Adventure, ambition or lifestyle? Whatever your motivation to pursue an international career, you have what it takes to make it happen. There is just one thing that in most cases can become a major blockage: your English language skills. 

You may have the education and skills to travel around the world and land prestigious jobs at cosmopolitan locations, around the globe. But what about your English? Do you feel comfortable speaking in a language other than your native one? And most importantly, do you speak confidently and naturally, so you can let your personality and merit shine?

Why do many professionals fail?

In most cases, highly-skilled professionals like you, who love this kind of lifestyle, that is travelling, living and working abroad, face a major challenge. They know what it takes to build an international career, yet they keep struggling to achieve it, although they deserve it and have the abilities to do it. The most common reason behind is the language blockage.

You see, our world has become a big village, where everyone has the opportunity to pursue his or her dream of an international career. There are more flexible options with everything than ever before: from affordable travels and housing to working remotely from your home, wherever it might be. The ones winning the game are those who nail their English. The professionals who have worked on their English communication to get their message across effectively, while still being themselves. 

This is why you should prioritize improving your English language skills, even well in advance, before you start crossing borders. Let me show you how you can build an international career, if you are a non-native English-speaking professional.

How to build an international career as a non-native English-speaking professional

– Be creative with locations

For starters, choose your next location wisely. Especially if you are just starting out or you want to make a leap in your career, it is important to be more open-minded when you look at the map to decide on your next location. Of course, London, Zürich (where I live by the way), Singapore or New York may sound like a fantastic opportunity. But consider this: there is much higher competition there and dream jobs or career jumps are less common or easy to achieve, in cosmopolitan cities like the ones above. Plus, you will need to make more sacrifices in terms of job titles, responsibilities or compensation. Instead, look for dynamic and up and coming locations that may give you more opportunities to gain experience and new skills faster, and achieve results you can then “sell” to other employers around the world.

– Build universal skills and experience

Speaking of switching jobs between organizations and locations, keep in mind to work on projects that help you acquire skills and experience that are transferable around the world. It is very risky to go too niche or too local, as you will not be able to use them in your next international interview. Instead opt for working in fields and industries that are large in size and can offer a lot of opportunities, because of high demand. On the other hand, make sure you don’t become a generalist either, because, unfortunately, hardly any generalist can land international dream jobs. Simply because the supply of generalists in the market is really high. It’s all about demand and supply.

– Be flexible with job titles

Sometimes, professionals who wish to build an international career self-limit themselves by setting really high -if not achievable- goals. Don’t get me wrong. It is healthy to be ambitious but it is also smart to be strategic and plan your career thoroughly. Sometimes it is better to take on a less shiny job or a job at a less prestigious organisation because this might help you build your skills and experience portfolio much faster. Be aware of the Shiny Object Syndrome. You know, when you constantly shift your attention to the next shiny object (or job) that comes your way, without calculating the consequences in your career. Be mindful and strategic. And work on your English communication skills to enhance this flexibility.

– Know how to hunt jobs internationally

Be aware that you don’t only compete with other professionals hunting international jobs like you but also with all the locals. The sooner you realize this, the more right perspective on your chances of landing your dream job will be. The only way to get to the front of the line is to be creative. Of course, you need to follow the norms and respect each organisation’s rules and formalities. But going the extra mile will definitely pay off. Here is how to do it: get extra creative with how you send your application or approach the hiring manager. Send a video instead of a plain email. Write a smart email highlighting the 10 reasons they should hire you. Send something in their local language to show respect and a willingness to integrate. Let your creativity flow. In any case, you will need a good command of the English language.

– Invest in your personal branding

Getting extra creative, as explained above, contributes to building a memorable image of yourself as a professional. Personal branding is not only this but way much more. Let me explain. It is about knowing who you are, why you do what you do in your job and career and what exactly it is that you offer versus other professionals, what makes you stand out. It is also about your personal values that span your professional life as well. All these can help build a strong professional profile, most employers only reluctantly would ignore. Here is the catch: it is not just about your LinkedIn profile, resume or a cover letter. The most important thing is to talk about what your personal brand is all about, confidently and naturally. This is why you should invest in finding your authentic voice in English. A mindful English coach could help, immensely.

– Network with locals

Relocating to a new country or city is exciting. As are the new job opportunities there. But it can also be frightening. It’s you by yourself in a completely new environment against (in a good way of course) all others. This is why you should start networking with locals before you do it. Having an acquaintance or friend there can really boost your chances. They can help you navigate the local procedures, culture and norms, effectively, saving you time, money and energy, to achieve your professional goals. They may even know the right people to talk to and recommend you. Or they can simply speed up your efforts by giving you inside tips or shortcuts only locals know. Go online and take part in online discussions, forums and groups, to start networking, today. The only condition is that you speak good English and can communicate with the other fellows naturally.

– Plan your next steps well in advance

Last but not least, you need to plan your career wisely. Think strategically and decide on the many next steps that you are going to make. Being spontaneous is fun. Travelling and changing jobs, too. But if you aspire to build a successful international career, you need to get rational, calculate the risks, plan your next moves and act according to the plan. You may add some degree of flexibility, of course, because things are changing fast nowadays. But sticking to the plan can only get you very far. Be mindful of your current situation and goals and think long-term about your career. This way, you will always be in control of both your career and life, without falling into traps and missing the joy of life, as a citizen (and professional) of the world.

How do you feel now? You see, building an international career is by itself an exciting roller coaster. But it is up to you to choose its theme. It can be dark and spooky, with unpleasant surprises along the way. Or you can make the ride fun, crossing borders and experiencing new exciting environments at every turn.

Here at ProEnglish, this is also my end-goal. To empower non-native highly- skilled professionals like you to claim what they deserve in their career by breaking down the language blockage, in a safe, kind and trustful environment.

I am Vera Daskalaki, your Mindful English Coach. You, being here and reading this, really means a lot to me. 

Let me know if anything of the above hit a nerve and feel free to send me any questions. 

If you want to receive more tips and insights like these, join the ProEnglish community below. No spam, just pure value, it’s a promise.