10. Effect on spouse and children. If you are married and/or have children, you must determine whether this position will enable you to adequately fulfill your personal responsibilities. Many times, overseas postings include a great deal of travel, long days, and lots of evening entertaining. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
6. Cross-cultural training. Confirm whether you will have the opportunity to undergo cross-cultural training before your departure. Although some companies have a solid indoctrination program as part of the expat package, many don’t. If yours doesn’t, consider requesting it as part of your package, as studies show that employees who receive solid cross-cultural training tend to transition much better both into a new market and back to the old. There are companies that specialize in cross-cultural training. Read the rest of this entry »
4. Your expected work schedule. The number of hours in a typical work day differs in markets around the world, as do the number of days in a work week and the days that constitute a weekend (e.g., some weekends are Saturday and Sunday; some are Friday and Saturday). Read the rest of this entry »
1. Your position. Request a detailed job description, including the exact title, roles, responsibilities, and the key objectives by which your performance will be measured. If you have a team, be apprised of their levels and titles, years of experience, reporting lines if not 100 percent to you, and overall roles in the office or plant and on your team. You can use this document in your annual performance review. It will also come in very handy if management changes during your time abroad. Read the rest of this entry »