Career Management Alliance Blog

One of my readers asked some great questions in response to my post about the value of Linked In, specifically relating to adding recommendations. Here is the excerpt containing his questions ...

Of those supporters (particularly European-based), one common thread is the negative impression associated with recommendations and the fact that they may be too positively skewed. Either too favorable from a subordinate or peer. Lack of specificity or genuity from a superior, especially if no longer employed. How do you respond to such critics? Is this simply a difference between North American and European cultures / management styles?

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“For the culturally incompetent,” writes Sarah Histed-Shergill, “the global job market provides a wealth of opportunity … to be misconstrued, misunderstood and misinterpreted. You must prepare your resume with an international perspective,” she writes. “By presenting your personal information in a culturally sensitive manner, you will enhance your chances of success in the global job market.” Find out in Histed-Shergill’s article, The Culturally Competent Resume for the Global Job Market, how to follow some simple steps to avoid the pitfalls of cultural faux pas and prevent potentially embarrassing and costly miscues.

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Although the Canadian market seems to be starting to take a turn, there is still much talk about a struggling economy. Many companies have had difficulties and are working hard to emerge from the recession. The job market is primed for leaders who are ready to position these companies for the next phase in their development. These days, most companies are in a state of flux. Many organizations are undergoing major transformations in the form of mergers, acquisitions, centralization, decentralization, downsizing, upsizing, restructuring, and so forth. If you are a senior-level job seeker, you can leverage this to your benefit. Continue Reading »

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Over 15 years ago I started my journey of helping professionals and entrepreneurs in the areas of professional and business development. I've worked with people from over twenty countries on six continents in every industry imaginable - from cheese making, ship building and rotomolding of plastics to education, medicine and information technology. What I have found over the course of my journey is that those who have experienced and overcome great challenges in growing their career or business not only acquire wisdom invaluable to themselves and others, but they also have great stories to tell. Continue Reading »

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I often get the same questions about expatriate careers and businesses from people through a variety of my online and social networks. In the interest of answering these questions so that more expats may benefit, I've decided to create an "ASK THE EXPAT CAREER COACH" blog post series. I'll start with one of the most common questions I get asked: "Why work abroad?" Working abroad can give you invaluable experience that will not only help you differentiate yourself from your competitors (a key element of a strong personal brand), but will help you develop skills sets valued by employers. One study done by Hays recruitment indicated that over 80% of professionals who worked abroad felt that it helped them in their careers. Continue Reading »

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It is interesting that rather than leaving comments on my blog often people will just contact me directly via email to respond to a blog post. Sometimes the person tells me that the place to leave a comment is difficult to find. Other times it's likely a desire to have a conversation that prompts them to choose email vs. a comment. Whatever the case, I haven't been good about posting comments sent to me directly so that all can benefit. But in this recent case, I feel it's essential that what was shared with me be shared with my expat readership. Continue Reading »

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It's important for both expat professionals and entrepreneurs to recognize that prospective employers and clients are making hiring and purchasing decisions based on what they find about people online. Because of this, working to generate large amounts of content online that reflects your unique promise of value is an important component of any successful career or business strategy. Continue Reading »

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Today I am participating in World Surf Day, which is essentially a kind of blog tag or a game of "the wave" between expatriate bloggers. We share our thoughts about living in our own country and then link to another expat participating in the game. Sitting down to try and write about my thoughts on life in Italy reminded me of the website Expat Interviews, where expats are interviewed about their experiences living overseas. I had completed my interview on that site close to three years ago. I reviewed my interview there, and thought that almost all of what I said still rings true. So given I am a bit under the weather, and in the interest of keeping the "the wave" of expat experiences going on World Surf Day, I am going to refer you to my interview on Expat Interviews as part I of my report on my expat life in Italy. Continue Reading »

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Attention all current and aspiring expat freelance writers - have you read about Freelance Writing Week? I'm writing to let you know about a must-see collection of valuable writing resources compiled by accomplished American expat writer and attorney, Michelle Fabio, who lives in her family's ancestral village of Calabria, Italy. Continue Reading »

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If you are an aspiring expat looking for job in Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the UK, there there is a website that you simply must visit - www.workingin.com. This site is jam-packed with fantastic information to help you in all areas of your job search and move to one of these countries. Continue Reading »

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