How to Build a Professional Network in a Foreign Country

There are many exciting things and new opportunities that come with moving to a new country but nobody talks about how difficult it can be to build a professional network. You may not know some things about your industry, different organizations or how to approach people without making it look like you are asking for a job. The truth is you don’t have to start looking for multiple people to build you professional network just a few people who know your skills, interest and career goals are enough. Here’s how to  build your professional network in a foreign country form scratch. 

1. Start Before you move

If you are aware of the place you are moving to try to build a network even before get there. Try to talk to some people in your field who are based in the country you are going to and connect with them on LinkedIn or any other job boards. Start by introducing your self, explain your professional background, and tell them that you want to learn about your industry in their country after some time tell them that you are looking for a job. 

2. Adapt your LinkedIn profile 

Make it clear that you are looking for more opportunities in a new country in your LinkedIn profile. Adapt your location, work experience, skills, certifications, interest and professional headlines. If you have just moved make it known  that you have a new location. This makes it easier for people to know that you are available locally. 

3. Join professional associations

Try to join some professional associations, they can be helpful to you because  they provide an established community. You can join some organization associated with your industry like teachers, accountants, lawyers, IT specialists, Healthcare professionals and engineers. Joining these organizations can give you access to other professionals that understand the local industry. 

4. Attend industry events 

Don’t limit your self to only things that have to do with your job, You can attend events like conferences, workshops, seminars, professional meet ups, public lecture, industry exhibitions and business networking events. The goal is to have a few meaningful conversations to learn some things about the industry and you not just ask them if they are hiring out of the blue.

5. Connect with other newcomers 

It can be very useful if  you get to know a few people that have just moved into the country or people who were also newcomers. They will be  able to understand what you are going through, know some organization that will welcome  people like you and may be able to introduce you to some of their professional contacts. People that newly arrived in the country can sometimes be more useful than those that have been in the industry for nearly twenty years because they have passed through the same process. 

6. Use Alumni Networks 

Check if you have any alumni in  your new country maybe from university, college or some training programs. Use your connections to contact someone and tell them that you went to the same school and ask them about their work experience in your new country. 

7. Volunteer Strategically 

Try to Volunteer for events related to your industry, this way you can meet individuals and demonstrate your ability. This not only gives you a reason to add this to your CV but helps you to  work with people who have seen what you can do. 

8. Find professional communities online 

You can try to use other platforms aside Meetup groups and industry specific platforms. Try to contribute to these platforms, be a useful part of the group, this way people are more likely to remember you as someone who can do your job not just someone who asks for employment . 

9. Ask for information

Don’t make the mistake of just asking for a job from someone you have no relationship with ask them questions about what employers want or what they could recommend to someone that just came to the country newly. This gives you information and can even lead you to getting some referrals.

10. Learn the local networking culture

Networking works differently in different parts of the world. Learn how professionals communicate, introduce themselves and exchange contact information. Networking in some countries is formal while some are more casual about it. Learning this prevents you from making some mistakes. 

11. Follow up after meeting people

Try to build a relationship instead of just asking them for things. If you discussed about a particular thing you can ask for their contact information then talk to them regarding something you discussed. Remember meeting someone once is not enough to form a proper relationship.

12. Keep your network organized

Put downs the names and contact information of all the people you have met to avoid loosing useful people and useful information. Make sure you give information, also  try to introduce people to the ones you already know and can try to connect people, share valuable information, try to be reliable and helpful and offer your expertise when needed. So the person can see it as a way for you to gain from each other.

13. Build relationships with recruiters 

Recruiters that work in your profession can be good long-term contact. You can connect with people who normally hire people In your position. Try not to repeatedly ask them for a job just tell them your skills and experience and they will contact you when there are any suitable positions.