One of the biggest challenges to job hunting in another country can be language. For example, if you’re target country is Spain, consider how adept your Spanish language skills are. For that matter, keep in mind that businesses in a country may conduct affairs in not just one, but two or more languages. In Spain, some regions of the country use Catalan – although you could likely get by on Spanish for awhile.

This blog entry is part of Vandover’s ongoing series of global résumé trends. More countries coming soon!

You may think you know how to write your résumé, but if you move beyond the U.S., you’ll probably start to notice that résumés look a little different elsewhere in the world. As we mentioned previously, you may not even see the word “résumé” listed anywhere in a job description for a position outside the U.S. – often, employers elsewhere in the world employ the term “C.V.”, an abbreviation for the Latin “curriculum vitae,” or “life story.” However, this trend is changing. No matter what you call it, the goal is the same: your CV or résumé is the first thing an employer will see about what you can offer them. Regardless of where you go in the world, your résumé/CV should be your best effort to shine and show your abilities.

If you’ve spent time in the American job market, you probably know that the “ideal” U.S. job résumé is one page long – and no more than two pages (with very, very rare exceptions). But in other countries, résumés might also include a photograph of yourself, as well as such details as your birth date, marital status, and nationality. In addition, international job ads may not even mention the word “résumé.” Outside of the U.S., “CV” (short for “Curriculum Vitae”) is a more common term.

Vandover consultants tell spouse/partner program participants frequently that a variety of strategies will help create an effective job search. Again and again, Vandover participants will hear their consultant discuss how important networking can be to finding and landing a job.

Okay, you know you need a job. But you want something more than a job that just pays the bills: you want a good job, a job where you can thrive, be successful, and enjoy making a contribution every day.

Spring is in the air, and for many of us, that means it’s time to do a little spring cleaning.  As you’re clearing out your garage and attic, reflect a little on whether or not you should clean some of the digital dirt from your online identity.  Individuals often don’t think twice about posting personal or inappropriate information and photographs (of themselves and others) on blogs, forums, MySpace, Facebook, and other sites.  But they may not realize that this type of information is easily searched by current and potential employers.