Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Straight Shooter Recruiter. My name is Emily Durham, and my goal is to help you thrive. And you're nine to five and beyond. I'm a career's expert, baby, Okay, I've worked in talent acquisition for over seven years. You've probably seen me in the Globe and Mail, BBC, on TV, in the radio,
in your dreams, you know, lots of good things. But I was super excited to be sitting down and recording today's episode because, as you know, I have started to introduce a very permanent segment on the show where the last bit of the episode is exclusively answering your questions. So if you're interested in getting your question answered, make sure you are submitting your question in the link that I have in the description of this episode. And wow, today's
questions are juicy. Okay, they're juicy, juicy, lucy, juicy apple goosey. If you watch The Real Housewives, you know exactly what I'm talking about. And if you don't, you're lost and you're like, girl, what are we talking talking about today? Today's topic is all about getting a job internationally. I know it is stressful, I know it is exciting thinking about where your career is going to take you, and potentially if being in
a completely different region can be overwhelming. We're going to talk about what are the best steps to take, what should you be doing, what paperwork do you need to do. We're going to cover it all. Plus we're going to answer some of your questions. So make sure you're listening through to the end because it just gets more and more entertaining. I promise you that. Okay, grab your coffee, you get comfortable. Let's get into it,
my friend. If you have decided that you are looking for a role internationally, first things first, be very proud of yourself. It takes a lot of courage and bravery to really kickstart your life in a totally different region, and that is a huge accomplishment in and of itself. I know I personally am not bold or brave enough to do that, so that is something you
definitely need to celebrate and be excited about. The first thing I would recommend that you do is get pretty specific about what regions you want to work in, because it's really going to help guide your job search as well as your networking approach. So pick the first top two or three cities you'd like to live in, or at least narrow it down by country or general region. For example, if you're interested in coming to Canada, where are you looking?
Is it Montreal or is it Toronto? Because there's two really different kind of workplace cultures and standards and expectations across both of those. So I would highly recommend have your dream list of places to live at least boiled down to a top three, maybe a top four if you're feeling wild. The next thing I would want you to do is a whole bunch of research to actually validate those are the places you want to work. I would like to live in Italy. Let me tell you, I don't think i'd like to work
in Italy. The actual workplace culture is different, what's expected is different, and I actually don't think after research, which AKA is speaking to my cousins, I don't think I would thrive there. So I really think it's important to look at the country you want to live in, but also validate it's
the country you want to work in. Simple Google searches will usually do the trick, even watching like vlogs or YouTube videos to see okay, this is what a day in the life of a software engineer in California looks like, or this is a day in the life of a marketing manager in India. It really helps you understand what the average working culture looks like. One of the things that a lot of people share is kind of a culture shock when
they come to North America is just how insane the work expectations are. I was trying to find a better word for it, but there's not because it's actually just insane. We have a really unfortunate culture where we are not encouraged to take breaks, we're not encouraged to rest. We are the definition of
hustle culture. So a lot of people who come from Europe will come in work in Canada, work in the US, and they're like, what's wrong with you guys, Like you don't take any vacation, You work through your lunches, Whereas in Europe, for the most part, the culture can be pretty different. But even within Europe there's all of these different subcultures. So just make sure you're really clued into that and actually paying attention to the workplace
culture to make sure that it's right for you. But if you're already feeling set about where you're going, let's get into the how you're going to do it. Okay, first things first, I am not an expert on immigration or immigration law. I'm just going to tell you what I've seen in my experience as a recruiter and to someone who has made international hires in the past. So the first thing that I would do is focus on localizing your resume.
