6 Bits of Cultural Information For Your Job Search

You may be a pro when it comes to looking for a job in the United States, but once you start your international job hunt, you'll find that many of the rules have changed. Here are six bits of information that'll help you prepare.

There are no rules

In the United States, Federal Laws prohibit companies from asking you detailed personal information. This means that companies don't ask questions like, "Are you planning to have children?" ,"What is your sexual preference", or "What do your parents do?" However, these laws don't exist in other countries. So don't be surprised or offended if you're asked such questions. Expressing offense may just eliminate your chances of getting the job. If you can't even fathom such practices, you may want to re-evaluate your job objectives. This is just the first of many cultural differences you'll encounter.

Be prepared to provide a handwritten sample

If you are applying for a job in a company whose headquarters are in your target country, you may be required to handwrite your cover letter or at some point provide a handwritten sample. Countries outside the U.S. use such samples to analyze the applicant's character. If such a prospect makes you feel uncomfortable, consider limiting your search to companies headquartered in the United States with offices abroad or companies that tend to have a lot of international workers. These companies may be less likely to enforce such policies

You'll need to turn your resume into a CV

While resumes are used in the United States, many other countries request that you provide a CV or a Curriculum Vitae. A CV is like a resume in that it will hopefully intice your potential employer into contacting you for an interview. However, as described in the article "Why Don't They Want My Resume?" a CV contains much more detailed and personal information.

You may have to provide a photograph

Since there are no laws limiting the type of information a potential international employer may request, it is perfectly legal for them to request a photograph along with your resume and cover letter. Make sure that it portrays a professional image. If the idea sounds completely foreign to you, think of it this way - they'll have to see you sooner or later, and if they don't like your picture you probably would not have gotten the job anyway.

Be ready to convice them that you (and your family) can live abroad

When a company hires you, whether in the United States or abroad, they're making an investment. International companies don't want to hire you just to have you decide that you or members of

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