Recruiting can be difficult. There is a lot of advice out there about recruiting nationally, but what about internationally? Recruiting outside of the country could take your business to the next level. Therefore, to conduct this process correctly, you should do your research and build a greater understanding of what to expect and the advantages and disadvantages of the process.

Recruiting talent internationally can be most beneficial in industries or job roles that require specialised skills or experience that may not be available locally. For example, technology companies often seek talent from overseas due to a shortage of skilled workers in their area.

Similarly, healthcare organisations may recruit internationally to fill positions that require a specific language proficiency or cultural understanding. In addition, recruiting outside of the UK can be helpful for companies expanding their business overseas, as they can hire individuals with local knowledge and experience to help them navigate new markets.

Finally, industries such as hospitality and tourism often recruit internationally to provide a diverse workforce and enhance the customer experience for international guests.

So if you’re thinking of recruiting talent internationally, continue to read this blog. 

Advantages of Hiring Internationally

Greater Talent Pool

Depending on where your business is located, you may have found your talent search more difficult. This can be due to the job market being small, and there being a small number of people that would fit the job role you are advertising, in the business's local area.

However, hiring internationally give you greater access to skilled workers, and means you are more likely to reach a larger number of candidates that would suit the role perfectly.

Experience and Insight 

Hiring someone from another country will enable your business to bring in a new presence. The new recruit is likely to bring in exciting ideas, help solve problems, and a new perspective. All of these assets are something that can help further your business and take it to the next level. In turn, this potentially will help your business stay in front of the competition.

More Productive Environment

Creating a multicultural team has many benefits for each individual. Everyone learns from their peers, and bringing in an addition from a different country could bring a new skill set to the table, helping all employees learn more. Your employees learning and engaging more will benefit the company massively, as well as create a happier and healthier environment. So it’s a win for your employees and your business.

Disadvantages of Hiring Internationally

Higher Costs

Of course, hiring internationally will have higher costs, this is mainly because of the relocation packages and settlement assistance involved. Depending on if your company is able to afford additional costs, an employee relocating will expect interim accommodation, inbound transport, and permits. This is something to definitely do more research into and calculate.

Immigration Requirements

When recruiting internationally, there are specific requirements and procedures that must be considered for different countries regarding immigration and relocation packages. Firstly, it is essential to consider immigration requirements, as not all countries have the same procedures and requirements.

Depending on the country, filling out immigration paperwork and finding out if the new employee is granted residency can take up considerable business time and money.

Additionally, the cost of relocation packages and settlement assistance is higher when hiring internationally, as the employee may expect interim accommodation, inbound transport, and permits. To recruit well you need a good understanding of immigration rules.

Provide Additional Support

Even if this whole process seems to have gone seamlessly, there are many things to consider for your new employee. They may become homesick, and lonely. All points may lead to reconsideration of the relocation.

Therefore, you should make the new employee feel at home straight away to get them used to work in the UK. To do this, provide additional support such as language learning, social programs, and general navigation of their new city and life. Your company should set up regular check-ins and a selected few employees to keep an eye out for the new employee.

Conclusion

International talent can bring great benefits to your business, including access to a wider talent pool, new perspectives and experience, and a more productive and diverse team. However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as higher costs for relocation and settlement assistance, immigration requirements, and the need for additional support to help your new employee adjust to life in a new country.

To make the most of international hires, it's important to conduct thorough research and calculations to ensure your business can afford it and provide the necessary support. Consider setting up regular check-ins and support programs to make your new employee feel welcome and supported. Overall, recruiting internationally can be a valuable strategy for taking your business to the next level, but it's essential to approach it with careful consideration and planning.