How do I find a job in the UK?

Often the first challenge when you're thinking of migrating is finding a job from abroad. The following tips might help you in your quest.

1. Start by checking out the job opportunities in specialised internet sites and posting your CV in them. Here's a few of them:

• Hot Jobs
• Monster
• WorkTree
• Catering Jobs
• Jobserve

2. Determine the kind of company you would like to work in and then get a list of them off the UK yellow pages. A search in Google UK will usually locate their website so you can apply directly with them.

3. Another way is to get a job in your home country with a company with offices in the UK and then get yourself transferred.

4. Knowing English is a valuable skill that could get you work abroad. For example, you could travel and earn money by teaching English.

5. Improve your skills to make yourself more attractive to employers. Take advantage of the power of the internet to get a certification, a diploma or even a degree through distance learning.

6. Do not apply for jobs for which you’re not a good match. They’ll just put your CV in the bin.

7. Do customise your CV for the job you’re applying to, so that it emphasises the skills and experience that are relevant.

8. If you require sponsorship for a work permit, highlight that fact in your CV and communications. This way you'll avoid the disappointment and waste of time of dealing with companies unwilling to go through the permit process. Offering to pay the lawyer fees and/or stating that you have an immigration specialist already lined up for processing it would certainly boost your application.

9. Include a section at the top of your CV detailing your skills, level of expertise (beginner, intermediate, expert), time of experience, and when last used. This will make the recruiter immediately focus in what you’re good at.

10. Project a professional image with business cards of your own.  You can get them for free at .

Got Questions?

Check out our forum.