What is a move, to live and work in Vienna like?

Think Global Recruitment does Videos!

We don't know if you've heard but we are very excited to be launching a brand new website in the summer!  While the designers are working hard on pulling ideas together and doing all of the technical stuff, we have opened our first video competition!  Video is the next big thing and we'd love to share your overseas stories through this medium on our new site.  By doing this short video, you will be inspiring other accountants to improve their lives by making a move too!  So if you want to scream and shout about what a fantastic time that you've had, living and working overseas, please do enter our competition (did we mention that you'll also be in with a chance of winning £1,000?)!

Maybe you're a bit shy or don't know what to say?  We've listed questions and guidelines below and asked one of our very own international experts to record a video about his time overseas.  Here's Daniel, telling us about his time in Vienna:

How do I enter? 

Simple, just set aside ten minutes to answer the following questions (in 3 minutes or less please - we know that there is so much to say!):

1. Where did you move to and from, and what made you make this international move?
2. What are the best things about your new location?
3. How has the move assisted your career?

Then what?

• We will be using the best videos to inspire other accountants who are thinking of making an overseas move
• Once you have recorded your video (can be done on a webcam, tablet, smartphone) use Dropbox to send the compressed video to emaloy@thinkgr.com and we will send a receipt once we have received it!
• The winning video will be judged on how innovative, inspiring and informative it is

We can't wait to see your videos!

If you have any questions, feel free to email, Emma: emaloy@thinkgr.com 

*By entering this competition you are consenting to the use of your video on our soon to launch website and social media.  Normal competition rules apply.

WHO BETTER TO PROVIDE TIPS ON YOUR JOB APPLICATIONS?

Next Stop... Southampton!

Abigail Stevens, Managing Director, Think Global Recruitment, will be visiting Southampton next month to provide a free workshop to trainee and qualified Chartered Accountants on how to make the very best job applications, from CV submission to interview preparation and follow up.  Abigail has almost 20 years' experience in assisting accountants to secure new positions throughout the globe.  In our video interview (below) she provides an overview of what attendees will get from the workshop and why she is doing this.  It's all about Improving Lives!

What? - A CV and Interview Preparation Workshop

Where? - Hotel Mercure, Southampton Dolphin Centre

When? - 12th May 2015 - 6pm-8pm

Cost? - FREE to all trainee and qualified Chartered Accountants

Drinks and nibbles will be provided.

Places are limited so please contact Emma Maloy at Think Global Recruitment: emaloy@thinkgr.com to reserve yours and please do spread the word! 

..............................................................................................

FAQs
The workshop will answer the following and more!

• How long should my CV be?
• Should I include experience that I have that is irrelevant to my chosen career?
• How do I make my application stand out?
• What are the differences between a face to face, video or phone interview?
• What is a competency question and how do I deliver my answers?
• What is a technical interview question?
• What do prospective employers look for at interview?
• How do I come across better and win the role over other applicants?
• What messages should I make sure I get across at interview?
• What questions should I and shouldn't I ask at interview?
• What reasons do employers typically give for rejected job applications?

And many more!  We look forward to seeing you there on the 12th!

A NIGHT AT S1 JOBS RECRUITMENT AWARDS – APRIL 2015

Last night I attended S1 Jobs Recruitment Awards at the Crown Plaza in Glasgow.  It had the makings of an interesting night, where many recruitment people from all over Scotland congregated together.  I was delighted to have been invited as a guest on Bull Horn’s table and would also like to thank Martin Kay or Route 2 who also offered me a place on his table.   There is only one of me, so I went with the first invite and enjoyed the good company of the lovely people from Bull Horn, James Fleming from Jimmy Red, Hazel from Gillespie People Solutions, Tori Long from Head Resourcing IT Recruitment, Niel Rafferty of NSK Recruitment, Graham Cross from Mazars and Michael Young of MBN Recruitment Solutions/ Chairman of APSCO amongst others.  The evening started at The Grand Central Champaign Bar at Central Station, courtesy of Bull Horn.  At 7pm we jumped in taxis to the Crown Plaza.

I was slightly disappointed to hear that the dress code was ‘casual smart’.  I am a believer that if you are giving out awards, it should be an auspicious occasion to honour the winners which merits a black tie event.  However, it seems I wasn't the only one and many of the attendees had ignored the dress code and made the effort.  Mostly, everyone looked great all glammed up.

