Working Abroad ñ Candidates become more international in outlook

More Brits than ever before are looking overseas for jobs. However, it isnít always about money, despite an increasingly high tax burden in the UK and notwithstanding recent suggestions that the UKís stringent tax regime is causing many people to consider leaving. In most cases, candidates believe that the main benefit of working abroad is to add international exposure to a CV. Of the candidates questioned, only 3% see the tax regime as a reason for moving abroad.

Results of a global survey, compiled by Robert Walters and released today, have revealed that gaining work experience outside your native country is more popular than ever before. Nearly 90% of candidates around the world say that a global CV is important.

Approximately 50% of the candidates questioned believed that the experience gained from working abroad is ìVitalî for the improvement of a CV. Just 15% of Brits dismiss job opportunities outside the UK, meaning that as many as 85% of UK candidates would move abroad if the opportunity presented itself.

Robert Walters interviewed 6,800 candidates from the UK, Continental Europe, North America and Asia Pacific on their attitudes to working abroad. Over 50% of those questioned have had experience of working in London at some point in their career. Key attractions to pursuing an international career are the chance to gain international experience and to enhance career development.

By comparison, the prospect of earning more by working abroad is considered a relatively unimportant reason for moving. Neither higher remuneration packages nor less stringent tax regimes are as decisive factors as the opportunity for overall career development and the desire for different experience. Only 13% of those questioned said they would move abroad purely for financial reasons.

The survey also revealed a number of other local trends, for example:

Australia : over half of Australians are attracted to working in London thanks to its location as a base to explore Europe. But better business opportunities attract just 16% of people questioned.

Richard Parnell, CEO of Robert Walters Asia Pacific, comments:

ìYoung workers, for example newly qualified accountants, are the ones that traditionally go overseas for adventure, for broader work experience and to work in international companies.î

Hong Kong: the survey revealed similar levels of demand in Hong Kong for work aboard, with 50% of respondents believing it is vital for career development.

Shane Sibraa, Director of Robert Walters Hong Kong, comments:

ìHaving international experience on your CV opens doors. When you work abroad, you encounter a whole range of opportunities that you might not have had if youíd stayed at home. Also, the more senior you become, the more likely you will be running an operation with different regional offices. Earlier experience of working abroad could prove invaluable.î

ìWorkers are taking an increasingly international view to employment, with 50% of respondents to the survey stating that overseas experience is vital to improve a CVí says Robert Walters, Chief Executive of Robert Walters plc. ëEmployers, too, look out for international experience on a CV as it can provide vital local knowledge and in many cases adds to a candidateís earnings profile. This underlines the international jobs market that is developing - the world truly is a candidateís oyster.î