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International experience can make a positive difference to your career chances. However, getting a job in a foreign country requires a good deal of preparation.
The easiest way is if you are employed by a Swiss company and can be temporarily transferred to one of their offices abroad. Finding a job abroad yourself, on the other hand, is no easy task - not least because unemployment rates in many other countries are substantially higher than in Switzerland.
Any professional and personal contacts in the country - which are easily made during a semester or traineeship abroad, for example - will certainly help you with your search. As always, the Internet is also a good place to look for vacancies. Another option, if circumstances allow, is to travel to the country and look for a potential employer there while learning more about the country at the same time.
You will significantly raise your chances of finding a job abroad by taking a language course in preparation. A wide range is available at Language Center UZH and ETHZ, for example. It is also important to begin your job search early. This particularly applies to countries such as the USA or Canada where it can take several months to get a work permit.
As there is no standard model for writing foreign job applications, it is more a case of following local practice. Each country differs in terms of whether standardized application portfolios are the norm, which papers must be submitted, how detailed the resume should be, or whether or not the letter of motivation should by written by hand, etc.
As a rule, job applications to foreign companies should always be written in the national language or in English. If possible, ask a native speaker of your chosen country’s language to check your spelling and phrasing. Employment reference letters and other references must be translated and notarized. Make clear in your letter of motivation how you can benefit your potential employer and also why you are interested in working in that country and for that company.
Employment contracts can also vary from country to country. However, whatever the country, make sure that the contract is set in writing in order to avoid any misunderstandings or difficulties based on lack of proof. In addition, the following points should be defined:
Find out as much as you can on the life, culture, and mentality in your chosen country and make sure you are well prepared for the new working situation and environment before you leave. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) provides electronic country-specific information on all recognized nations. In addition, the FDFA also provides important information on certain selected countries with regard to entry and residence regulations for Swiss citizens who want to work in these countries.
Be sure to check how your insurance (health insurance, social insurance, etc.) works in your destination before you leave. Any questions on social insurance will be answered by the staff at your AHV compensation office.
When planning your return, there are a number of points to bear in mind:
Out of sight, out of mind? Be sure your head office doesn’t lose track of you while you are abroad. Keep in touch on a regular basis and make your expectations clear - you don't want someone else occupying the job you wanted on your return. Companies often provide mentors in their head office - if not, arrange for a colleague or someone else to represent you at important events and keep you up updated on any developments.
Friends forever? Keep active on your social network. Your experience abroad may be something special to you but for your friends back home life goes on as usual and, without any sign on your part, you cannot expect to be welcomed back with flowers and parties when you return.
Reentry shock: Make a conscious effort to prepare for your return not only in terms of finding a home, schools, and job, etc. but also with a view to your native culture. You may find that coming home is more of a foreign experience than you imagined. There is also a strong possibility that back home you will lose the hardship benefits that made life abroad so enjoyable.
Although Career Services do not provide advice on job applications abroad, you can find plenty of information on this subject in the following books available from us free of charge:
