7 tips for how to get a job in a multinational company
![](https://preply.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/jobx.png)
- 1. Use international job boards
- 2. Start learning another language
- 3. Network with current employees at multinational companies
- 4. Research the company culture and values
- 5. Focus on scope, not titles
- 6. Highlight valuable soft skills like communication
- 7. Gain relevant industry certifications
- Boost your job search with online business English tutors
Imagine clocking into work and collaborating with teammates from Tokyo, London, and Buenos Aires – all before lunch. Welcome to the dynamic world of multinational companies, where your office is truly global.
Multinational companies, or MNCs, offer many career benefits that you often can’t find elsewhere. Working in a diverse work environment makes your workday more interesting while honing your communication and collaboration skills. Bigger companies like MNCs often invest more in upskilling their employees through workshops, seminars, and conferences. Plus, the sheer size and reach offer a playground for career growth, letting you climb the corporate ladder or even hop between departments globally.
But landing a job at a multinational company isn’t your typical job search. When you’re up against a global talent pool and higher expectations, you’ll need a tailored approach to stand out and improve your chances of getting hired. Today, we’ll review our recommendations for how to get a job in an MNC to enrich both your resume and your life.
1. Use international job boards
Don’t limit your search to local job portals if you’re eyeing a job at a multinational company (MNC). Top MNCs often cast a wider net by posting job openings on international platforms.
Platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed are excellent starting points. But you should broaden your horizons to tap into more global job opportunities. Here are some other international job boards to consider browsing:
- Otta: Otta specializes in tech roles in fast-growing companies, from startups to tech giants, in the US, the UK, and Europe.
- Built In: Built In focuses on tech jobs in major US cities like Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco, so it’s ideal for those who want to work for an American company.
- Job&Talent: Job&Talent is a leading digital temp staffing agency with job listings across parts of Europe and Latin America.
- OfferZen: Primarily focused on roles for developers in South Africa, OfferZen flips the script by having companies apply to you rather than the other way around.
- We Work Remotely: We Work Remotely is one of the largest online communities for remote workers, posting over 1,000 new remote jobs around the world each month.
- Wellfound: With a global reach, Wellfound offers roles in startups across various industries and countries. You can connect directly with founders or let companies find you and pitch their opportunities.
- Naukri.com: Naukri is India’s job portal, offering a wide range of roles across industries to Indian job seekers.
- Xpat Jobs: Xpat Jobs specializes in job listings for expatriates, including multilingual jobs.
If you’re looking for opportunities in specific countries, filter by the name of the country or city you’re interested in relocating to.
2. Start learning another language
Multinational companies have a global footprint. Communicating with teams or clients in another language instantly makes you a valuable asset. When you’re up against equally qualified candidates, being bilingual – or even multilingual – can tip the scales in your favor. It can even help you earn a higher salary.
Dive into language courses on platforms that offer specialized language training. For instance, Preply has a range of business English courses that can be paired with 1-on-1 tutoring for a more personalized experience. If you’re more of a social learner, consider joining language exchange meetups.
Consider getting a language certification to strengthen your resume too. The TOEFL and IELTS are two of the world’s most widely accepted English language certificates. Passing these exams will prove your language proficiency to potential employers.
3. Network with current employees at multinational companies
Another golden ticket into a multinational company is networking with their current employees. You’ll get the inside scoop on the company culture and recruitment process. A referral from a current employee can also significantly improve your chances of getting an interview. Rather than just sending resumes into the void, you’ll add credibility to your application, setting you apart from the applicant pool.
So, how do you go about it? LinkedIn is your best friend here. Send a personalized message to someone in your desired role or department, asking for advice or insights. We’ve put together some templates for messaging recruiters and other employees on LinkedIn. Here’s an example to help you get started:
Hello [Recipient’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I recently came across your profile while researching opportunities at [Company Name]. I was particularly drawn to your experience in [Role/Department], as I am very interested in pursuing a similar career path.
I was wondering if you’d be open to sharing some insights into what it’s like to work in [Role/Department] at [Company Name]. Specifically, I’m curious about the team dynamics, the skills that are highly valued, and any advice you might have for someone looking to join the team.
Thank you for taking the time to read my message, and I hope to speak with you soon.
Best regards, [Your Name] [Your LinkedIn Profile URL] [Your Contact Information]
If you get a positive response, try asking to set up an informational interview – a short call or meeting where you ask someone about their career, the company culture, and their advice for your job search. That will allow you to learn more about the company and see if it’s the right fit for you.
