5 Things Recruiters Should Know Before Relocating Overseas
Every week, we speak to recruiters who are thinking about working overseas.
Some are looking for better earning potential.
Some want a different lifestyle.
Others simply fancy a new challenge after several years in the same market.
Although every conversation is different, I find myself giving very similar advice.
It’s rarely about salary.
It’s rarely about commission.
And surprisingly, it isn’t usually about visas either.
Having specialised in Recruitment-to-Recruitment since 2013, I’ve learned that the recruiters who enjoy working abroad the most are rarely the ones who chase the biggest salary. They’re the ones who choose the right market, the right company and move for the right reasons.
If you’re considering an international move, here are five things I’d encourage you to think about first.
Every Recruitment Market Is Different
One of the biggest misconceptions is that recruitment works the same everywhere.
It doesn’t.
Every country has its own recruitment culture, client expectations and ways of doing business.
For example, some markets are heavily relationship-driven, whilst others are extremely fast-paced and sales focused.
Some businesses operate almost entirely on retained assignments, whilst others generate high volumes of contingent work.
Understanding those differences before you relocate can make a huge difference to how quickly you settle into your new role.
Please see links to the guides below….
Visa Sponsorship Is Possible… But Don’t Assume It’ll Happen
Probably the most common question I’m asked is:
“Will companies sponsor my visa?”
The honest answer is:
Sometimes.
Most recruitment businesses naturally prefer recruiters who already have the right to work in their country.
That doesn’t mean sponsorship isn’t available.
Many of our clients regularly sponsor exceptional recruiters.
However, sponsorship is usually reserved for people who can demonstrate:
- Strong billing history
- Stable career progression
- Specialist market expertise
- Excellent business development skills
- A genuine long-term commitment to relocating
The stronger your profile, the more options you’ll usually have.
If you’re relocating internationally, it’s also worth checking the official visa requirements for your chosen destination before beginning your job search.
External resource: UK Government Foreign Travel Advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Think About Lifestyle As Well As Salary
A higher basic salary doesn’t automatically mean a better move.
The happiest recruiters I’ve placed overseas are usually the ones who thought about their lifestyle as much as their earnings.
Ask yourself:
- What sort of working culture suits me?
- Do I want a busy international city or a more relaxed lifestyle?
- Am I moving on my own or with family?
- How important is travel?
- What does success actually look like to me?
Someone who thrives in Singapore may not enjoy Amsterdam.
A recruiter who loves the pace of New York might find Australia a very different experience.
There’s no right answer.
It’s about finding the market that suits you.
Choose the Right Company, Not Just the Right Country
This is probably the biggest piece of advice I’d give anyone.
Recruiters often become fixated on a destination.
In reality, the company you join usually has a much bigger impact on your career than the country itself.
When comparing opportunities, think about:
- Leadership
- Training
- Career progression
- Market reputation
- Commission structure
- Existing client relationships
- Company culture
A great company in Manchester will almost always be a better career move than an average company in Sydney.
The same principle applies wherever you’re moving.
Speak To Someone Who Understands The Market
One of the advantages of specialising in Recruitment-to-Recruitment is that we spend every day speaking with recruitment leaders across multiple countries.
Sometimes we’ll tell someone:
“Australia looks like a fantastic fit.”
Sometimes it’s:
“I think Singapore would suit your experience much better.”
Occasionally, the advice is simply:
“I’d stay where you are for another year.”
Honest advice isn’t always what people expect to hear.
But it usually leads to better long-term career decisions.
Thinking About Working Overseas?
Over the past few months, we’ve started building a series of international recruitment career guides to help experienced recruiters understand different markets before making a move.
You may find these useful:
- Recruitment Jobs in Australia
- Recruitment Jobs in Hong Kong
- Recruitment Jobs in Singapore
- Recruitment Jobs in Dubai
- Recruitment Jobs in the Netherlands
- Recruitment Jobs in the USA
We’re continuing to expand this resource library and will be adding more countries over the coming months.
You can also explore our Relocating Abroad page for an overview of international recruitment opportunities, or browse our latest Recruitment Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to relocate as an experienced recruiter?
Generally, yes. Recruiters with a strong billing history, specialist market expertise and consistent career progression are usually more attractive to employers willing to sponsor visas.
Which countries are easiest for UK recruiters to relocate to?
It depends on your experience and specialist sector. Australia, Singapore, Dubai and the USA all offer opportunities, although employers’ requirements vary considerably.
Should I secure a job before relocating?
In most cases, yes. Securing a role before relocating provides greater certainty around visas, salary and the support available from your new employer.
About the Author
Paul Reid is Director of Permanent People, a specialist Recruitment-to-Recruitment consultancy established in Cardiff in 2013.
Over the past 13 years, Permanent People has helped experienced recruiters build careers across the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and North America, working with boutique recruitment businesses through to international recruitment groups.
