There is a lot of talk around about pilots and expat airline staff returning to their countries of origin now that many airlines have been in boom and growth for a couple of years. 

But not everyone is going home. Some are choosing to fill the gaps in senior roles and flight crew roles created by this exodus. That makes it the right time for a reminder about the differences you can experience when deciding on an ex-pat career.

Airlines and industry in other countries may not berestricted by the same Human Resource laws that apply in your home country. For instance, in Australia and New Zealand companies are unable to, by law, ask personal questions related to:

• Gender identification
• Sexual orientation
• Lifestyle or living situations
• Religion or beliefs
• Financial background
• Relationship status
• Racial identity
• Children
• Pregnancy and a whole load more one.

They fall under the scope of a variety of privacy and discrimination laws to which all employers must adhere. In other countries some of those laws and restrictions do not exist.

When you are not used to this level of interrogation it can be quite confronting. Part of your preparation for the recruitment process or interview therefore needs to be around how to answer those questions.  You cannot be vague or skirt the questions; you must provide solid evidential responses.

These are the four core areas to consider:

• How to talk about your relationship status
• How to talk about your financial situation and plan
• Illustrate a sold comprehension and awareness of the culture (company and country)
• Know how you will achieve lifestyle immersion

You also need to do your research on that particular countries values and rules of law that may be culturally sensitive.

The ex-pat lifestyle is an adventure, one worth the challenge but one you need to head into with your eyes wide open.

Kirsty is a feature contributor to Australian Aviation Magazine and Aerotime.aero

Kirstys blog on communication and careers is widely ready by over 20,000 first connection members on LinkedIn, Facebook and www.pinstripesolutions.com

Kirstys first book “The Albino Chameleon – Building The Story of You” will be available in the second half of 2019. www.thealbinochameleon.com www.kirstyanneferguson.com

Kirsty has lectured at Sydney University and Griffith University on careers, communication, aviation and self-confidence.

You can listen to Kirsty on the iTunes favourite “Go All In” podcast and “Australian Aviation Radio”.