“Sometimes expat partners tell me they’re willing to accept ‘any job’ in order to work abroad. That’s when I get worried,” says career coach Heidi Los.
Mismatch
She explains: “If you are willing to take any job, chances are slim that any company or recruiter will ever select you. Why? Because you won’t stand out, you won’t be the right person for the jobs you’re applying for, your education and experience will probably not match specific requirements. Even if you’re happy to work in an unskilled job, you may struggle to secure one if employers think you’re overqualified.”
Motivation and enthusiasm
Los, who has worked with many Global Connection members, has a clear message for expat partners who feel they shouldn’t be picky in their job search. “I always say: ‘I should compliment you on your commitment to finding work, but actually you’ve got an issue.’ They need to understand the importance of having a personal connection with the job opportunities they pursue. After all, what companies look for is that click: how much experience, knowledge, motivation and enthusiasm will you bring to the job?
Focus is key
That’s why it’s so important to focus a job search. Expat partners need to get to the core of what they want. As a coach, I can help by providing a framework and asking the right questions. We keep searching until we find answers, and that’s when it becomes a lot of fun. When expat partners discover what they truly want and how to bridge any gaps there may be, the chances of job search success increase immensely.”
