Today, helping dual-career couples go abroad is common practice, not the exception. Jo Parfitt on how you can improve the assistance you offer to expat spouses.

When an expatriate employee takes his family with him (or her) on assignment, there is no longer a reason to explain to HR as gently as possible that he (or she) has a spouse who would appreciate some support in maintaining a career.

According to the 2001 Global Relocation Trends Survey, around three quarters of all companies now automatically provide some kind of spouse career assistance.

Career counselling

There is no doubt that assigning a career counsellor to each spouse is the greatest benefit of all. While this does not come particularly cheap — prices start around EUR 2,500 — the services tend to stretch far beyond the creation of a CV and cover letter.

Typically, a career counsellor will know the new location extremely well and be able to advise on the best networking groups to attend, which papers to buy, and the companies to work for. The counsellor can also set up informational interviews with experts and professionals in the spouse’s chosen field.

With such in-depth knowledge, many counsellors find themselves providing settling-in advice too. There is no doubt that this service is the best you can give to trailing spouses.

Networking

It is said that three quarters of all jobs are found not through advertised vacancies or recruiters but through networking. It is also said that to enjoy networking success you need to meet or find out about 25 new people every month.

Helping your spouses to network is the single most effective thing you can do for them.

Options that won't break the bank

Fortunately, there are plenty of options available that can significantly improve the morale, networking and career success of the accompanying partner. And really the most important thing you can do is to simply show that you care, that you understand the problems and that you are available to help.

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