3 Questions Expats Should Ask Potential Employers

In a previous blog, I shared a bit about my experience with and support for expathood (read here). Since then, a number of you have asked me questions, much of which had to do with the employment aspect of my journey.

So, here it is. In this follow-up, I will share three questions I think expats should ask potential employers before leaving home to work in a different part of the world.

Why is this important? Keep reading. I will explain. And as you read, bear in mind that the need to ask these questions is dependent on the availability of this information (i.e. it’s not in the job offer or employer’s introduction). Also, every expat’s situation will be different, so use that interview time wisely and ask only if the answers are crucial to your decision.

Here are the three questions to consider:

1. What kind of relocation assistance do you offer?

There is a lot to factor into the big move from ‘home’ to another country for a job, even if that country is close by. These include:

• Navigating immigration – This can be a nightmare. Some companies will help future employees with applying for a visa or work permit. In fact, if you’re lucky, company representatives do most of the leg work. All you have to do is provide what they need to help you. On the other hand, some companies expect you to already have a visa or work permit, even if it’s a cart-before-the-horse kind of situation. Know where you stand, what your potential new employer can do and the kind of tasks you have ahead of you. This should save you from guessing and/or having a more excruciating form of the usual job-hunting headache.
• Finding accommodation – Depending on where your new job is located, you may need to start house, apartment or room hunting as soon as possible. Some companies have housing for employees or partnerships that make this process easier. Or, at the very least, some will offer tips and help with documents outlining things of interest to a landlord (e.g. employment terms, income). The last thing you want is to be bouncing between Airbnb or hotel rooms while trying to settle down, if you can avoid it.
• Accessing/choosing health insurance – Health insurance requirements and plan types vary widely by country. Some countries only have private insurance, some public, and others a mix of the two. Make sure to ask about the system in your new country, or if they have any recommendations for health insurance providers. This way, you have a starting point for research.
• Relocation reimbursement - It is not a must, but it is definitely a big plus if your future company has a policy to compensate you in some way for your travel/move from a place x kilometres away. Depending on your financial situation, before starting employment, that money can be the difference between a tight few first days in the new place and having a bit of financial ease and flexibility with things like moving expenses, security deposits, necessary furniture etc.

2. What would success in this role look like?

A number of companies have systems in place to assess workers’ performance. For instance, it is typical for there to be a probationary period for new employees, and for those who graduate that phase, year-long goals. You need to know the criteria that will be used to judge whether you are a good fit for the role, team and company. This can give insight into actual expectations, beyond the job description. Listen carefully!

3. What opportunities are there for development in this role?

Having a good income shouldn’t be your only concern. You need to know whether a company nurtures its employees; figure out if there is an existing culture of rewarding workers. Based on previous work experience, and as the Harvard Business Review points out, companies that don’t provide staff with a satisfying environment, which includes opportunities for professional development, tend to have a high turnover rate. Workers begin to feel stuck and most people aren’t ok with that. Therefore, the best—no, the healthiest—company culture is one where you are not only rewarded for a job well done but have something new (e.g. trainings, courses, internal promotion) to look forward to and work towards as time passes.

Bonus: Would it be possible to speak with another employee (preferably an expat)?

Hear what it is like on the other side from someone who already made the decision to work for this employer. They probably have some good tips to share too!

Asking these questions should make your decision process that much easier!