The UK has the third largest economy in Europe (behind France and Germany) and is one of the world’s leading financial trading hubs. Housing what is arguably the most competitive and well established recruitment market globally, the industry has seen recent signs of an upturn and is quickly tracking towards results only previously seen before the 2008 recession. Contingent middle management recruitment is dominated by the usual large players yet specialist boutique consultancies continue to take more and more market share. London remains the epicentre of UK recruitment activity however a trend of large companies moving outside of the capital and the reliance of SME businesses on attracting top talent has seen encouraging results for recruitment firms located in cities such as Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol.

For more on the cost of living in the UK please click here

The UAE arrived on the international economic scene in 1962 when the first barrels of oil were exported from Abu Dhabi, since then the 7 states of the Emirates have created some of the finest infrastructure in the world. Dubai being the crown jewel with a workforce that is almost 75% expatriate, has led the commercial growth of the Middle East in the last 30 years. Pre 2008 the Gulf was typically the location of choice for recruiters from the UK and Australia making their first international move; lots of jobs, tax free salaries and year round sunshine. However during the recent economic crisis, many expatriates have found themselves either back in their home countries or relocating to more emerging markets which has subsequently created a huge talent shortfall in a recovering economy. Albeit the recruitment landscape in the Middle East is improving, key markets such as Banking & Finance are still over populated hence firms are putting more emphasis on greater diversification into more niche markets such as Oil & Gas, Digital, Healthcare, IT and Telco's.

For more on the cost of living in the UAE please click here

Hong Kong, often referred to as the gateway to Asia, has seen a strong shift within its recruitment industry over the last 10 years. The recruitment market in Hong Kong has been historically dominated by the larger multinational recruitment companies, with a strong focus and reliance on the Banking and Financial Services sector. Increased demand across the technical services industry including Property and Construction, IT, Procurement and Supply Chain and Engineering has seen greater diversification in the recruitment industry. Strong growth and demand for functional and industry specialist boutique agencies has created more opportunity for recruiters looking for a more autonomous role. With English being the primary language used within the majority of Hong Kong businesses, integration of foreign talent is easier than some might have thought. With the bright lights and sky scrapers and the green hills and beaches only kilometres apart, it provides for a great lifestyle where work, leisure and relaxation are all on your doorstep. Whilst Hong Kong is the gateway to Asia, it still offers everything a western city does which makes for an easy introduction to Asia.

For more on the cost of living in Hong Kong click here

Singapore has been one of the world’s fastest growing economies in the last 50 years and has now firmly cemented itself as a key global trade hub. With it’s impressive skyline and thriving port, it truly is the gateway to South East Asia. Albeit English is the first language, doing business in Singapore is hugely competitive given that the recruitment landscape has grown as quickly as it’s economy with well over 3500 recruitment agencies registered for business. Singapore has a balance of both large international agencies, boutique local firms and niche specialist consultancies all vying to work with the overseas offices of primarily large international organisations (MNC’s). The Singaporean lifestyle suits young professionals aswell as families with small children given the exceptionally high standard of living and domestic support available. With a hot and humid climate all year round and tropical islands only a short boat ride away, Singapore is both the perfect entry point to a career in Asia or the perfect exit point from the frantic pace of places like Hong Kong and China.

For more on the cost of living in Singapore please click here

China is a dynamic country and economy which is evolving at a rapid rate. This is also a very true reflection of the recruitment industry within China. Market turns are swift and unpredictable, and job flow and candidate flow are consistently high. The key challenge for a recruitment professional is maintaining the control, influencing the process and creating a positive outcome. With the China market well established with large local consultancies, many of the multi-national companies have struggled to gain a strong footprint and deliver profitable returns in line with group expectations. Working outside of the core markets of Shanghai and Beijing, it is critical to be able to communicate in Mandarin, or at least have a bi-lingual team alongside you. Core markets within China are located in the East and South (Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Guangzhou and Shenzhen), however due to the continual government investment, growth is also coming in central China in places such as Chengdu. If you are looking to really accelerate your career, fast track your professional skills development, work in an ever changing environment, and enjoy a truly cultural experience; China is the number one country for you.

For more on the cost of living in China click here

The third largest economy in the world Japan is bouncing back after a decade of struggling economic growth. Tokyo is transforming itself to make its economy more international and stimulate its export activity. As a recruiter, this is a market where you will hit your record fee! Percentages for mid to senior management recruitment average 35% in the main cities Tokyo and Osaka. This is of course, is providing you find the perfect candidate who is willing to move as this is the number one candidate short market in the world. Japan has arguably the most distinctive culture in Asia and for people considering relocating here, it will take time to adjust to the local business culture. However, most expats who take the chance to work and live in Japan fall in love with the country and tend to stay for many years, usually learning the language too.

Japan is one of the only countries in Asia where you can ski, enjoy some of the world’s best cuisine and enjoy the serenity and craziness of one of the most vibrant cities on the planet. With its distinctive culture and excellent standard of living (which comes at a price), it is renowned as one of the best international locations for expats with families.