Don’t limit yourself to social media. Industry events, alumni networks, and even freelance or contract work can be networking avenues. Many large companies also have Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) focused on specific affiliations like women, LGBTQ+, and more. These can be excellent platforms for making deeper connections.
4. Research the company culture and values
Understanding the company culture helps you tailor your application materials, like your resume and cover letter. Knowing what a company stands for can give you the edge in interviews, especially when they ask questions about the company culture.
But it’s not just about impressing interviewers. It’s also about finding a workplace where you’ll thrive. As Ross Inman, senior manager of talent acquisition at Preply, says, “You should ask yourself if the company’s environment aligns with your own values and career goals.” This way, you’re not just looking for any job; you’re looking for the right job.
Research the company’s mission statement and values, usually available on their website. But don’t stop there. Check out employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor to get a sense of what it’s really like to work there.
During interviews, don’t hesitate to ask questions that help you gauge the company’s culture. For example, “How are the company’s values reflected in day-to-day work?” Ross suggests, “Ask yourself if you want to work in this environment and if you’ll be successful there.”
5. Focus on scope, not titles
When you’re searching for an MNC job, it’s easy to get caught up in the allure of fancy job titles. But here’s the thing: titles can be misleading. What actually matters is the scope of the role you’re considering.
“Titles can shift. You should really focus on the scope of the position and where it could lead,” explains Ross. For example, a customer success manager role might offer the kind of cross-departmental collaboration you want in a digital marketing role.
Start by reading the job description and identifying any keywords about responsibilities, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. Compare job descriptions for similar roles across different companies too. This will give you a sense of how responsibilities can differ. If you’re navigating job titles that aren’t in your native language, remember that the essence of the role is more important than what it’s called.
You can also conduct informational interviews with current employees to get a real-world perspective on different roles. Don’t hesitate to ask pointed questions during interviews to understand the day-to-day tasks and long-term career paths. For example, “What does a typical day look like in this role?” or “How do you see this position evolving in the next couple of years?”
6. Highlight valuable soft skills like communication
In the competitive landscape of multinational companies, technical skills are often a given. But what can set you apart are your soft skills, particularly effective communication. “Strong communication skills can even compensate for fewer or a lack of technical skills,” says Ross.
Start by being concise in your resume, cover letter, and responses to interview questions. Ross points out that long-winded answers take up valuable time that could be spent discussing more critical topics. Instead, answer the question directly, then ask the interviewer if they’d like more details.
Before the interview, prepare anecdotes highlighting your soft skills, such as teamwork or conflict resolution. A helpful framework is the STAR interview method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Use this approach to stay on point during an interview while providing enough context to showcase your skills.
Here’s an example:
In a previous role, tensions flared between team members as we neared a tight deadline to launch a new software feature. (Situation and Task) I quickly organized a meeting and listened to each side. Then, I suggested we break the problem into smaller tasks and assign them based on each member’s strengths. (Action) As a result, we met our deadline and improved our team’s communication and collaboration skills. (Result)
7. Gain relevant industry certifications
The right certifications validate your skills and make you more appealing to potential employers. Plus, they signal that you’re committed to professional development, which is a positive sign for any hiring manager.
Start by identifying the essential skills or technologies in high demand in your industry. Once you’ve got that list, look for reputable certification programs that can vouch for your abilities. We’ve put together a list of industry certifications for you to consider pursuing:
Skill |
Certification programs |
Project management |
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) |
Digital marketing |
Google Analytics Certification |
Design |
|
IT |
|
Supply chain |
Boost your job search with online business English tutors
So, you’ve got your eyes set on the global stage and you’re ready to make your mark in a multinational company. That’s fantastic! Remember, the journey to landing that dream job is more of a marathon than a sprint. It’s about strategically positioning yourself as a top-tier candidate who brings value, versatility, and a global perspective.
If you’re looking to sharpen your language skills, particularly in business English, Preply has got you covered. With a range of online business English tutors, you can easily find someone who fits your schedule and needs. Whether you’re preparing for interviews or looking to communicate more effectively in a global work environment, Preply’s tutors offer personalized lessons to help you succeed.
Next article
![](https://preply.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Digital-nomad-384x256.png)
15 countries that offer a digital nomad visa
Discover 15 countries that offer digital nomad visas so you can work while traveling the world.
Previous article
![](https://preply.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Globe-384x256.png)
20 best countries to live in
Discover our top picks for the best countries to live in, whether you want to jumpstart your career or build a new life for your family abroad.