There's actually really different resume cultures across the world and even across different countries. For example, it's really popular or common to have a photo of yourself on your LinkedIn or on your resume in Europe, but to put a photo of yourself on your resume in Canada or the US is actually pretty uncommon and sometimes can actually make it so that your profile isn't getting reviewed or read. So make sure that you're googling what a great resume looks like in that particular
region. If you are looking to apply in North America, definitely check out my pages because I've got a whole bunch on there, and admittedly that's just where I have the most experience. I would also recommend updating your LinkedIn, so you need your LinkedIn to show what reach and you're currently in. But there's this amazing little feature on LinkedIn that says open to relocation, So make
sure you click that button. Because when recruiters are starting to reach out to potential talent or candidates, they can actually filter for people who are open to relocation and sometimes for jobs that's exactly what they're looking for. But if you want to make it more explicit and really take it a step further, which I highly recommend you do, make sure you include your desire to relocate in
your LinkedIn about me section or in the headline. So in your headline you could say seeking a role in software engineering in California, or you can pop that into your biography. The reason this is so helpful is people might see that and realize they have the perfect opportunity for you, or it can be one more tool to help validate the recruiter is reaching out to the right person once they add that filter for the relocation option. Another thing I would highly
recommend you do is be thoughtful about what job sites you're using. The job sites you're using in your local country are probably not the same job sites that are relevant in the country you might be applying to. For example, in Canada, we primarily use LinkedIn and indeed, but in the US there's other websites like work appolists or seek out that are frequently used. So make sure you're taking a peek at what the most frequently used websites are in the country
that you're applying to and look for jobs there. However, there's one thing that's always going to work and it's LinkedIn, Baby, so make sure you're looking for jobs on LinkedIn because LinkedIn has this fantastic little feature where you can look up the location of the job too, so that can be another way for you to kind of make your search and all in one, one and
done situation. Okay, so definitely I want you to apply to those jobs directly, but let's put a pin in that because I am going to circle back a little bit on how you can make sure your profile and your resume is actually getting read, because I do want to call out one more like bonus tip or caveat to this. So obviously you're going to want to look for jobs that are in the country you plan to move to so that you have a sense of community. They can potentially help with your sponsorships. You
know, all of that good stuff. However, why wouldn't you consider a remote job. If you find a fully remote job, dude, you can just move wherever you'd like to move and work the job you want to work from wherever you would like to work. Hello. So if you want to be on a beach in Mexico, I love that for you. So don't like close your options off just to the country you plan to live in.
Take a look at some remote opportunities as well. Again, I do think LinkedIn is one of the best sites for that because they have pretty unique filtering functions. Wow, that was way too many efforts and not the efforts I'm used to. That you can use those filtering functions to say remote work, and that's where you can apply directly for those remote roles that are going to give you that amazing sense of flexibility. Okay, so let's get back to
the job hunting and the actual application process. So as you're applying for these jobs, you might be wondering, a is anyone reading this, like, at any point in time, has somebody opened up my resume and actually reviewed it? And you also might be wondering, you know, are they even going to want to consider given that I'm an international student or an international hire.
Here's what I want to tell you. No matter where you are applying from, the job market is competitive, and no matter where you are applying from, there are going to be thousands of other applicants. So the advice that I give you is the same advice I would give someone who's local to that area. I really think it's important that every single time after you apply to the position, reach out to that recruiter on LinkedIn, in their email, whatever method of contact you have and say, hello, my name is
Emily. I currently live in Canada. I'm applying for jobs in Amsterdam and I'm really excited to learn more about this opportunity. I will be managing my own relocation. AKA, I'll deal with my visa, I'll deal with get my ass over there. You just read my resume. The reason I think that's so important is a lot of companies do have reservations about hiring talent internationally
because of the cost. It can be extremely expensive to move people over because it's not just the cost of the flight in helping you find a new place, it's supporting your visa, it's suppormating you know your paperwork, if you have a spouse or kids you need to move over. Typically that's covered too. So if you are open to relocating on your own dime or using your own and like visa application process, that actually can remove a barrier that might
potentially be a blocker for you in the future. I don't want you getting scared. Just because you need a visa or relocation support does not mean that you're not going to be an amazing fit for that position, and also doesn't mean that you're not going to get the job. It's just something we need to be really thoughtful of, and especially because at times it can take up to a year to relocate. When we think about your visa or your work
permit, I would highly recommend you kickstart that process independently. So start applying for your work permit, Start applying for those pieces of paper, and put that on your resume at the very top, say you know whatever, insert the visa type application in process so the company automatically knows that you're on top of it. But I would highly recommend looking at companies who have a reputation
for relocating people. And you might ask yourself, how would I know that, Well, just go on LinkedIn look at people who work at those companies and see what country they started in. But for the most part, a lot of tech companies and larger organizations have the infrastructure and budget to relocate people,
which is often one of the easiest things you can do. On the flip side of that, if you do have some time to kill, why not start working at an American or Canadian or you know, whatever country you'd like to work at a company where they have an arm or an extension in the country you currently operate in. For example, if there was a company, let's say I wanted to work at Louis Vatan and their head offices in Paris, I could start working for Louis Vatan in Canada and then talk to
