11. Local recruitment strategies will work just as well for international recruits
Fact: Recruitment strategies and cultural norms vary widely across cultures. It's beneficial to work with a global company that can adjust marketing materials and strategies to fit the cultural expectations of international recruits. You'll find candidates that are better fits for a position if your recruitment strategy is appropriate within a different cultural context.
12. Employees at my company are already prepared to interact with international recruits
Fact: If your employees rarely interact with international clients, they are probably not well prepared to work with an international employee. Set your current employees up for success with diversity or cultural training. By preparing for international employees, you'll invite innovative new ideas and positive relationships into your company culture.
13. Only young employees apply to international positions
Fact: Many highly experienced employees at all ages levels are looking for international positions. In fact, it's common for older employees to seek new opportunities overseas.
14. It's too difficult to identify comparable experience with international employees
Fact: While testing and education differ across cultures, it's usually not too hard to identify comparable education and experience. If an educational experience is unclear, transcripts are easy to obtain.
15. An employee trained in another country might have to re-learn techniques
Fact: Employees trained in a different setting often increase efficiency and productivity with their new ideas. If you want something done a certain way, it's easy to teach new methods. However, you'll probably find that you gain new insights and ideas from an international employee.
16. Highly skilled international employees only work in shortage areas
Fact: Although highly trained international employees often work in shortage areas, this is not always the case. For example, many doctors work internationally in rural areas. However, it is more common for these highly skilled employees to work in large population centers where their expertise provides a unique alternative to local options.
17. International recruitment leads to poor retention rates
Fact: Employees are changing jobs more frequently across the board, but international recruitment has no effect on retention rates. In fact, some international recruits will stay with a company long-term due to cultural factors that value loyalty and length of service within an organization.
18. It's better to choose an employee that seeks out my company than recruiting one internationally
Fact: Most international employees won't find your company. If you're looking for skills you can't find locally, it's important to use a skilled recruiter to find the right fit. Recruit for the skills and experience you want, rather than what is convenient.
19. Management positions are only appropriate for local employees
Fact: Finding great managers is a real challenge, and the best ones get snapped up quickly by competing companies. However, great managerial talent exists all over the globe. Don't limit yourself to an ethnocentric approach for management. Expand your search to find someone who will positively affect your organization.
20. Companies hiring international recruits should interview as they usually do
Fact: Companies should consider international recruits carefully. It's important to ask whether the employee has worked internationally before, since international experience raises their chances for success in your business. Talk about language and cultural issues to ensure the right fit. You'll have more to think about with an international recruit, but it might be the best move for your company.
With so many great employees around the globe, it's challenging to find the right one for your company. If you can't find the right skill set or personality locally, consider an international recruit. You might find the perfect fit for your business.
This article was originally published by The Network, the world's local recruitment experts, at www.the-network.com.
