In last week’s blog post, we discussed considerations for properly evaluating a job offer. On top of all those points, there are more things to consider if it is an international job offer. Here are some questions to ask:
- How and in what currency will you be paid?
- Will relocation costs be covered? Both to the new location and return?
- What else could they assist with in terms of relocation?
- What are the parameters of the commitment? If something comes up and you need to leave the job/country, what would they do to help? Would you be liable in some way if you needed to end the contract early for emergency (or non-emergency) reasons?
- Many international jobs mean that an organization has offices worldwide. Perhaps you won’t be working in the headquarters. What does this mean for your reporting structure? Will you have multiple reporting lines? Are these dotted line connections?
- If working with multiple offices worldwide, what are the expectations for weekly meetings/ check-ins? For example, an organization has an office in North America, Europe, and Asia and there are weekly staff meetings every Monday at 9:00 AM EDT/3:00PM CET. This means if you are one of the colleagues in Asia, you will have to log into meetings at 10:00PM on Monday nights. How would you feel about this?
- What kind of insurance is provided? Does it cover travel to neighboring countries? Does it cover you when you are in your home country? Does it cover repatriation if you become ill?
- What is the official (and unofficial) working language of the office?
- Will there be an English-speaking (fill in the blank with your language of choice) representative of the organization to assist with your in-country orientation and initial setup?
- Will you be offered an orientation before starting work?
- If needed, will this orientation include language and cultural classes to assist with your acclimation?
- Inquire about potential taxes owed in your new country as well as in your home country.
- Does your company offer any tax equalization benefits (usually only applicable if on a contract with your home country)?
- For example, if you are on an American contract working abroad, would you get credit for time in relation to Social Security?
- Are accommodations or a housing subsidy included in the job offer? If not, how will the organization assist you in finding housing?
- Can your employer sponsor your partner and dependents?
In addition to these specific questions about the job itself, it is important to consider your life outside of work and to evaluate how this move could have a larger impact on you and your life.
- How will the move impact your hobbies/values?
- What are the cultural differences that may impact your lifestyle? (Example: does the country prohibit alcohol?)
- What are the cultural underpinnings that may impact the way you are perceived in the job? (Example: countries where women's access to education/employment may be severely limited and hence it impacts the way female employees are perceived by their male and female colleagues/clients)
- Even if your employer can sponsor partners/dependents, what exactly will they do during the day while you are at work?
- Does the country you’re moving to afford the opportunity for you to practice your faith?
- Are there organizational affiliations that are important to you that you'll be asked to forfeit by taking the job? (Example: volunteering with specific organizations; engaging with community groups)
- The availability of therapists and support groups vary quite a lot by the country and region you are in. How will you cope if you don’t have easy access to groups (example: Alcoholics Anonymous, LGBTQ, etc.)
- Will you have dietary challenges in the country (vegetarian/vegan/gluten free)?
Have you taken a job abroad? If so, what do you wish you had asked or known before doing so? Comment below with your own questions and tips for others considering international job offers!
