How to find jobs in UK? Foreigner jobs in UK

The UK remains a sought-after destination for global students, laborers, professional job-seekers, and working-class individuals, witnessing around 331,233 work-related visas granted by June 2022, especially countries from different continents including Canada, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Germany, Italy, France, and Scandinavian Countries.

With the world’s fifth-largest economy and a November 2022 unemployment rate of 3.7%, the UK retains its significance as a business hub with a resilient labor market. However, securing employment in the UK can pose difficulties for foreigners due to the abundance of information sources, which can sometimes be overwhelming. We’ve compiled this informative guide on navigating the UK job market.

Although competition for many jobs in the UK remains fierce, possessing the appropriate experience, language proficiency, qualifications, and professional attributes renders securing employment more than attainable. The UK, encompassing major cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, hosts some of the world’s leading employers across various sectors.

As of March 2022, key industrial sectors in the UK, in terms of job opportunities, include:

• Retail and wholesale
• Health and social care
• Professional and technical services
• Administration and support
• Education
• Manufacturing
• Accommodation and food services
• Construction

Notably, the UK economy is predominantly driven by service industries, with numerous large-scale companies dominating these sectors. Additionally, public sector organizations remain among the nation’s largest employers.

Certain sectors currently face skills shortages, presenting promising opportunities for overseas workers who possess the requisite skills. If you aim to enhance your employment prospects and possess relevant skills, consider closely examining the following sectors:

• Health service personnel
• Care workers
• Chemical, physical, and biological scientists
• Civil engineers
• Mechanical, electrical, and electronics engineers
• IT business analysts, architects, and systems designers
• Architects
• Veterinarians

However, this does not imply that gaining employment in other sectors will be challenging. Continue reading to discover further details on how to secure a job in the UK, regardless of your field of expertise.

Finding a full-time or part-time job in the UK as a foreigner can be a challenging but rewarding process. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances:

Optimized ATS CV:

A complete applicant tracking system optimized (ATS) CV is essential for the job-seeking process as ATS acts as a barometer for the recruiters to shortlist potential candidates. If your Resume is lacking important elements of ATS-friendly optimization, the opportunities for the job search will be limited to the possibilities. Hire a professional to get your ATS CV/Resume done.

Cover Letter:

Tailor your CV and cover letter to the UK job market. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements, and ensure that your CV conforms to UK formatting and language conventions.

Job Research:

Research industries and companies in the UK that are relevant to your skills and experience. Look for sectors that have a high demand for your skill set and are open to hiring international candidates.

Online Job Portals:

Utilize online job portals such as Indeed, Reed, Monster, and LinkedIn to search for job vacancies in the UK. Many companies advertise their job openings on these platforms.
The following are the most used and relevant online job portals.

1. National Careers Service
2. Indeed.com
3. Technojobs
4. Investigo
5. Worldremit
6. Adecco
7. Adzuna
8. Every Job Site
9. Gumtree
10. Monster
11. Reed
12. TotalJobs

Targeted Sectors:

Select a specific field that is related to your branched qualification or a particular one. To filter out the irrelevant ones. Making it easier to skim and select your targeted job role. Depending on your target sector, several specialized websites can be particularly helpful:

Caterer – Specializes in Hospitality and Catering roles.

NHSjobs – Offers opportunities within the National Health Service.

Charityjob – Focuses on opportunities within Charities.

Design Week – Centred around Design and Graphics positions.

Computer Weekly – Tailored for IT roles.

Hays – Specializes in Management jobs.

Just engineers – Dedicated to Engineering roles.

Prospects – Geared toward Graduates seeking various opportunities.

These specialized websites can streamline your job search process by providing targeted listings within your desired industry or field of expertise.

Networking:

Networking is crucial in the UK job market. Join professional networking sites like LinkedIn and connect with professionals in your field. Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to expand your network and learn about job opportunities. All you need to do is to create an account and start searching for contacts you have made in previous roles, or people that may be able to assist you in your job search in some way.

Recruitment Agencies:

Consider registering with recruitment agencies that specialize in placing international candidates. Many recruitment agencies tend to focus on specific sectors, specializing in particular industries. Agency Central or PURE serves as a valuable resource for identifying agencies that cater to your specific industry needs. Here, you can locate agencies that function as head hunters, sourcing employees for companies, as well as those that assist in finding temporary work, such as warehouse operatives, cashiers, cleaners, and more.

Work Visa Requirements:

Ensure you have the right to work in the UK. Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may need a visa to work legally in the UK. Visit the UK government’s official website for the latest information on visa requirements.

Professional Qualifications:

If your profession requires specific qualifications or certifications, ensure that your qualifications are recognized in the UK. You may need to undergo additional training or assessment to meet UK standards.

Interview Preparation:

Prepare for job interviews by researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and familiarizing yourself with UK workplace culture and etiquette.

Work Permits and Sponsorship:

Some companies in the UK are willing to sponsor skilled foreign workers if they are unable to find suitable candidates locally. Explore companies that offer sponsorship opportunities and be prepared to discuss your eligibility during the interview process.

Salaries & Wages:

As of April 2022, the Office for National Statistics reported the following median weekly pay figures for employees:

Full-time employees: £640

Part-time employees: £228

Additionally, the national minimum wage and national living wage rates were as follows:

• £9.50 for employees aged 23 years and over
• £9.18 for employees aged 21 to 22 years
• £6.83 for employees aged 18 to 20 years
• £4.81 for employees aged 16 to 17 years
• £4.81 for apprentices aged 16 to 18 years and those aged 19 years or over, who are in the first year of their apprenticeship.

Taxation & Labor Laws:

In the UK, it’s customary to receive an employment contract for any job you undertake, and you have the right to request one if it’s not provided. This contract outlines various terms and conditions associated with your employment, including:

Weekly hours of work, Annual leave entitlement, which typically amounts to a minimum of 28 days for full-time employees, inclusive of UK public holidays

The notice period for termination of employment, which varies based on the length of your employment with the company

Upon commencing work in the UK, you’ll be assigned a unique tax reference number. This 10-digit identifier is utilized for all interactions with the UK Inland Revenue regarding taxation matters. Additionally, you’ll need to obtain a National Insurance Number before starting work in the UK. This number is essential for social security purposes and is required for various benefits, including eligibility for a UK pension.

Remember that finding a job in the UK may take time and persistence, so stay positive and proactive in your job search efforts. Best of Luck in your job hunting.