On arrival to the Crown Plaza we were handed a lovely glass of champagne, courtesy of Fire Fish (the glass even had a fish on it).   We were quickly called to take a seat at our tables.   The first thing you saw on everyone’s table was a stress bull, these bulls quickly had pictures taken in various poses which were tweeted out for the world to have a giggle.  What great publicity for Bull Horn!

The evening was compared by a comedian, a little too obvious for my taste of humour, but many of the crowd found him funny, in particular those that must have had a few more pre dinner drinks than I had.  S1 Jobs got on the stage and started well by speaking about how recruitment companies Improve Lives, but then the speech went down hill by becoming a very long sales pitch for a) a tool that could be a competitor to the recruitment consultancies b) a tool that is a direct competitor to their main sponsor for the evening and c) well I have not idea because I had switched of by that part.  The speaker had not read the audience at all and carried on to finish his entire speech regardless to the fact 90% of the audience had started chatting amongst themselves.  What a shame!

Steven from Bull Horn with Myself (Abigail)

It seems that because Mr S1 Jobs hogged so much of the time, the 18 awards were rushed through quickly.  I would have loved to have seen the 3 shortlisted web sites, recruitment videos etc.  Hopefully they will publish links for us. 

Despite a few grumbles, I would like to thank S1 Jobs, where their speech was terribly boring, they did a great job of laying on a good evening with Music, a band, good food and wine.  I had an amazing night and will definitely be back for next year!

Graham Cross from Mazars with Myself (Abigail)

And the winners were………

Firstly, a huge well done to James Fleming, MD of Jimmy Red, who I am proud to say was on our table and had already impressed me with his story of building his niche recruitment company from 1 to 14 people in on year.  Jimmy Red won Best Small Recruitment Agency.  

James Fleming being 'cool' when they announced Jimmy Red won!

Also a huge well done to one of our favourite clients, EY, who swept up 2 awards - Best Graduate Recruitment Strategy and Best Graduate Recruitment Campaign. 

Gordon Smith, EY with Award

Best Large Recruitment Agency

• Reed - Winner

• First People Solutions
• FPSG
• Office Angels
• 9-20 Recruitment

Best Small Recruitment Agency

• Jimmy Red Recruitment - Winner

• Titan Global
• Total Recruitment Group
• Cathcart Associates
• Enigma People Solutions

Best Recruitment Consultant of the Year

• Alison Miller - Reed - Winner

• Alan McVey - Reed
• Kirsty Lloyd - FPSG
• Yvonne Kelly - Total Recruitment Group
• Carol Duncan - Office Angels

Best Employer Brand

• Clydesdale Bank - Winner

• NHS Scotland
• Sky
• Skyscanner
• Scottish Canals
• John Lewis
• Google

Best Recruitment Campaign

• MSL Group - EY - Winner

• TMP - Coventry City Council - Commendation

• Tonic Agency - BNP Paribas

Apprenticeship Award

• GAP Group Hire Solutions - Winner

• West Dunbartonshire Council Employability Service - Commendation

Best Employer Training & Development

• Mediacom Edinburgh - Winner

• Renfrewshire Council - Commendation

• Thistle Healthcare Ltd - Commendation

Best Recruitment Website

• CA3 - Avis Budget Group - Winner

• Chatter - First Group
• Havas People - Tesco
• TMP - Rental Cars

Best Recruitment Innovation

• Tonic Agency - Shell - Winner

• Havas People - Ab Inbev
• Sensée Ltd
• TMP Worldwide - Virgin Money

Best In House Team (under 1000)

• Peninsula Business Services - Winner

• Golden Charter - Commendation

• NHS Orkney - Commendation

• Sodexo Prestige Venues and Events

Best In House Team (over 1000)

• Calgary Communications - Doosan - Winner

• GAP Group Hire Solutions
• MSL Group - EY
• National Oilwell Varco

Best Graduate Recruitment Strategy

• MSL Group - EY - Winner

• Chivas Brothers
• Havas People - Deloitte

Best Recruitment Campaign Government/Public Sector

• TMP - Coventry City Council - Winner

• Scottish Canals

Best Use of Social Media as part of a Recruitment Campaign

• Andsome - Boots - Winner

• Havas People - Deloitte
• Solutions Driven

Most Effective Brand Development

• Andsome - The Original Bowling Company - Winner

• Casual Films - AB Communications
• Casual Films - Rolls Royce
• MSL Group - EY

Best OnBoarding Strategy

• CA3 - RBS - Winner

• Maxwell Bruce

Best Recruitment Video

• Casual Films - Sainsbury - Winner

• Casual Films - DAH University
• Casual Films - Rolls Royce
• QA Apprenticeships

Best HR Team of the Year

• Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa - Winner

• Scottish Canals - Commendation

• GAP Group Limited

Chairman's Award

• Jim McColl OBE

THINK International Women's Day

First of all, what is International Women’s Day?  A quote taken from the official website states,

“International Women’s Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.  In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women’s Day is a national holiday.”

