as food and transport.
To make the most accurate estimates, contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country you'll be living in and ask for advice.
Also ask your New Zealand bank about the best options for transferring money internationally between accounts and on which banks will suit your needs in your chosen country.
7. Test your health.
Before leaving, have a full medical and dental check-up to make sure you're in top shape when you arrive.
Also ask your doctor what vaccinations you may need and the health restrictions your destination country may impose.
8. Be insured.
Make sure you organise travel insurance before you leave, and that you have researched what is available in the country you are moving to. New Zealand has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and Britain, but these cover publicly available care only and not, for instance, medical evacuation back to New Zealand.
Check out the Ministry of Health website.
9. Organise living arrangements.
While you have chosen a country, it's helpful to research the exact town you might like to live in. Speak to anyone you know who has lived there previously or seek advice from your recruitment consultant. Robert Half has a dedicated International Candidate Manager who can provide advice on the best places to live as well as other tips for relocating.
10. Minimise culture shock.
To make your settlement smoother, find out all you can about the culture you will be living in so there are no obvious surprises when you arrive.
Once you are there, be open to new experiences, languages and customs. Immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy!
For information on working overseas, visit Robert Half's website www.financejobsabroad.com.
See next Saturday's article by Megan Alexander about re-establishing your career at home after your big OE.
* Megan Alexander is division director for Robert Half Finance & Accounting
