A step-by-step guide to moving to an international company

For people in their 30s and 40s who are interested in changing jobs to international companies. Do you want to jump out of your current environment and build a global career, but are worried about whether working in a foreign company is suitable for you or whether you lack English skills or experience? In fact, like you, many people in their 30s and 40s who aim to change jobs in international companies are faced with the following concerns.

"I want to take on the challenge of working for a top foreign company, but I don't know where to start..." "I'm not sure if my background will allow me to pass Google or Amazon's selection process..." "Only the information on the internet is not enough. I want to know the internal circumstances of international companies and how to effectively deal with them..." "I'm not confident in my English and don't know who to talk to about preparing for interviews with international companies..."

These concerns and concerns are not uncommon. But don't worry. It is possible to change jobs to a foreign company even if you have no experience. If you keep these points in mind and prepare, you can successfully PIVOT your career even in your 30s.

In this article, we will introduce specific steps to transform "anxiety and worries" into "hope and success plans" along psychological lines. We have covered the entire picture necessary for changing jobs at a foreign company, from self-analysis to resume creation, job selection, application, interview preparation, and offer response. At each step, we will explain in detail how GCI (Global Career Incubator), a global career support professional, can support you. At GCAP, you can choose support for thinking about your career direction and preparation tailored to the destination you are applying to, depending on your goals. At GCAP PIVOT, we organize your experience, strengths, and desired conditions and consider career options. If you have decided where to apply, we will proceed with application and interview preparations according to the position using GCAP AMAZON, AWS, Google, etc. If you would like to face the challenges and demonstrate your abilities in your current position, we will introduce you to GCAP ELEVATE. Let's turn your anxiety into confidence with advice backed by a professional perspective and track record.

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Overview of steps to successfully change jobs with international companies

First, let's understand the overall picture of the steps to change jobs at a foreign company. The process of changing jobs to a foreign company can be broadly divided into the following six stages.

1. 1. Self-analysis – inventory of strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations. Clarify the purpose and goals of changing jobs.
2. 2. Resume preparation – Creating an English resume/CV. Brush up on the content to highlight your accomplishments.
3. 3. Job selection – Research the industry and company to determine the position that suits you. Gather job information and narrow down applications.
4. 4. Application – Entry through an agent or direct application. Process management from document submission to interview schedule adjustment.
5. 5. Interview preparation – Prepare for each round of interviews after passing the application screening. Practice answering expected questions (Japanese/English), case study preparation, etc.
6. 6. Offer handling – After receiving a job offer, we will negotiate conditions, adjust the joining date, and take steps toward the an orderly resignation from your current role.

There are many points and measures required at each step that are different from career moves at Japanese companies. However, if you prepare and respond appropriately at each stage, it is possible to successfully change jobs to a foreign company in your 30s even with no experience. Let's take a look at the details and strategies for each step in the next chapter. It also includes a GCI perspective, so please use it as a reference both when working on your own and when using professional support.

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Step 1: Self-analysis and career strategy planning

The first step is self-analysis. Here, we will clarify the axes of “Why do you want to change jobs to a foreign company?” and “What kind of career do you want to achieve?” For those with a long career at a Japanese company, this is a good opportunity to re-evaluate your strengths and market value.

Clarify your career purpose

Everyone has different goals for changing jobs, such as increasing their annual income, taking on the challenge of global business, or pursuing specialization. First, verbalize your motivation for changing jobs and your future career vision. This is the process of turning the uncertainties of "Is this okay as it is?" into concrete goals. If you work backwards from your future vision (5 years, 10 years from now) and think about what you should do now, you will be able to see the direction you want to take after changing jobs.

Inventory of current strengths and weaknesses

Identify the skills and knowledge you have acquired through your past work experience. Please list your strengths, such as specialized knowledge, management experience, language skills, and project execution skills. At the same time, identify any skills that may be needed in the new environment (e.g., up-to-date digital knowledge, advanced English proficiency, etc.). Through this self-analysis, you will be able to clarify your strengths that you should highlight and the issues that you should strengthen in the future.