Here at Think Global Recruitment, we love to get involved with as many international days as possible!  Because International Women’s Day falls on a Sunday, we will be celebrating on Monday 9^th with all of the men in our office looking after us ladies! 

We've been conducting a spot of research to see how other countries around the world celebrate.  Though traditions are very similar in some places, we thought we would share our findings! 

Armenia

The Eurasian country that borders the likes of Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran was officially guaranteed gender equality in 1991.  Since then, women are now, actively participating in entertainment, politics and working life.

Instead of International Women’s Day, the Armenians celebrate ‘Women’s Month’ (the celebration of beauty and motherhood).  During this time, problems that concern women are given special attention, events and activities are organised for women, there are special shop discounts and most women even get a bunch of flowers a day!  A few years ago, the women of Armenia were given free gynaecological and surgical services for the full month!

Russia

International Women’s Day is widely celebrated throughout Russia, in fact, many businesses close for the day and women are given the day off work.  The day usually involves a festive meal and drinks along with television programs that pay tribute to famous Russian women that have achieved great things.

Men and their children usually spend a long time queuing on the morning of March 8^th so that they can buy their loved ones flowers.  Postcards with pictures of women with children are often given out on this day.  The day was introduced in Russia after a protest in St Petersburg for women’s right to vote in 1913.

China

Instead of celebrating the day for women’s achievements, it is a day for men to show their appreciation for women and express their love.  Women’s day is seen very much the same as Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day in China.

Women are given the full day or a half day off work, with their employers often buying gifts, one of the most popular is cinema tickets!  Men tend to buy gifts for their wives, children and any other ladies in their lives.

Interestingly, Girl’s Day is also celebrated in China, this is held on the 7^th of March and was introduced by university students.  The day is in place for the single women in China – the term ‘woman’ is generally associated with someone who is married.  The universities hold all sorts of events on this day (make up / dancing competitions).  Additionally, there is the tradition of a ‘wishing tree’ where the girls are encouraged to attach cards with their written wishes.

Poland

It is quite common in Poland for women to demonstrate in some of the bigger cities.  However, they usually receive the special gift of a carnation and quite commonly, a pair of stockings!

Taiwan

Taiwan sees International Women’s Day as a huge occasion, there are public tributes to the Ten Outstanding Young Women of the Year and Dimond Lady Awards.  The achievements of women are celebrated widely across Taiwan.

On the flip-side, the government release an annual survey on March 8^th on women’s waist sizes and warnings on how weight gain may pose a danger to their health!

We would be here until March 8^th next year if we even attempted to cover all of the countries around the globe.  Though it is an international day, there are still quite a few countries that don’t take part in International Women’s Day.  Here at Think Global Recruitment, we think it’s incredible the achievements that women have made over the past 100 years.  And we can’t wait to be treated by all of the men in the office on Monday!

_____________________________________________________________________________

References:

www.internationalwomensday.com

http://vipa.kvinnatillkvinna.se/regioner/kaukasien/womens-month-in-armenia

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/russia/women-day

http://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/women-day.htm

http://polishpresents.com/Polish_Holidays.html

From Ireland to New York, Senior to Partner!

We recently caught up with Emmet who attended a Think Global Recruitment Worldwide presentation back in 2004.  At the time he wasn't exactly sure where he wanted to go, but after the presentation realised that the USA was a location that he was really interested in.

Before Emmet knew it, he had secured a position with a Big Four firm in New York as a Senior Associate.  Just over 8 years later, he had worked his way up to became a partner and says:

"I arrived with just a bag on my back; I now have a wife, five kids and a house in the suburbs... I'm living the dream"

That's not to say it was easy, Emmet worked incredibly hard to get to where he is today.  We asked him to tell us more about his move and career so that others can have an insight into the world out there... Here is what he said:

Did you have any concerns with your move?

