Shell Pioneers Internet-Based Job Search for Expatriate Partners

Shell, a leader in dual-career policies, has launched an innovative web site to connect expatriate partners with employers worldwide. The site offers partners job search information, links to recruitment consultants, and access to educational and business resources. This move aims to facilitate the job search process for partners of Shell's international employees, who may not have easy access to the company's intranet. According to Kathleen van der Wilk-Carlton, head of Shell's spouse employment centre, the web site may also alert other employers to Shell's database of nearly 1,000 partners in over 100 locations.

Key Takeaways:

• Shell's web site, outpostexpat.nl/sec, provides job search information and connects partners with recruitment consultants, educational bodies, and chambers of commerce.
• The site aims to support nearly 1,000 partners of Shell's international employees in over 100 locations.
• Shell has established an e-mail network with a dozen international companies in the Netherlands to exchange CVs and post vacancies.
• Shell's approach is part of its dual-career policies, which include career counselling, job-hunting support, and transition payments for partners.
• BP Amoco is harmonising its own dual-career assignment policy following a merger, with plans to publish an updated policy later this year.
• BP Amoco's policy includes career counselling, job-hunting support, and transition payments, as well as cultural awareness briefings and language training for partners.

Statistics:

• Shell has a database of nearly 1,000 partners of international employees in over 100 locations.
• BP Amoco has 2,600 expatriates who are eligible for its dual-career assignment policy.
• Shell's e-mail network involves about a dozen international companies in the Netherlands.

Sources:

• Financial Times Limited 1999.