them my current employer about how they could potentially relocate me to Paris in a couple of years. If I ever wanted to move to California, you better believe I would tell my current employer like, hey, move me here, move me there. So that is another option if you're not in an immediate rush, But if it's something you want to do sooner than later, kickstart your application process now, put that on your resume, and most importantly,
flag your application every single time. Another thing I would recommend you do is check out Reddit and Facebook. They're going to have amazing groups, like actual Facebook groups of people who have relocated from your country to another country to work. There's so many people who are willing to be a mentor a friend, help you with paperwork, answer your questions. So I would really recommend getting tapped into those communities to make sure that you're understanding what you can do or
what some of the limitations are as you're applying for positions. And like I always say, the easiest way to get in at a company is via referral, and the best way to get a referral is networking. And if we don't have time to network, we're going to go to Reddit or we're going to go to fish Bowl, where people are literally willing to refer you for jobs because they get paid if you get hired. So the worst case scenario is you check those sites out, you connect with those people, and boom,
you've got yourself an into your dream company. Is the job hunting process totally different if you're an international student or an international hire versus if you're local to that country. Not really, it's the same process. It's the same websites. You just need to do the work to make sure you've localized your application and let you have a headstart on some of the legal requirements as well. I also always get asked questions about if international experience accounts. Yes,
good companies emphasis on the good companies want experience period. You could get that experience anywhere. Sure, there might be nuance as one country to another, but for the most part, especially for more technical rules, you're doing the job. It's just being done in a slightly different work culture or work environment. So ultimately, good companies and companies that understand talent are not going to
discount your application because you have experience from somewhere else. Again, I always recommend applying for some of these larger companies that have infrastructure and programs to support you in your relocation. Small companies can be awesome for that too, but it's definitely worth taking a peek at those bigger companies because frankly, they got more money to spend. All right, besties, it's time for your questions of the week. I'm so excited and friendly reminder. If you want yours
answer, just click the link in the description of this video. Because I check it every single week when I am recording. All right, my friend wrote, Hey, Emily, I'm a recruiter myself in Mexico. Oh my gosh, I love that. The weather that you have is the weather I wish I had. But I'm planning to move to Toronto. Oh my gosh, love that too, because one thing about me, I love the city. What would you say are the main abilities or knowledge I should develop to
help land a great job in Toronto? Thanks? And I love your style by the way, Thank you so much, my friend. First of all, what an exciting opportunity and what an exciting thing to do in your life. You're going to absolutely kill it. You're going to be fantastic. If I had to say, the first few things that are the most important when you're thinking about what jobs you're looking for is number one, do research on what the most popular industries are in the area you're moving to. So for
Toronto specifically, tech is absolutely booming. So I would highly recommend rushing up on your technology recruiting skills, really thinking about how you're going to build those transferable skills that are really relevant to the area that you're looking for. And I would say This goes for anybody who's looking for a job in another city or another country. Get to know what industries are really growing the most.
I would also highly recommend thinking about looking for companies that are operating in multiple countries. So, for example, if you are coming from Mexico and you're moving to Toronto and there's a company that also has a branch or an arm in Mexico, make sure you're applying to those companies. Because your ability to speak Spanish, your ability to understand the culture and the way the world works there, that's going to be a huge asset. So really focus on those
things. As far as the hands on technical skills, Definitely brush up on what salary ranges look like in Toronto, what the average recruitment process looks like, as well as what the notice period looks like. So in some countries you need to give one month notice before you quite month's notice. In Canada it's only two weeks. And I would say that advice goes to anybody looking
to start your career in a new area. Just do a quick Google search of what are the differences between being a software engineer in Toronto versus I don't know, Paris and the same would go here. Like doing these quick searches of what might be different in Mexico versus Toronto is an amazing way to understand what those might look like. I really hope that helps, and good luck on your move. I'm so excited for you. Hi, I'm zaid an
international student. Love your content. Thank you so much to say that means so much so. I've been applying to summer internships since January in all of the big five companies and even some of the smaller ones. I tried getting references for some and I did. And I've also been applying to co op positions, mailing and reaching out to people in hr on LinkedIn, the hiring managers and recruiters with my resume and customized cover letters. But no luck.
When I look back and reach back out to some of them, I'm not considered for the roles that I think I'm aligned with. What is the issue? What should I be doing more of? First of all, you are absolutely doing amazing. It sounds like you are doing all of the right things that you're applying, you're following up, you're getting your name out there. Here are two things that I would highly recommend doing. Number one is network.
It sounds like you're doing a fantastic job of applying to the right positions and reaching out once you've applied, But sometimes, and especially when we're building our network and when we're applying to these very competitive co op positions, because believe it or not, those co op and internship positions are hard to get into because there's so many applicants from all different regions applying. All to say, I really think networking is going to be something that benefits you the most.
