At the request of David who left a comment on my 'Work Differences' post and Alana who left a comment on my 'Reason Number 37...' (and after realizing that I've never actually done a post about finding a job in London/the UK...), I thought I'd try to do so now. Ironically, though I have a job here-and have successfully found jobs once on the ground here, trying to sum up to others what to do is proving a challenge. But, at the heart of it are 2-3 big ticket items worth mentioning (that, especially compared with finding a job in the US are rather different):
1. It's not what you know, it's who you know. This seems to be even more true in London (and the UK and even wider EU) than I've ever experienced. Aside from my first role here in London in which I transferred with my company from the US, I've found my subsequent jobs thru people I know. So: If you aren't on LinkedIn, get yourself on with a good profile *yesterday.* I cannot stress this enough. I've lost count of the number of times I've met someone in a professional setting-however brief the encounter-only to have a LinkedIn invite waiting for me in my inbox before the end of the day.
LinkedIn. Do it.
2. It's not who you know, it's who knows you. On the flip side of the above, for better or for worse, recruiters/head hunters are incredibly active in placement for many-if not most-companies in London/the UK. I don't know of any company who doesn't work with a recruiting agency aside from my current employer. One simple search on Google easily confirms this space: type "London BLAH recruiter/recruitment" where BLAH is your profession, and you'll instantly see the full list of results of companies that operate in this space. Check 'em out, and contact the ones that have a job you're interested in.
On a related note about LinkedIn, you will also likely find that with a full profile, recruiters won't be shy about reaching out to you either! Mind you, my professional space is probably a bit more 'active' on LinkedIn than others, but I easily average ~2-3 connection requests/direct emails a week from recruiters. I almost took a job via the recruiter route (opted instead for my current employer), so it is indeed a legitimate route-though at times, it can feel simply like a 'necessary evil.'
3. Make sure you can um, actually *work* in the UK. Sorry to have to state the obvious, but it does bear mention: make sure you're speaking with companies that actually have the ability to hire a non EU/UK citizen and have to have a work visa. There are numerous types of visas, but for most people reading this blog, a Tier 1 or Tier 2 are the likely options. A Tier 2 visa requires 'company sponsorship'-ie you can work in the UK as long as you are employed by your sponsoring company. A Tier 1 visa effectively functions as 'self sponsoring' (though an employer can help you to receive this visa as well). The difference/benefit of having a Tier 1 visa is you are now free to come/go to any employer you wish to-much like a EU/UK citizen.
To qualify for a Tier 1, you have to have a certain number of 'points.' On the points based system, you'll have to prove things like....financial stability (bank records, as well as salary of your current job), English proficiency (a pass if you're American/Canadian/etc), education (Bachelors is good, Masters is great), and a few other bits. If I recall, the Masters degree, and making over £40k (I think?...) were the two biggest boosts to get the points you need.
A note of caution: The rules for visas in the UK change numerous times during the year, so it would behoove you to do your homework first on this topic to even understand whether or not getting a job is even an option!
A note of caution #2: It can take some time to get your visa. So, whether you work with an employer/legal firm or DIY, you should allow for a good 6-8 weeks, if not longer-and plan accordingly.
OK. Short of going on forever, those are probably the three big things*I* think are most important regarding this topic. I am *by no means* an expert on this-and would love to have input from others. What are your top tips for finding a job in the UK?
Couldn't agree more! It's a very different process getting a job over here as an American (even though I have the full right to work). My CV also has companies on it that are only American so I have to explain every detail to them just so they can see that I actually am qualified for the job. Fingers crossed I get a job soon!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny but I always think that the US is much more "who you know" than the UK. I don't think I know anyone here who's ever found a job through an agency (other than temp positions) or an ad, whereas in the UK a lot of people still use agencies and look at web or newspaper positions.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this, as I've been doing research like crazy trying to figure out the best way to find work in London and how much money/time it takes for the visa. It seems like the UK Border Agency keeps restricting who is eligible for Tier 1 so I've been looking at Tier 2 and wondering where to start. Appreciate the info! You have a great blog
ReplyDeleteThese are actually well valid points...great post.
ReplyDeleteI can't say how well my plan will work since I'm still on this side of the Atlantic, but it's the best I have. I'll be getting a Tier 4 General visa to come into the UK for school to get my Master's. Right before I graduate I plan to apply for the Tier 1 Post-Study Work visa and use that to find a job in London unless the money I've saved runs out first (got my fingers crossed). Also, to complete the Master's, an internship is required by the school. I will only take an internship with a company that is eligible to hire non-EU citizens. If I really impress them on the internship, it has a better chance of becoming a job.
ReplyDeleteMy advice is to read every word of the UK Border Agency website so you make sure you're applying for the visa that's most suitable to your situation.
