The UK is home to several immigrants worldwide in search of greener pastures.
Thousands of people migrate to the UK annually —a vast majority have no tangible investments or savings to rely on.
This resulted in liquidating all they had to fund their travel to the UK.
When they arrive, they feel pressured by the need to not only make ends meet but also send money to their loved ones at home.
To navigate these murky waters, doing a menial job that pays the least is not an option at least not for the long term.
Securing a well-paying job is now a necessity for themselves and those left behind.
How then can someone who was not born in the UK and has not lived for many years be able to maximize the opportunities available?
Well, you know it is possible but don’t know how to do it and that is where we come in.
In this article, we will help you to navigate the job market in the UK, our easy step-by-step guide is all you need to take you to the top but before we dive right in, let us explore the UK job market together.
Are there Well Paying Jobs for Immigrants in the UK
It is delusional to think money grows on trees anywhere in the world.
The expectation for many is that when they finally get to travel to the UK, they will easily get a well-paying job over there and when this is not forthcoming, the demands and high expectations of their loved ones from home set in.
Well, you have to avoid this circle by following the tips in this article
There are high-paying jobs for immigrants in the UK, but just like in every country, there are criteria such as years of experience, and certifications needed to secure these jobs.
How Can I Work in the UK?
To be able to work in the UK as an immigrant, you have to meet the legal requirements such as
- Work Visa: As a non-European citizen, you need a visa to be able to work in the UK and the type of visa that comes with work privileges is a work visa such as a skilled worker visa. If you are a European citizen, you need a work permit. To secure a UK visa, read here
- Right to Work: By having a work visa, or other means such as settled status, or asylum, you are eligible to work.
- Employment contract: An employment contract states your rights, roles, obligations, vacation days, shift time, working hours, and pay.
- Tax obligations: Everybody working in the UK is obligated to pay tax. To adhere to this, you need a unique tax code to enable you to pay income tax and national insurance contributions. Check the UK government portal here to learn more.
How to Find a Job in the UK
Let us dive right in.
1. Use a UK-based local Recruitment Agency
Most people are tempted to go online to use international recruitment agencies, well the downside to this is that they are not on the ground.
UK-based recruiters have good access to well-paying jobs and they understand the market terrain better.
They can also put up a good defense for you to help secure the job.
2. Research the UK Job Market
Do not completely outsource a job application to a recruitment agency.
You have to research the type of industry and job you want, the salary range, and the location.
Some jobs are in high demand in the UK such as Cybersecurity professionals, data analysts, healthcare workers, software engineers, etc.
The pay for these high-demand jobs also depends on the location, for instance, someone working in these roles in London or Manchester will likely earn more than a counterpart in Swansea.
3. Apply when you Arrive UK
Yes, we know you want to be sure before you leave your home country. We are also aware of the credible online platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor that are available to you online, but still, you do have a higher chance if you apply when you are in the country and not outside.
Why do we say so? Employers will be more confident they can easily book an appointment with you within a short notice, and if you are the right fit, you can start as soon as possible, but this is not feasible if you are not in the UK.
Also, employers will not be bothered about visa rejection possibilities.
However, if you are overqualified and confident in your abilities, you can apply from anywhere in the world.
4. Tailor your CV
While we might argue there is an internationally recognised format for what a CV should look like, don’t forget you also have to tailor it to fit into the UK local employment market.
One of these is the use of British English and not American English.
Make sure your CV has a clear description of your profile, work experience, educational achievements, hobbies, and interests.
Where to Look for a Job in the UK?
The UK job market is a competitive space, but there are different platforms to use to navigate your way through this.
- Job boards
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Recruitment agencies
- Companies websites or social media handles
- NGO’s
Know fully well you can do this in whatever way you choose to, we know life is not a bed of roses in the UK, but you are here and you have to succeed and we are here to support you in every way we can
Happy hunting!!!