For more on the cost of living in Japan click here

As well as being one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Malaysia is also one of the fastest growing recruitment markets in the world. With the majority of the large international agencies all now having physical offices in Kuala Lumpur, competition is increasing. The majority of outsourced talent acquisition is done by the overseas offices of global organisations in the areas of Finance, IT, Supply Chain Management, Human Resources and Marketing all competing in the war for talent. It is on this premise that smaller independent agencies with long standing local relationships are starting to compete in the middle to senior management space. With a relatively low cost of living and the opportunity to grow new markets, a significant amount of recruitment professionals are moving over the border from Singapore to further their careers.

For more on the cost of living in Malaysia please click here

Thailand is expanding rapidly on the economic ladder in South East Asia. With a fast growing middle class, its central location and relatively low employment cost, Thailand is quickly becoming a strong contender to be the next key ASEAN hub. Bangkok is the main engine in this economy along with strong industrial developments along the Eastern Seaboard, predominantly focusing on export for the region in automotive manufacturing and shipping. Despite the international political news, the country’s economy is thriving and is expected to remain stable for the foreseeable future.

The recruitment industry is still underdeveloped and scattered over local recruitment houses. While seeing the first international companies moving in, the country is definitely a hidden gem in the region compared to it’s more mature neighbours of Singapore and Malaysia. It is predominantly a candidate driven market which means genuine relationship building with candidates is absolutely crucial.

Standard of living for expatriates in Bangkok is high and your income will take you further than any of the surrounding big cities. Although it has a reputation for being a tourist city (which is true), Bangkok’s image as a truly cosmopolitan city is growing with Michelin star restaurants, rooftop bars and pavement cafes. Thailand’s expat community is substantial, condos have excellent facilities and you can visit any number of tropical islands in under an hour’s flight.

For more on the cost of living in Thailand click here

One of Asia’s fastest growing recruitment markets, Jakarta is quickly becoming a key strategic location for international recruitment consultancies. Historically, recruitment in Indonesia has been managed by in-house human resource specialists advertising on job-boards; however with the continued war for talent in an emerging market, passive candidates are a minority. This has therefore created significant opportunities for credible recruiters to take advantage of a relatively immature recruitment landscape in a city of 10 million people. Life as an expatriate in Indonesia is not easy; entertainment, bars and restaurants are often confined to shopping malls or hotels and heavy traffic congestion for most of the working day makes travel difficult. The benefit of living in Indonesia aside of relatively low housing costs is location – sandy beaches and tropical islands are only a short journey out of the city and once at the airport, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand are all just a cheap air fare away.

For more on the cost of living in Indonesia click here

Australia has long been one of the most established and mature global recruitment markets, driven by both the early investment of global tier one recruitment businesses and the consistently strong and diversified economic conditions. Over the last decade, there has been a significant shift in demand within the Australian recruitment market. The increased demand for technical skills due the natural resources boom has seen a shift away from the stranglehold of global generalist consultancies, towards industry and technical specialist/ boutique agencies. Whilst cost of living and tax rates in Australia are higher than their Asian neighbours, the key attraction for foreign talent is the easier standard of life, the more relaxed working conditions and natural beauty which Australia’s major business hubs provide. With Sydney and Melbourne historically leading the way during the 80’s and 90’s, in recent times due to the changing economic focus, regional capital cities such as Brisbane and Perth have grown in market size and the demand for experienced talent is as high as ever. Whilst the Australian economy has been slowing in recent years and there has been a deliberate shift to in-house recruitment models, the demand for recruitment talent is still high.

For more on the cost of living in Australia click here

New Zealand, despite its relatively small economy in comparison to it's Asia Pacific neighbours, has a well-established and productive recruitment industry. With definitive comparison’s with its neighbour Australia, a majority of the leading global consultancies have a strong footprint, but in recent years have been challenged by smaller, specialist and technical boutique firms. The New Zealand economy is driven very much by a strong SME presence, meaning from a recruitment perspective, there is a greater importance on relationship and delivery. With un-employment levels at a relative low level, the market has become very candidate driven. What New Zealand does offer for an international relocation, is an amazing lifestyle, an exceptional work life balance, and a safe and secure environment to grow your career.

For more on the cost of living in New Zealand click here

With American agencies taking almost 95% market share, the USA is a place that few international recruitment agencies can honestly say they have conquered. Driven by three major conurbations in New York City, Houston and San Francisco, the market is as diverse as it is competitive. Populated by literally thousands of recruitment firms ranging from one to ten employees, the US is known as the commission capital of the world. New York remains driven by it’s Financial markets but is seeing greater diversification into functions such as Sales & Marketing, Pharma, Technology and Procurement. The West coast is of course driven by recruiting for tech start ups in the wider Silicon Valley areas and Texas predominantly governed by it’s Oil & Gas markets. Visas are not easy to acquire if joining a new company in the States but once on the ground, the lifestyle, disposable income and travel opportunities typically ensure the majority of expatriates remain in the country long enough to apply for a Green Card.

For more on the cost of living in the USA click here