When I first moved to New York, I had never been to the States.  The first time I arrived in New York

was with my contract in my hand and my bag on my back so of course, I was full of concerns - as you would expect, having moved 3,500 miles away from home.

On the other hand, I knew that if there was a chance that it wouldn't work out, there would have been plenty of other options for me.  My qualifications are like a safety net, having these would have given me the opportunity / freedom to apply to other firms or move back to Ireland (in a worse case scenario).

It takes a lot of bravery to step out of your comfort zone but this is what has made me successful. 

When you arrived in New York, how long did it take you to settle in?

Given that I made the move ten years ago, it's quite hard to say!  It probably didn't take that long...  I lived in corporate housing for a month, after which, I really had no choice but to settle in and find an apartment and make a new home.

You have to have the right mental attitude or you'll never settle, you have to be all or nothing and overcome the home sickness that you'll get.

When you move to a new country, the best way to enjoy it is to embrace everything about it, enjoy the new culture and surround yourself with people who have been in the same situation as you.  It's great to go out and start new activities, keeping yourself busy so that you don't start to feel home sick.

I'm quite lucky in New York, there is an area which has a heavily Irish population.  I don't really see the point in spending my time there; I came here to experience something new.  But it's still comforting to know that if I ever do get home sick I can visit the area and the shops and pick up some home comforts.

Did your move meet your original expectations and how?

What I thought and what the experience turned out to be were significantly different and it has evolved over time.  

I originally planned to pop across to New York for two years or until my first visa ran out, just to get exposure and gain some international experience and do something different with my career.

I originally expected it to be a tough environment because it's 3,500 miles away from home, and it was, I worked long days and weeks.

Now I can change my job and do different things within the firm so it's always interesting... My move has exceeded my expectations.  I would consider myself to be less Irish as the time goes on and more American because I've integrated so well into the new culture. 

What was the biggest benefit of moving?

Moving to New York gave me so many more opportunities.  I don't think I would have made partner as fast back in Dublin, or even at all...

Everything is a lot closer together in New York, I can visit three clients in one day!

There is also the reputation of working in New York, so close to Wall Street.  People know that you have worked hard to get to where you are.

Do you feel that it has improved your standard of living?

Significantly.

To get to where I am in my career... Being part-owner in one of the largest professional services in the world... There is now way that this would have happened back in Dublin.

I arrived in New York with only my bag; I now have a wife, five kids and a lovely house in the suburbs with a pool.  I am living the dream.

That isn't to say it was easy though, I had to put a lot of work in to get to where I am but if you do it, if you can work hard, you will get the rewards.

What are the highlights of New York?

The career acceleration in New York is second to none.  The opportunities are endless and every day is an adventure.  With my firm, I have visited the likes of; Brazil, Japan, Europe, Singapore - all over the world.

Knowing that my kids and their kids down the line will be so much better off than I was growing up is really comforting. 

New York is a very highly aggressive, tough, place to work - you have to be a stellar performer, you have to be willing to work 14/15 hour days, six days a week, if you want to advance in your career.  When you do all of that, then you can have the perks and bonuses, to get to where I am has been a solid ten years of hard work.

Does/did anything disappoint you?

The ex-pat lifestyle can be quite difficult sometimes.  If you have a problem or you need help with something, people have to do you a favour to help you, for example, if you need someone to babysit the kids - you can ask a neighbour or a friend but then you owe them.  They are doing you a favour.  Back home you can ask your family to do this and they are obligated to, family are there to help you out in times of need. 

Life is very expensive in the USA; the system is very much based on capitalism, expenses, commuting, health insurance etc.

Are there any cultural difference?

The way New Yorkers work is very unique.  The US approach is a lot more black and white, there is a right and wrong way of doing things here.  There's not really an in between, the Irish approach tends to be more grey, more ambiguous. 

There is also a social factor to take into consideration.  In Ireland on a Friday night, the new guys would all be hanging out in the local bar, getting to know each other.  In New York - it is so vast that these people live quite far away from each other, they have more things going on, different commitments.  New York is very vast compared to Ireland.

There's also things like, the US school system, the different 'grades' etc.  It's all different to back home and with things like this, it kind of gets to the point that unless you grew up in the USA, you'll never really understand.

What advice would you offer to other accountants that are thinking about making a move?

Having an accountancy qualification is like a safety net.

