Relocation advice for overseas candidates

We understand that with the world economy and jobs market in a state of flux, many candidates may have exhausted the various career opportunities available to them in their own countries and will look elsewhere for a chance to propel their careers and to gain new experiences. While we would always say that relocation offers real career advancement opportunities, this must always be met with caution.  It is important that anyone wishing to relocate understands and appreciates the pitfalls and risks associated with such a life changing decision.  

 Before you move you must consider:

•  Do you have a solid and confirmed job offer in place first before you relocate? If so this will make to whole process a lot easier. Your employer may also offer financial incentives to make the move easier including legal assistance with visas.
• You will need to consider the local housing market as this will affect whether you decide to rent or to buy and in which locations. If you need to sell your existing home quickly will this affect your move if it is subsequently delayed?
• The cost of living -Will you genuinely be better off financially if you chose to move? Some cities like London are very expensive so the cost of food and travel can easily erode a weekly budget. If you are generally moving to a more expensive country then can you allow for the expenses increase? Even if the new job comes with a significant pay increase.
• Will you decide to move alone or will your family come with you also? If so, you will need to think about the area in which to move, for example would you be close to local parks and amenities like schools for the children. What is the teaching quality like? Is the local area safe and are there hospitals?
• Do you have a network of friends or work colleagues in place to help you to settle in on arrival? If not will you be lonely? Having a strong support network with any move is crucial for it to be a success. Many relocations fail due to people finding it too difficult to leave behind friends, family and their home due to attachment issues.
• Does your new job offer real career advancement opportunities and have you discussed them previously with your new employer? Will your new employer provide provisions for training that can help you to be happy and stimulated in your new role once you arrive and into the future?

We hope that if you decide to relocate it will provide you with the career and personal advancement that you are looking for. But it is also important to remember that such a commitment is a huge undertaking and will require a lot of thought and prior planning. Throughout the whole process you need to keep a positive frame of mind and be realistic in regards to your expectations. You will also need to discuss any life changing decisions with loved ones first to make them aware of the situation. 

Written by Jennifer Megafu