What are my chances of getting a job overseas?

As businesses become increasingly international in their operations, opportunities for recruitment and HR work abroad are becoming more widespread.

Whilst some organisations carry out their HR processes from their headquarters, many international organisations are now employing staff in each of their countries of operation.This brings the challenge of recruiting and managing international employees in different cultural and business conditions. International knowledge and experience, as well as language skills, are identified as increasingly desirable.

Finding a job overseas is much easier for candidates with previous work experience within HR or recruitment and graduates may find it challenging with little or no experience in these areas.

Will my qualifications be recognised?

The UK is one of the leading markets internationally in HR and recruitment professionalism, and its infrastructure and training options mean that any experience and qualifications gained in the UK will be valuable abroad. This is especially true in developing areas, such as the UAE, where the sector is still developing.

Language skills are always a great advantage if you are looking for work abroad but they are not enough in themselves. It is also essential to have an understanding of the immigration and employment laws of the country of business, as well as an understanding of the country's culture and how this will affect employees and the conduct of business. It may be worth pursuing a dedicated international HR course to learn the intricacies of employment law in the countries of most interest. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) offers several of these.

Where are the opportunities?

Many large multinationals with graduate HR schemes have offices across the world and it is sometimes possible to transfer to an overseas office, either permanently or for a set period of time, once you have completed the graduate programme and gained relevant experience.