Understand the evaluation points of international companies

In addition to self-analysis, do some research on the kind of person international companies are looking for. In general, international companies tend to emphasize performance-oriented, leadership, specialized skills, autonomy, etc. Corporate culture and selection criteria also differ from company to company. For example, Amazon requires you to act in accordance with 16 leadership guidelines called "OLP (Our Leadership Principles)." Reflect on your own experiences and consider what contributions you can make from those perspectives.

GCI support

Self-analysis can be done by one person, but it will be more accurate if you include the objective perspective of a professional. At GCI, we first listen to each candidate's aspirations and concerns through career counseling, and then use a basic program called “Foreign Job Change 101” to help them deepen their understanding of the selection process, culture, and required skills of international companies. For example, if someone says, “I'm not sure if my background will be enough for Google or Amazon...”, a former foreign HR coach will objectively analyze your strengths and weaknesses and advise you on how to fill in any gaps. You can also receive specific guidance on how to promote yourself and how to build a personal brand that will work at a global company.

If you are worried about your English ability, don't worry. Not all international companies require a high level of English proficiency, and depending on the position, there are job openings that require mainly Japanese. GCI's YouTube channel "Global Career ch" has also released videos such as "Can I get a job offer at a foreign company even if I can't speak English? What is the career strategy for someone aiming to work in a foreign company?", which has a wealth of information for those who are concerned about their English proficiency. GCI's coaching includes Japanese-English bilingual preparation, so you can take on the challenge of changing jobs with a foreign company while receiving support for English interview questions and business English acquisition.

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Step 2: Preparation of resume (English resume) for international companies

The next step is to create a resume (English resume). When applying to international companies, it is common for applicants to request an English resume or CV instead of a Japanese resume or work history. Prepare a resume that clearly and concisely summarizes your job summary, accomplishments, skill set, etc. in English.

Write based on performance

Japanese resumes tend to comprehensively describe the work you are responsible for, but resumes for international companies focus on results (what you have achieved). For example, instead of writing, “As a sales representative, I was responsible for developing new customers in XX industry,” it would be more effective to include quantitative and qualitative results such as “Increased annual sales by XX% through new development” and “Won the top sales award.” By including numbers and specific examples, you can directly demonstrate your value to hiring managers.

Concise and easy to read structure

It is recommended that resumes be kept within 1 to 2 pages of A4 paper. Avoid overly long self-promotions and redundant expressions, and write to the point. We will properly translate Japanese titles into English, and replace technical terms with internationally accepted expressions. Also, the trick is to start sentences with active voice and action words, and avoid ambiguous expressions and common phrases. To write a memorable resume, use words and specific numbers that support your accomplishments.

Choosing to discard work history

Listing all my past experiences would obscure the point. Prioritize your experience and skills related to the position you are applying for, and be sure to delete unnecessary information. It is said that employers only spend a few tens of seconds to a few minutes reading each applicant's resume. It is also effective to include a summary section at the beginning that summarizes your career highlights and strengths so that it catches the eye in the first few lines.

GCI support

Creating a resume is an important point that determines whether or not you get a job with a foreign company. At GCI, we have a session dedicated to "resume preparation" and provide one-on-one instruction on how to write a resume optimized for foreign-affiliated and global companies. Professionals will objectively advise you on which work experience to emphasize and how to optimize your English expressions, increasing your chances of passing the application screening. Furthermore, GCI's YouTube “Global Career ch” has videos that explain “words you should never use in English resumes or interviews,” so you can understand NG expressions and create sophisticated content.

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Step 3: Recruitment research and position selection

Once you have a good resume ready, the next step is to research and select job openings for which you will apply. Even though they are international companies, they vary in size, industry, and job type. Narrow down your targets by determining where you can make the most use of your experience and which corporate culture suits you best.

Industry/company research

Start by making a list of industries and companies that interest you. You may want to narrow your search to industries where there are many international companies, such as IT, finance, consulting, and consumer goods manufacturers. We understand industry trends and required skill sets in each industry, and compare the characteristics of each company (business model, corporate culture, competitive advantage, etc.). Even foreign IT companies have different characteristics, such as Google's innovation culture and Amazon's strong customer obsession culture. Prioritize companies that seem to be a good fit with your values and strengths.