I've found that unless you already have an exceptionally-good career path or in a specific field that is in demand in the UK, or have specific connections to employers in the UK, it's going to be nearly impossible to just get "hired over". Continuing my education seemed the most reasonable way for me to do it.
Of course anyone is welcome to comment/suggest/correct on anything I've said here. :) G
Unfortunately, they are closing the PSW Visa route that you want to do in April 2012:
ReplyDeleteWe will close the Tier 1 (Post-study work) route, which allows students 2 years to seek employment after their course ends. Only graduates who have an offer of a skilled job from a sponsoring employer under Tier 2 of the points-based system will be able to stay to work.
You'd have to get a Tier 2 visa, rather than Tier 1, which also means you are tied to a specific job.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/march/54-student-visas
Rules are always changing but given the current government over here, it's unlikely to change anytime soon. Work visas are incredibly difficult to come by, unless you are coming over with a company, university, etc.
I read you post with much interest.
ReplyDeleteI lived in London for a year and had to return home because of lack of work opportunities not choice.
Since returning back to Australia I have since learned where I went wrong. Linkedin is an absolute necessity nearly everyone you will need to know is on there. I didn't even have a profile when I lived in London.
Now I am back in Australia I am going to up skill and develop into other areas because my area of expertise television is just to hard a shell to crack in the UK. I intend to go back at some point. Hopefully when there economy is better.
Also a footnote although most jobs are recruited through agencies. Expect them to treat you like a number. Most I came into contact with behaved shockingly . I had many an agency call me up with great excitement saying I was the perfect man for there job . What would happen they would say ill call you back with interview details. The call would never come and I would follow them up , then I would always get the secretary saying they were out of the office blah I would try about 4 times before giving up. This happened many times . Always get a direct number to the person your dealing with in the agency and expect to be messed around big time it is the english way.
Thanks so much for posting this, I really appreciate it!!
ReplyDelete@Anonymous, great commentary about the recruiting agencies. Unfortunately, they are the necessary evil in this entire jobs ecosystem in the UK!
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon your blog today while researching mobile phones for use in the UK. I am moving to London in March for a 12 month post graduate work study program. I will definitely be following you from now on and taking all advice!
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice from everybody! Good luck to you, Sarah!!
ReplyDeleteThank you anonymous for the link to the UKBA regarding Tier 1 post-study work visas, that will definitely change things! I'm glad to find out about this now. Back to the research I go... :)
Just wanted to ad a further comment to my earlier one regarding job agencies. The way to bypass them is to build networks especially via linkedin . It is such an amazing tool, if you bypass the agencies and get to the managers directly your in for a far better experience and potentially a better job that isn't being advertised. Rite place rite time is definitely a accurate statement in regards to success in the UK.
ReplyDelete@Greg...a great point.
ReplyDeleteGreat post...I moved to the Uk in late March this year, found a job in May and started a week after the interview. I got a Tier 1 (before I moved) thankfully I had a PhD and good salary from the job I had when I applied (before the rules changed). Under the new rules however its almost impossible to get a Tier 1, best bet is to get a Tier 2. Job wise.... yeah recruiters are the best contacts but let me tell you dealing with recruiters was a nightmare. Unless the recruiter is invested in you, you can simply forget that recruiter will help you. And its not just any recruiter, you need a recruiter with connections in industry with HR managers (it takes time to find out this information but usually its how quickly a recruiter gets back to you with job info). If it takes a long time, they are most likely just phishing with companies using your CV. You can fit an advertised job down to a T but they just don't care. I got the job I have through one recruiter and when I interviewed for that job with 4 people who were sent by 4 recruiters, I discovered I was registered with all recruiters that sent people to that interview.
ReplyDeleteIts about luck most of the time.I met my recruiter by sheer luck and she just happened to be the nicest person EVER. I started communicating with her in the morning, I had a job interview by lunch time, date and time set.
One thing also, do your research, at least have a list of companies you are targeting and in addition to recruiters contact the companies directly.
Kristina,
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, the internet is amazing. I am a Seattle resident in my late 20's and it recently hit me like a ton of bricks - I need to move to London. I am so glad I found your blog because it seems we have a lot in common. I too work in marketing/advertising! I'd love to pick your brain if you don't mind engaging with a stranger...would you add me on LinkedIn? :)
Cheers! - Erika
http://www.linkedin.com/in/erikajwright
@Erika, I don't mind. :) Just pinged you ain invite on Linkedin...
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post, with good information. I've been researching how to find a job in London for a while now, and it can seem very daunting. But It's my dream so I'm going to keep trying.
ReplyDeleteDo you know if there is a linkedin group for Americans who want to find jobs in London? If not, perhaps you could start one? :)
http://www.linkedin.com/in/codywalton