Introduction
The UK boasts the sixth-largest economy globally and is a thriving market with international hubs. If you’re seeking employment abroad, it’s an excellent place to begin your search.
In this article, I’ll provide guidance on how to secure a job in the UK. With 32 million people already working and building their lives here, it’s a great place to start your career. To land a job in the UK, it’s essential to be prepared, search in the right places, and network with the right people in your field.
London is experiencing robust economic growth, providing ample job opportunities for recent graduates in the city and the southeast region. This article will guide you through securing employment in the UK, including the necessary qualifications and the primary industries with open positions.
The Job Market In The UK
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that the overall unemployment rate in the UK was 3.9% in May 2020, the lowest it has been in 40 years. However, this figure is partially attributed to an increase in zero-hour contracts, which have grown fourfold over the past decade, reaching 1,032,000 in 2022.
Economic growth is primarily in London and the southeast, while unemployment is higher in the north of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The job market in London is thriving, with ten times more job opportunities than any other region in the country, but the competition for jobs is also high.
According to the 2018 ONS Business Register and Employment Survey, the sectors with the most employees in the UK are Education, Administration, Wholesale and retail, Healthcare and social work, Scientific and Technical, Manufacturing, and Hospitality.
The top UK companies in terms of market share in 2020 include Unilever in consumer goods, AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline in pharmaceuticals, Royal Dutch Shell and BHP and Rio Tinto in mining, and HSBC in finance.
Nevertheless, the largest employers in the UK tend to be public sector organizations, such as the NHS, the British Army, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), with the most employees in 2018.
Job Vacancies In The UK
The UK government website publishes a list of occupations that are in high demand, known as skills shortage occupations. The list is regularly updated and the August 2020 version includes scientists in biochemistry and physics, engineers in civil, mechanical, and electrical fields, IT professionals such as analysts, systems designers, programmers, web designers, software developers, medical professionals such as practitioners, psychologists, radiographers, nurses, vets, occupational therapists, secondary school teachers, graphic designers, and skilled chefs.
What Is The Salary Range In The UK?
The UK national minimum wage is adjusted annually, as of April 2020 it is set at £8.72 per hour for employees 25 and above, between £4.55 and £8.20 per hour for employees aged 18-24, and £4.15 per hour for apprentices.
The average salary in the UK varies significantly based on factors like job sector, location, gender, and skill level. In 2019, the weekly average wage for a full-time worker in the UK was £585 and the gender pay gap was 8.9%.
Work Culture In The UK
In the UK, many companies maintain a traditional hierarchical structure, with managers typically having a high level of authority and decision-making power over teams of employees.
Effective leadership and good relationships with staff are considered key management skills, and teamwork within teams is highly valued. Socializing with colleagues after work, such as going out for drinks at a pub or bar, is common practice.
Meeting culture is also prevalent in the UK, meetings are often scheduled in advance with a clear agenda and although they may have a casual tone, attendees are expected to leave with specific tasks assigned.
Steps to Get a Job in Uk
Provided below are the important steps you need to take to secure a job in the UK
Write a UK-style of CV
A well-written CV is crucial for securing a job interview and ultimately landing a great job. When applying for jobs in the UK, it is important to format your CV in a style that is commonly accepted in the UK. This typically includes a short, clear, and organized layout with headings.
As per UK laws, employers are not allowed to ask for an applicant’s age, gender, or photo, so it is not necessary to include this information in your CV. Instead, use your name as the heading, and focus on highlighting your qualifications, education, skills, and achievements. Additionally, including references who can vouch for your qualifications can also strengthen your application.
Take a Targeted Approach
Focus your job search by identifying potential employers and tailor your skills and abilities to align with the requirements of their open positions. Continuously update your CV to match the specific needs of the company.
Research the company thoroughly and familiarize yourself with its values, mission, and goals. This way, you can demonstrate your interest and knowledge during the interview process.
How To Apply for Jobs in The UK
Here is a list of platforms where you can search for and apply for jobs in the UK, regardless of your location, based on your field of expertise.
EURES
The EURES (European Employment Services) website is a job portal network maintained by the European Commission that assists with free movement within the European Economic Area for citizens of the EU or EFTA. However, due to Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the European Economic Area as of January 2021 and EURES services are no longer available in the UK.
Public Sites
The government operates an online search engine called “Find a Job” that lists job vacancies across the UK. Additionally, there are Job Centers located in larger towns where individuals can view job listings in person.
General jobs
CV Library is a leading independent job board in the UK with nearly 200,000 live jobs across all sectors. You can also find jobs on other websites such as Adecco, Adzuna, Careerbuilder, Everyjobsite, Fish4, Gumtree, Indeed, Jobsite, Monster, Reed, Totaljobs, and Trovit.
These websites allow you to browse thousands of full and part-time jobs, upload your CV, and manage job applications.
Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies often specialize in specific sectors such as IT, retail, childcare, or secretarial. Some agencies, known as headhunters, work with large companies to recruit executives and professionals. Other agencies, known as temping agencies, assist with finding temporary work in fields such as offices and retail.
These agencies can be found through online directories such as the “recruitment consultants” section of phone book, Agency Central, or Recruitment Search.
Newspapers And Print
The Guardian is an excellent resource for finding graduate and professional jobs, particularly in fields such as the arts, culture and media, marketing, government and politics, housing, social care, environment, and education. Job openings can be found by searching online, and the print edition focuses on different sectors each day.
For professional positions, The Telegraph is also a good option. The Big Issue is another great website to check out for jobs in the charity and non-profit sectors throughout the UK.
Company Websites
When searching for job opportunities, be sure to check company websites for available vacancies and for information that can be used in making a speculative application. These websites often provide information about the company and its competitors, as well as the name of the person to contact for a direct approach.
It is important to find the name of the person who is responsible for hiring decisions or budget, rather than the human resources or personnel office. If the name is not listed on the website, reach out via email or phone to inquire.
Networking
Networking is crucial in the UK as many job openings are filled through word-of-mouth and are never publicly advertised. Therefore, it is vital to make as many connections as possible.
One way to do this is by joining a professional networking website such as LinkedIn, and connecting with others in your desired field. You can also reach out to contacts’ contacts and ask for introductions.
Additionally, you can search for networking events in your area. Another possibility is to join or create a meet-up group with individuals who share similar interests.
Create An Online Profile
Make sure your online profile and CV are easily accessible to employers. Use keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for in your profile and filename. Use a PDF or compatible format so that it is easily accessible. Check the format of your profile and CV before submitting it by downloading and printing it out.
Requirements To Work In The UK
UK Work Visas
As of January 2021, EU/EFTA citizens now require a visa to work in the UK due to the Brexit vote in 2016. There are currently only work visas available in the UK for skilled migrants and those in shortage occupations. In 2020, the UK government introduced a new points-based system set to take effect in 2021.
Language Requirements To Get A Job In The UK
Having proficiency in a language other than English can give you an advantage in the job market in the UK, but it is still necessary to have a strong command of English. To work in the UK, you may need to prove your English proficiency for a work visa. If your English skills need improvement, consider taking a course from a language school.
Additionally, there is a shortage of language teachers in the UK, so if you have a university degree and are proficient in English, you may be able to take a post-graduate course to teach your native language in an English school or college.
Wrapping Up
To find a job in the UK, follow the steps listed above. The UK is a desirable place to live and work, known for its welcoming culture, safety, and a strong economy. Good luck with your job search!
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