Check available positions

In parallel with company research, we collect specific job information. Check out the latest job openings on LinkedIn's job page, each company's recruitment site, or through a career move agent. We will compare and consider “job content”, “application requirements (required/welcomed skills)”, “work location”, “estimated compensation range”, etc. For people in their 30s, realistic goals for changing jobs with a foreign company include a position where you can make use of your existing expertise and a position that values your management experience. Even if you want to take on a challenge in an area in which you have no experience, the chances of passing the documents will increase if the job type allows you to make use of your adjacent skills.

Check English language requirements

The job posting includes information regarding English proficiency. For example, “Business level English is required” and “TOEIC score of 〇〇 or higher is expected.” The basic idea is to choose a job offer that is within your means based on your English proficiency, but there are also a certain number of foreign job offers that don't require English proficiency. For positions aimed at the Japanese market, there are cases where it is preferable to be able to read and write English. There are ways to improve your English skills after applying and before the interview, so if there is a company you would like to try, please actively consider it.

GCI support

Reliable sources and expert advice can be extremely helpful during the job selection stage. GCI not only provides coaching but also functions as a recruitment agency, providing one-stop support from job proposals tailored to candidates to interview preparation. If you register, you may be introduced to private job openings and positions at carefully selected companies, and you can also get behind-the-scenes information about each company. Because we have specialist consultants in each industry, our strength is that we can plan a career strategy based on an understanding of growing areas and required skills.

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Step 4: Application method and process management

Once you have decided where to apply, you can move on to the application action. Here we will explain how to manage the entire selection process, from how to submit documents to adjusting interview schedules.

Apply via agent

When changing jobs with international companies, it is common to use a career move agent. Especially if you have an agent like GCI that is strong in dealing with international companies, the consultant will submit documents on your behalf and recommend you to companies. The advantage of going through an agent is that they will attach letters of recommendation, follow progress, and obtain feedback from companies on your behalf. GCI clearly states that “we will handle everything,” from sending application documents to arranging interview schedules, so you can efficiently apply to multiple companies even while you are still employed.

Direct application/referral application

In some cases, you may apply directly via LinkedIn or receive a referral from an acquaintance. If you apply directly, you will apply from the company's recruitment page and manage your progress yourself. In the case of referrals, the in-house introduction system has the advantage of increasing the rate of document passage, but it is also safer to use an agent at the same time because you can consult with them in case of an emergency.

Schedule management for multiple applications

When searching for a job, candidates are often screened at multiple companies at the same time, so it is necessary to manage your calendar so that interview dates do not overlap. For international companies, the number of interviews is 3 to 5, and may include English interviews and case study interviews. Furthermore, if the timing of your offer differs from that of another company, you will be required to adjust the acceptance deadline. It can be difficult to manage all of these situations on your own, but by using an agent, you can receive support that matches your progress.

GCI support

GCI handles matters such as preparing letters of recommendation, sending documents, and arranging interview schedules for companies applying to the company, and also provides advice on interview strategies and negotiation strategies according to each selection stage. You can rest assured that you can negotiate with the company about things that are difficult for candidates to directly discuss, such as negotiating terms and adjusting the timing of accepting a job offer. Even if you receive multiple offers, we will take care of comparisons and adjusting the schedule for responding to companies.

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Step 5: Preparation for interviews at international companies (including English interviews)

Once you pass the application screening, you will finally move on to the interview phase. Interviews at international companies often have different questions and evaluation points than those at Japanese companies, so careful preparation is required.

Anticipated questions and answer preparation

Interviews for international companies often ask questions based on past experience (behavioral interviews), such as “Tell me about your biggest accomplishment to date” and “What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?” Organizing your answers according to the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will make it easier to convey a logical and concise story. Discussing your results with numbers will make it even more persuasive.