So I would make a list of people who work at the companies you're interested in working at and reach out to them on LinkedIn or via email and ask for a thirty minute phone conversation, and don't even make it about the job you know, don't bring up the positions you're applying to. Just reach out and say you're passionate about the careers that they work in and you'd love to understand more about their career and ask them questions about how they've developed and
grown. Because when you have these conversations focusing on learning from people a they're more likely to accept it because people love talking about themselves, even if they don't realize it, they do b It's going to be a great way to build that relationship. So at the end of that conversation you can say thank you so much for your time. Would you be comfortable referring me for those positions? And I know it's disheartening, especially when you do get a referral
and you still don't get the job. A referral isn't an automatic way of getting the position, but the more referrals you can get them more likely it is. And I think that's the hard thing to process or a hard thing to accept, especially for early careers. Recruiting is sometimes we need to apply to a lot of positions in order to get the one that we want. So just be kind to yourself, be gracious with yourself. I know it
is stressful. It is going to be high volume. Like by nature, you're probably going to apply to a lot of jobs for one yes, for two yeses, for three yeses. So just no, it is to have to apply to a lot of positions for these intern and coop roles. Another thing that I would do is connect with your school. So did you just hear that that was my job telling me to come back to which I say, no, thanks, I'm busy right now, but one of the things
I would do is reach out to your school. A lot of these co op programs have specific ties to different schools, so they only are posting their job positions to these different schools directly. So talk to the school that you either went to or graduated from and ask to see what their job board looks like, because often less people are applying to those directly. Trying to think if there's anything else I know you asked, like, what could be the
issue? The only thing I would think of is resume, So making sure you have lots of data on your resume. Have you shown the number of projects you work on? Do you have quantifiable data on your resume that explains the work you've done. Is your resume clear and easy to read? Is it one page? Do you have all of your relevant projects listed? So really making sure that resume is crisp and focusing on networking would be my top
two tips if you do need help on either of those topics. I actually have full videos on those on my YouTube channels, so if that is helpful, you can always check it out there. But good luck, said, I know you're going to get there. I know it distressful and it is hard, but you are going to do it and you're going to be great. Should I pursue my master's abroad right after my bachelor's or take two years of work experience and then go get my master's abroad? Ooh? I Little
story Time also had this whole thought process. So as you know, the real ones know, the ogs know, you know, you guys are aware that my goal after I graduated was initially to get into law, and I was considering going to practice law internationally. I was actually really considering a move to the UK for a point in time. Obviously, none of that ended up really happening, and thank god, because I think I would have hated it. But I went through the same thought process. Should I be doing
it now? Should I be doing it later? And for me personally, these were the couple of things I considered that ultimately made me realize that was not the right move for me right now. I would say the pros to moving are you don't have as much responsibility right now. You in fact, probably have the least amount of responsibility that you will in your whole life. I'm going to make an assumption and stop me if I'm wrong. And like you know, for me personally, after my bachelor's I didn't have kids.
I mean I still don't have kids, but like i'd no kids, I had no partner, I was not dependent on anything. I could pick my life life up and move and it wouldn't matter. And if that's the case that you're in, that's not a situation we are going to have probably for a really really long period in our life. So that's definitely a bonus one of the things I do think about, And that was one of the reasons I didn't go with money, Like I didn't want to spend sixty thousand dollars
to go live somewhere for two years and get a different degree. So when I think about the pros and the cons, the pro is the life experience. The pro could also be the fact that you'll be done with school, like you can get it all done at once and then get into the workforce. And it's also like an amazing opportunity to meet new people and reevaluate if
this is what you want. Here's what I'm going to say. The cons are you really want to be careful about what masters you are pursuing internationally, because sometimes things are localized. So for example, if I studied law in the UK, that wouldn't apply to Canada in a way. That's easy. I probably would have needed to do another program once I got home to Canada so I could practice law, and I didn't want to do that. So you have to be very mindful that what you are doing internationally is going to
help you in your career. I also personally tend to value hands on experience more than academics. That's just me. I learn better by doing, and a lot of companies tend to have a preference for experience over academics, especially in the tech sector. However, if you're in consulting, if you're in investment banking, yeah, having those extra degrees really does help. So I would say make a pros and cons list and be really thoughtful about the industry
that you want to work in and be realistic. Is getting the degree now going to help you. If the answer is yes, great, go for it. If it's a maybe, why not work for a couple of years because you might find a company who was willing to pay for you to go to school after Like, that's a real possibility to closing time. That's bad. I keep joking. I'm like, one of these days, I'm going to bust out into a song and it's going to be good and everyone's going
to be so impressed. But until then, I'm going to keep doing this stupid, stupid stuff. I really hope today's episode was helpful. Do not forget to leave a rating and a review. I can't even tell you how much that helps the show grow. And like I always think, I'm trying to get this show out into the algorithm, out into the universe. I want to give you as much free and easy careers advice as possible. That's my goal here, So please make sure you are hitting it up in the
Spotify or Apple ratings wherever you listen. Make sure you're submitting your questions as well. But I cannot thank you enough for hanging out with me, and I'll talk to you next week.