The secret to a successful job application abroad

Context

In Brief

• Preparation of the curriculum vitae and application dossier for abroad.
• Cultural sensitivity and language requirements.
• Specific advice for USA, Canada, France, Germany, and Asia.

Key Facts

• What: Preparation of the curriculum vitae and application dossier for abroad.
• When: Always necessary for those applying abroad.
• Where: Worldwide, with cultural variations.
• Who: Candidates seeking employment abroad.
• Amount: Not specified.

When applying for a job abroad, it's not enough to just adapt linguistically; cultural sensitivity is also necessary. What is normal in Switzerland may be completely different in other countries like the USA, France, or Japan.

General Advice

Specify diplomas and their equivalent titles so that potential employers can get a clear idea of various skills. Indicate the type of residence and work permit; do not lie about language skills: native speakers would notice immediately. Do not forget to indicate the correct phone prefix and perhaps the time zone as well.

In Switzerland, it is normal to include in the curriculum vitae, with a photo, the date of birth and marital status. Elsewhere, this practice is not always common, so in case of doubt, it is better to omit such information. Update your application dossier so that it meets the requirements of the country you will move to. Employment offices abroad can provide a more in-depth overview of the local job market, trends in various sectors, and cultural nuances.

Country-Specific Advice

Often in the USA and Canada, application dossiers are more sober compared to what we are used to in Switzerland. Most of the time, a curriculum vitae and a brief cover letter are sufficient. 'The curriculum vitae is usually sent without a photo; often, employers prefer this solution due to anti-discrimination laws,' says Julia Meir Lawi, Branch Director Geneva at the recruitment company Robert Half Schweiz.

Personal information such as date of birth, marital status, or religion should not be included. However, in the USA and Canada, job interviews are often more informal and personal. 'The so-called cultural fit is fundamental: one must demonstrate a certain affinity with the company.' In the USA, salary negotiation is generally expected and considered a normal part of the hiring process. Moreover, as Anthony Adam of Page Executive, a recruitment company, states, 'In the USA, security checks on the individual, including criminal record checks, are common in many sectors.'

In some European countries like France and Germany, salary structures are more rigid, and often a photo cannot be missing from the application dossier. These are the words of Julia Meir Lawi of Robert Half Schweiz: 'The process for finding a job in France is characterized by formal schemes, which require the job interview to be equally formal.' The same goes for Germany, where it is not uncommon – always according to Julia Meir Lawi – for technical skills to be tested and a focus on professional compatibility.

In Asia, the weight of hierarchies is often much more marked; the application processes are intensive, relatively long, and complex. Modesty and the ability to work within a team are required. According to Julia Meir Lawi, in Japan, companies expect a high degree of formality; application dossiers must be strongly focused on the company and its philosophy. Since the crucial element is the team, it is rare during the job interview for personal questions to be asked.

Operational details

Practical Implications for Cross-Border Workers

For cross-border workers wishing to work abroad, it is essential to adapt your curriculum vitae (CV) and application portfolio to the specific requirements of the destination country. This includes translating diplomas and certifications, as well as updating personal and professional information.

Country Comparison

In the USA and Canada, application portfolios are generally more understated and less formal than those required in Switzerland. In France and Germany, however, it is common to include a photograph in your CV and to follow formal structures during the selection process. In Asia, especially in Japan, application processes are longer and more complex, with a greater emphasis on formality and compatibility with the company's philosophy.

Concrete Scenarios

A cross-border worker applying for a job in the USA should prepare a CV without a photo and a brief cover letter. During the interview, it will be important to demonstrate a certain affinity with the company and to prepare to negotiate salary. In France, on the other hand, the process will be more formal, with a greater emphasis on technical skills and professional compatibility.

Concrete Procedures

To prepare a compelling application portfolio, it is important to follow these steps: 1. Translate diplomas and certifications. 2. Indicate the type of residence and work permit (e.g., G permit). 3. Do not lie about language skills. 4. Indicate the correct country code and time zone. 5. Omit personal information such as date of birth and marital status, unless requested. 6. Update your application portfolio according to the requirements of the destination country. 7. Consult foreign employment offices to gain a more in-depth overview of the local job market.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

• ### Concrete Actions for Cross-Border Workers

For cross-border workers who wish to work abroad, it is important to follow a step-by-step procedure to prepare their application dossier. This includes translating diplomas and certifications, updating personal and professional information, and consulting with overseas employment offices to gain a deeper understanding of the local job market.

Deadlines and Required Documents

Deadlines and required documents vary depending on the destination country. In the USA and Canada, it is important to send a CV without a photo and a brief cover letter. In France and Germany, however, it is common to include a photo in the CV and follow formal schemes during the selection process. In Asia, especially in Japan, the application processes are longer and more complex, with a greater emphasis on formality and compatibility with the company's philosophy.

Useful Tools

To prepare a convincing application dossier, tools such as the Europass website of the European Union can be used, which provides valuable advice and useful guides for creating a cover letter. Additionally, the website (in German) of the agency Die Bewerbungsschreiber offers advice for submitting applications in Spain, Austria, and Sweden.

Final CTA

For further information and to prepare your application dossier, you can use the tax calculator available on our website.

Source: swissinfo.ch