Global mobility allows individuals to work with companies around the world and support them in managing their mobile employees. It is an international industry that requires flexibility, problem solving skills and an ability to manage and coordinate people and processes. If you work in HR, recruitment, immigration, relocation, payroll, or a similar field then a move to global mobility is possible.
Understand What Global Mobility Involves
Many jobs in global mobility are advertised but knowing what a specific job looks like is crucial when looking for the right position.
The global mobility professional supports the employee who is either moving domestically or internationally to take up new work. This can involve planning and implementing their move, managing their international assignment, dealing with visa and immigration requirements, liaising with tax and payroll functions and implementing the company’s employee policies and benefits.
More senior roles may develop global mobility policies, manage suppliers and negotiate costs, as well as advise companies on their workforce strategy on a global basis.
Identify Your Transferable Skills
Many of the skills required to work in global mobility are already present in individuals currently working within roles such as HR, immigration, relocation, payroll and other related functions.
Communication skills, organising skills, attention to detail skills. Being able to manage and coordinate multiple assignments and a number of tasks with strict deadlines, dealing with documentation.
It’s known that international relocations don’t always run smoothly and therefore mobility professionals must be able to think on their feet and come up with solutions.
Consider Your Current Industry Experience
Some professional backgrounds provide a natural route into global mobility. A HR background enables candidates to draw on experience of employee policies, employee benefits and workforce management, whilst those with an immigration background can bring experience of international visas and regulation. Many relocation specialists have worked in companies which provide relocation services to employees on the move.
Learn More About the Industry
If you are planning a career change, building your understanding of global mobility can make the transition easier.
Understanding the relationships between the various functions within global mobility, such as how a change in an employee’s immigration status can affect other areas of their move such as their relocation date and set-up, their start date and their payroll, benefits and more.
Keeping up to date with the developments within the global mobility industry, and the use of key terminology within it, will also ensure that you are able to discuss your career change in applications and interviews.
Target the Right Global Mobility Roles
Your first role in global mobility is likely to be determined by your previous experience.
When transferring over to the global mobility sector, roles such as a global mobility coordinator, mobility advisor or even global mobility associate are usually looked for by candidates entering the sector with relevant experience. They allow for a broad range of knowledge within the different aspects of the global mobility process and help you grow within the sector quickly.
As a candidate looking for a change from a long established career in a specialist field, you may find that your skills are put to good use in a role that focuses on a specific area of the process. Identify which global mobility roles would be most suitable for you given your past experience.
Tailor Your CV to Global Mobility
When changing careers for a move into global mobility, your CV must demonstrate how your previous experience will be of value to potential employers.
A recruiter specialising in global mobility jobs needs to be able to see from your CV and at interview how your experience gained in your previous career will add value to a global mobility department and organisation. Give examples of your previous responsibilities which could be related, such as employee support, working with international clients, compliance, project management, HR processes and functions.
Prepare to Explain Your Career Change
Employers may be keen to know why you have chosen to move into the global mobility sector and how your previous experience gains you entry to this field.
Be ready to explain to the employer why you have chosen to move into the sector. Set out clearly in your covering letter why you want to work in global mobility, this may be because you have worked with international clients, because you want to specialise in the relocation of employees, or even looking for a more challenging career.
Finding Your Next Global Mobility Opportunity
You don’t have to start again when transferring to global mobility, as you will find that many professionals have skills that can be transferred to this area.
Alchemy Global Talent Solutions is a leading global mobility specialist recruitment agency. Our team has many years’ experience placing candidates in permanent global mobility jobs and roles across the globe.