If you move overseas for a job and it doesn't work out, there will always be another firm that you can work at, qualifications are the key.

I would do the experience all over again and recommend it to anyone.  You learn nothing from being inside your comfort zone.  You need to get out, test your resilience and build the skills and experience you need to advance in your career.

If you work hard, there will be rewards but if you're just looking to take it easy, there's no point because it's not going to be easy.  You're going to miss births, deaths and marriages because it's too difficult to make it back home.  This is something that you will have to be at peace with or it's not going to work.  You need to embrace and recognise the ex-pat lifestyle. 

By embracing this experience you will be giving yourself huge development opportunities, you really are elevating the ceiling on your career. 

There will be huge development opportunities if you choose to take this route and work hard with your career.

What are the advantages of applying for a job through Think Global Recruitment?

Think Global Recruitment gave me access to top tier opportunities that I might not have had if I applied on my own. 
    
I never would have thought of applying to my firm in New York if Think Global Recruitment had not presented the opportunity and persuaded me.

They checked how I was getting on in my new role a few months after I started and offered assistance at all levels.  During this time they were always interested in finding out about my new experience, about how I was settling, not just the office side of things.

There is a human connection there, Think Global Recruitment told me all the things that people who are moving overseas actually want to know.  For example, how many people work in the office, what the culture is like, the cost of living, things to do when I get there etc.  All the information they provided me with gave me a vision of what to expect on my arrival.

Is there anything you would like to add?

There are so many opportunities to connect with people.  We made a connection ten years ago and look, we're in touch again now.

You never know who you're going to meet and how you can work with each other in the future, every connection you make is vital.



Well done to Emmet who has achieved so much!  'Improving Lives' is our vision and we are delighted to have played a part in improving Emmet's. 

The life of Brain in London!

We recently caught up with Brian, a Canadian qualified Chartered Accountant, whom Think Global Recruitment had assisted to make his latest international move.  Brian had already moved from Canada to Bermuda and built up excellent experience of auditing and working with US, UK, International Standards and Canadian GAAP.  He had been working with Top Ten firms in both countries and he was now waiting to utilise this experience working for a larger, well known international firm and make a move to London.

After a number of interviews, Brian was offered an Assistant Manager position with Big Four Firm, EY, in London and could not be happier.  Now, having settled in an apartment in London with his wife, Vera, Brian tells us how he is getting on:

"I knew a move overseas would be excellent for my career, my CV and I was interested to see how different tasks were carried out internationally.  Originally from Canada, I first moved to Bermuda.  After a year and a half, I was ready to move again, I had grown tired of island life.  I wanted a base from which I could travel and spend weekends away.  I sought after more 'civilisation' and to experience a further, diverse team of colleagues. 

I wanted to work for a Big Four company in London as I felt this would give me the best big market exposure and so I started working with Think Global Recruitment again.  At first, I was worried that Big Four would expect me to work from 8am to 12am but having already made the move, I was prepared for a challenge.  I felt that Think Global Recruitment was my best partner to assist and support me throughout the move.

Think Global Recruitment has been specialising in international recruitment for such a long time, they know the potential pitfalls and advantages and have the professionalism along with industry knowledge to know what works best for the individual.  Their contacts are wide-spread which allows them to know about roles that the average recruitment company would not.  I feel that Think Global Recruitment guided me through every step, answered all of my questions, maintained regular phone contact and had a range of contacts and knowledge to share with me, the interview preparation was brilliant. 

I love that there are so many different cultures in my office: South African, Asian, European, it's a very socially mixed team.  I like the fact that my company are so open to suggestions and to hearing from employees, and how there are so many different ways of working.  I joined at a slow time which gave me plenty of time to settle in.

On a personal level, I felt it took a month or two for me to feel settled, my wife took a while.  I miss having a car but I know it is useless in London, it just feels strange because I come from a car culture.  People have welcomed us both and I don't feel there is a huge cultural difference between the UK and Canada.  We feel really good in London now, I feel very safe and secure here and it does not feel foreign because English is spoken and there are similarities.  Now, it feels like home.  I like the cultural mix in the office and in London in general and I enjoy the ease with which my wife and I can travel throughout Europe with a base in London.  This move has achieved everything that I had hoped for. 

My advice to anyone thinking about working overseas is very simple - do it!  And if you decide to take that big step, do so through Think Global Recruitment.  It's great for your CV, career development and it demonstrates adaptability and risk taking.  It is also excellent for self-development and allows you to learn different ways of working and living.  I absolutely believe this move has enhanced my career and it will also provide the ideal stepping stone for the next move."

