Job searching advice for a North American new to Brazil
Hey guys. Long time reader, first time poster...
I moved to Brazil (Sao Paulo) from the US in April of this year and received my Carteira de Trabalho in July. I have Rosetta stone and am working my way through, trying to learn the language - my language skills are still "basic," but I'm learning nevertheless.
I've been in the financial services industry for the past seven years, mostly relationship management/sales in the discount brokerage arena (two firms). Before that, a quick (one year) stint in full-service and four years in the military. I hold FINRA Series 7, 24, & 66 licenses and a BS degree.
I have profiles with numerous online job search firms (Catho, Monster, etc.) and have applied to what seems like a billion different jobs, but am finding it very difficult to even land an interview. Not sure if I'm doing something wrong or what -- hopefully I'm doing something wrong because I'd hate to think I'm just an undesirable candidate. Could it be?
Anyway... I'm posting this with hopes there is another gringo on WSO who is/was in a similar situation and can offer me some advice? Or maybe there's a Brasileiro on here who can give me some pointers and/or steer me into the right direction?
Thanks in advance!
Gringo in Brazil who does not speak the language and I assume does not know the culture... that could have something to do with it. Though this is coming from someone who does not know how business works in Brazil. I am just assuming that that is what your biggest hurdle is right now.
May help if we knew what jobs you are looking for, if you know anyone in Brazil, why you moved there, how much / if any networking you have done in Brazil.
Valid points. I'd originally planned to stay in the financial industry (relationship management, sales, client service, trading, etc.) because I like it, and with my background I thought it would make things easier. But after having such poor luck with my job search, I'm open to branching outside of my comfort zone (to almost anything except teaching English).
Before moving this year, I'd been visiting almost monthly for about two years. I met a few people during my trips, which has led to several further introductions, but nothing has yet come to fruition. Everyone I do speak with tells me the language barrier won't be an issue (especially in the financial industry) because English is what "everyone" wants, but I'm coming to realize that may not be entirely accurate. Other than that, I've been trying to make something happen on LinkedIn -- same thing here, I've made some connections, but nothing really happening.
Thanks for the post. Anyone else have any similar experience?
Although I don't have any advice for you, I'd just like to say that's pretty awesome. Moving to a new foreign place and starting a whole new life there. Sounds extremely exciting! Good luck to you!
And another question... how are the women? As amazing as often described?
Thanks for the positivity and good luck wishes! I appreciate it!
To answer your questions... Amazing and Absolutely. Or, just absolutely amazing. I love it here!
PM me if you want any specifics re: my situation (and/or the ladies). Thanks again
Check out www.escapethecity.org . It seems to have jobs that fit your "profile" well -- aka Ex. Financial Services folks looking for a change of pace. I recall reading about a job in Rio that involves setting up travel excursions in Argentina & Brazil.
I'll also throw out: Don't give up. Keep at it. It takes awhile to land a job and you don't want to leave without getting a valuable experience (be it life or work).
Put down Rosetta Stone and start talking to human beings if you actually want to learn the language.
In general, relationships are much more important in Latin America than in the States, so get off Monster.com and start networking. If you're having so much trouble with the language barrier and you don't have a network down there already, I would try reaching out to ex-pats in the area. Maybe they will find chatting with an American refreshing or something. Good luck.
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