What should I keep in mind when interviewing for a job that would move me to England?
So, this is still in the early phases, but I had a second meeting today with a company I used to work for about moving into a sales management position for their UK branch. It’s certainly not a huge company and I always worked well with the owner, but it’s a huge opportunity for me.
I’m pretty confident about the sales side of things, and not that worried about cultural angles right now, but I need some help on things to ponder when we start negotiating. Obviously, I want a rock-solid contract for several years. What move-related expenses should I expect the company to pick up? Should they be responsible for securing a work visa? They’ve moved employees from Europe to the States before, but never the other way around.
Should I get paid in dollars or pounds? What about health care as an American in the UK? Obviously my wife and I would have to store a lot of stuff here, can I ask for a signing bonus to cover that kind of expenses?
If you’ve ever moved for work, particularly internationally (American Jellies in Canada or vice-versa), I’d really appreciate any info or suggestions you have for building a contract. Thanks in advance.
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
10 Answers
It sounds like you’ve pointed out the most important areas:
Health care
Housing
Income
Stability
Plenty of companies will provide reimbursement of relocation costs.
Be cool when you ask about that.
They probably have some sort of plan for the immigration paperwork. It’s in their best interest to have some sort of structure in place unless this is their first time hiring a foreign national. That’d be unlikely.
Prescriptions don’t transfer. You will have to see someone in England to get any you have filled there. A drug that is legal here is not necessarily legal there and visa versa.
Definitely make sure you ask about all these things in interview. Your employer MIGHT pay for some moving expenses, but you never now. Still, it doesn’t hurt to casually bring it up. You have the advantage of playing the “ignorance” card, so no question is really out of line, since you’re not sure of their policies and such. I would assume they would take care of visas/health insurance, and other other government-related things, however, it’s not a good idea to assume. Ask them, of course, but then later on, I would absolutely call or email the American Embassy there and ask them these things just to confirm. It never hurts to check in multiple places, and speaking from personal international work experience, you never know when your employer won’t know the answer, and is too embarrassed to admit that. It’s much better to find these things out BEFORE you move your life to another country. I learned that lesson the hard way. As for moving items, you could locate an international moving company. If you send things by boat, they will take longer but cost much less. If you want to send things by plane, you could also just as easily use UPS, but it will cost you a pretty penny.
I believe they have universal healthcare, don’t they? Not too sure about that, but I’m sure you’ll have to get on some sort of social security program in order to take advantage of it. Something (I hope) your employer can arrange for you. I would think since you are living and working there, they would pay you in pounds. Get a bank account there. Will make things a lot easier.
cost of living…..differences between english and us english…..language and currency. education…...
work visa.
It sounds exciting. best of luck.
English people drive on the wrong side of the road!
Oh yeah, that’s another thing. If you’re planning on driving, you’ll need to get a license. Learning how to drive on the opposite side will be… fun? heh. Oh yeah, make sure you have all your “papers” in order, like social security card, birth certificates (take them there, it’s just easier than trying to get one sent to you there, it’s expensive), and even take your college diplomas/transcripts if you have them. They might require you to show it to them.
I am in the UK and much of what people have said already is good advice.
What I would also add is that depending on whether you are going to purchase a property, or renting, and also what part of the UK you will be relocating to, depends on how much a property would cost. I assume the job will be in a major city or town. Perhaps the company would pay for your first month or so rent etc.
Good luck, and remember to drive on the left hand side!!! ha ha
I don;t know anything about moving to another country but as a resident of England, my best advice would be, don’t forget to bring your umbrella.
@downtide Thanks for the advice. I’m already in Oregon, I feel like the weather would remind me of home.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