Please get in touch if you would like to share your story!

Leah's Story: enjoying the island lifestyle of the Isle of Man

Philippines - St Kitts (2011) - Isle of Man (2014)

In 2011, Leah moved from the Philippines to the romantic, paradise island of St Kitts where she worked a 3 year contract with a Big 4 accountancy firm.  As her contract came to a close, Leah got in touch with Think Global Recruitment for a second time to further her overseas adventures.  Leah is now based in the Isle of Man, just off the coast of England, where she is thoroughly enjoying the new style of island life.  We caught up with Leah to ask her a few questions about her time overseas to hear what she had to say.

What motivated your original move overseas?

I was looking to gain international exposure and the chance for career progression, moving overseas was an experience that I had always wanted to gain.  I really enjoy training and different office cultures and moving overseas provided me with this. 

In the Philippines, the hours are crazy.  Because it is such a big work load, it was sometimes quite difficult to learn everything - it was so fast paced, you do things so quickly so that you can move onto the next task so it can be quite hard to take it all in.  Somehow, I learned to manage my time, but I still yearned for a better work-life balance.

A lot of my friends have left the Philippines and so I only really see them on Facebook!

What were your concerns with making an international move? 

I had no idea what to expect from the culture but I wanted to be adventurous.  When I first moved to St Kitts, I was the only Filipino in my firm.  While I was looking for somewhere to stay, I lived in the Marriott, I made friends with a Filipino chef - it was nice to have another Filipino there.

On the Isle of Man there is a huge Filipino community so it's really nice knowing that your fellow countrymen are there when you are so far away, it's very comforting.

How long has it taken you to settle into the Isle of Man?

I arrived about a week ago but I already feel settled, the estate agents were very quick at helping me find a flat and I'm moving on Friday!

Abigail (Managing Director - Think Global Recruitment) was kind enough to put me in contact with another girl who she has assisted in moving from the Philippines, she was supposed to meet me at the airport but sadly the weather was too bad.  We meet up regularly now and we are friends.

Did anything disappoint you about your locations?

The only disappointment that I've had so far is that my husband is not here yet! He is currently

applying for his visa so he should be here soon.

In the Philippines, there are so many shops but I hardly had enough money to buy all that I really wanted.  It was the opposite in St Kitts - I was able to save as there were very limited shops!  Most of the shopping had to be done online which is quite difficult if you are getting the wrong sizes and have to send things back.

The Isle of Man is so close to London and I will be going there for a training course in a few weeks' time so I am really looking forward to the shops!  I'm not going to eat for the next week so that I can save money!

What are the main benefits of making an international move?

The work life balance on the Isle of Man is amazing!  In the Philippines I used to feel guilty leaving my work on time, even during the not-so-busy season.  I think the longest I stayed there was three days straight, in the client.  On the Isle of Man, the latest I have to stay is 5.30pm so I have a lot of spare time now!  Though I expect that I may have to spend more time when we're really into our busy season.  My officemates here though, assure me that it will not be as crazy as what I had. 

My firm, they're really into people developing, they always set goals and follow up on them to check your progress.  They are very serious about it and it's nice to know that they are always looking out for you.

The work experience I have had has been amazing, things that I have learned have really helped me to understand my profession, the way they do things here are much different to back home.

There is also the added bonus that internet speed is much faster than the Philippines!

What are the benefits of working with Think Global Recruitment?

I worked with Abigail, the managing director, she has a way with words.  She used her knowledge and experience to coach me for my interviews.  She helped and gave loads of details about how many people were in my firm on the Isle of Man and made sure that I would be able to answer all of the questions that they asked me.

Abigail was really nice to me throughout the process, she really listened to what I wanted.  I had no idea she was the founder of Think Global Recruitment, she is very humble.

Do you have any advice for other CAs who are considering the move?

Do your research, see if there is a community there, look for people who have made the move too, they really can help you settle faster. 

Find someone to look after you and tell you all about the local area - the things you can do and the things that you cannot do (like the shops in St Kitts) you also need to know what to pack etc.,

Since speaking with Leah, her husband has arrived on the Isle of Man and they have been busy working and exploring!  It was lovely to chat to her and hear about her experiences.  Please do get in touch if you would like to contribute to our blog!