8. Long-term plan. Clarify what the company expects of you when you return, including an indication that you will have a position that is either equal to your role in the new market or a promotion. In addition, request that you be considered for a position that capitalizes on your international skills. Sometimes you may need to stay a bit longer or leave a little early to get the next plum assignment, but if both you and your company want to make the most of your international business experience, it will probably come to pass.
9. Reasons for the transfer. Do your best to determine all the reasons the company is transferring you and why it believes you’ll be successful. Ask questions of HR, your current supervisor, and others who have been involved in the decision-making process, including the local team in the country and region in which you’ll be working.
You’ll want to find out what they expect of you, and the best way to find out is to ask—preferably before or during the site visit. Many times you’ll find that what your head office expects of you is different from what the local office wants or needs. A certain amount of this dynamic tension is to be expected.
However, you want to be sure the two positions are not completely at odds with each other, as this will put you in the middle of a lose-lose situation. In addition, ask why your company—both HQ and the local hiring team— believes that you will be successful. Understanding their expectations before you agree can prove critical to success.