Prepare for questions specific to each company

Amazon has many questions related to OLP (Our Leadership Principles), Google has case-style questions called GCA (General Cognitive Ability) interviews, consulting companies have case interviews, and the format and evaluation criteria vary depending on the company. Research sample questions specific to your desired company in advance and prepare mock answers.

English interview preparation

Depending on the position, some or all of the interview will be conducted in English. It is recommended that you prepare by memorizing English answers to standard questions such as "Tell me about yourself." and "Why do you want to join our company?" Having explanations of technical terms and phrases for reflection will help the process go smoothly. It's easy to get nervous during an English interview, so it's important to get used to it over and over again.

GCI support

GCI places special emphasis on interview preparation, and coaches who are former foreign HR personnel and former managers conduct mock interviews. We also have company-specific programs for Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, allowing individual measures to be tailored to each company's selection process. In addition, as a general interview preparation, you can organize episodes using the STAR method and conduct English interview training, which can be recorded and reviewed to clarify issues. Even if you are new to foreign investment, we will support you so that you can face the real deal with confidence.

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Step 6: Responding to offers and preparing for an orderly resignation from your current role

Once you have received a job offer, the final step is to respond to the offer. By doing this carefully, you will be able to start your new career smoothly.

Check offer letter contents

Many international companies issue an offer letter (notification of employment conditions) after making a job offer. It includes information such as the position title, annual salary/bonus, availability of stock compensation (RSU), start date of work, and work location, so be sure to check the details and contact us if you have any questions.

Consideration of condition negotiation

If the offered conditions do not match your wishes, it is not uncommon for international companies to negotiate annual salary and joining date. Look for a reasonable line by objectively communicating the comparison with your previous salary and offers from other companies. It is difficult to make changes after acceptance of joining the company, so it is important to clear all your doubts.

Resigning from your current role

Once you have decided on your joining date, you can move on to preparing for a an orderly departure from your current role. Inform your boss of your intention to resign, set a handover schedule, and notify related departments and business partners in stages. Some companies require you to notify them of your intention to retire one to two months in advance, so it's a good idea to check the work regulations in advance.

GCI support

If you apply via GCI, you will first receive an offer from a consultant. Candidates can avoid unnecessary stress as they will negotiate with the company about requests that are difficult to express, such as annual salary negotiations and adjustment of joining date. You can receive advice on how to proceed with resignation procedures and measures to prevent retention, and there is regular follow-up even after joining, so you can take a new step in your career with peace of mind.

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Summary: Achieve a global career with professional support

In order to successfully change jobs to a foreign company, it is important to systematically prepare for the above steps. Even if you are taking on the challenge with no experience, if you gather appropriate information and take appropriate measures, you will be able to secure a job offer. Please keep in mind the flow of “determining your focus through self-analysis, accurately conveying your strengths in your resume, and thoroughly preparing for interviews”, and if you feel lost or anxious about anything, please consult a professional.

GCI (Global Career Incubator) supports career moves, promotions, and success in your current job through job introductions and career coaching. We have many coaches who have worked at top companies such as former Amazon, former Google, and former Microsoft, and one of our great strengths is that we can provide advice that is well-versed in the internal affairs of companies. In fact, many people in their 30s and 40s have made a career move to a foreign-affiliated or global company, and users have commented that “I was given a perspective that I would never have thought of on my own,” and “Role-playing just before an interview helped me stay calm.”

Jumping into a global environment may be a major turning point in your life. However, beyond that, there are unprecedented growth opportunities, better benefits, and opportunities to increase your own market value. Use this article as a reference to prepare and turn your anxiety into confidence. GCI will do our best to support your challenge.

Author

Global Career Incubator Co., Ltd. CEO Shinichi Ikawa

Biography: Entered the business world after working for the Ministry of Defense (National Class I) and the Australian Ministry of Defence. After working at a major real estate company, he started a real estate venture and experienced management and recruitment at a domestic fund, domestic business company, and overseas tech company before founding our company.

Developed a career accelerator program based on my experience as a corporate manager and hiring manager. We specialize in foreign-affiliated, bilingual, and senior talent, and support individual career advancement and corporate organizational strength and efficiency.