I started out my morning checking email's, following up with candidates and getting geared up for another day. Of course drinking dangerous amounts of coffee. Part of my routine is checking the pulse of the SharePoint community on Twitter. SharePoint is a rather large initiative my company is investing in, and I am always on the look out for the best and brightest Architects and Developers. I am still on the fence with Twitter. It is interesting, it helps me build long term relationships and exposes me to new people and ideas. However the quick return of potential candidates or business developments isn't there, at least not yet. What keeps me coming back is knowing this is where my talent pool is hanging out, how do I as a recruiter integrate myself into their community?
I think the answer to that question is to add as much value to Twitter as possible. I can't afford to be just another person discussing what I had for breakfast or complaining about the meeting I just got out of. I also can't be a shark of a recruiter constantly posting open positions, no one would pay attention to what I had to say. I need to engage my Twitter audience and give them a reason to want to network with me on other platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn), and consider using my services once they are on the job market again. Typically my blogs have something to do with social networking and recruiting. Today I thought why don’t I use my social networking knowhow to generate my next topic. I typed in to twitter "what topic do you want to see discussed in my next blog." Almost immediately one of the terrific people who follows me on Twitter (thank you 'Julioc') responded with "Advice for foreign people wishing to work in the US." What a terrific topic. I will preface my advice with the notion that 1. I am not an international recruiter 2. I have not been trained in international recruiting. This is simply what I would do if I were to put together a strategy to help foreign people with advice for working in the US.
First establish contacts, networking does not adhere to countries boarders. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the rest of your favorite social networking sights are perfect for developing that initial contact in the US. Your first goal should be to establish a credible source of information who you trust. This person's role should be to answer questions and concerns you might have as well as steer you in the proper direction and offer advice. Find someone who is credible and knows their industry, and has a presences across many social networking platforms. Do you research on this person and don't solicit advice from an unworthy source.
The second piece of advice I would suggest is to identify companies that are familiar with international recruiting. As you are embarking on such a large change it is important your transition goes smoothly. When dealing with visa issues things can get tricky and you will want an expert. Ask about their relocation package, and specifically ask about their relocation department. Who will be handling the moving of your things. How long will you be in temporary housing? Will you be offered a broker to help you secure a more permanent residence? What kinds of points of contact will be provided to you to get settled and hit the ground running? Moving from house to house in the same town is hard enough, for an international move I can only imagine how difficult that must be. The more resources and expertise that is made available to you the better.
Finally, once the move is complete and you are now enjoying your new position I would be extremely interested in your company culture. This is going to be critical to your long term happiness. Are there groups or associations of people from the same country as you on campus? If not are you given the freedom to create such a group and express your cultural values. What is the local community like, will your loved one and / or children thrive there. The competition for top talent is fierce, identify the companies who understand what you are going through with an international move and can put you in touch with someone who has been there and done that.
These are a few common sense suggestions that could get overlooked when faced with the excitement of the perfect job being presented in another country. Remember to take your time and really do your homework prior to making such a huge change. This should be a celebrated decision, the more time you invest into it you can continue to be happy many years after the move.
You can follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Covestic
Joining my company site on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15366183507
Read my personal blogs: http://seattleiitrecruiter.blogspot.com/
View my open positions: http://www.covestic.com/careers_opportunities.html
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