Moving to the UK and finding a job can seem daunting, but with some planning and preparation, it is very achievable. The UK has a strong economy with opportunities in many fields, and is an appealing destination for people looking to emigrate from other countries. Here is a guide on how to move to the UK and successfully find employment.
Deciding to Move to the UK
The first step is deciding if moving to the UK is right for you. Consider the following:
- Why do you want to move to the UK? Is it for a better job, lifestyle, or other reasons?
- Do you meet the requirements for a work visa or permanent residency?
- Can you afford the costs of an international move and initial living expenses?
- Are you prepared for challenges like being away from family, making new friends, and adjusting to a new culture?
Take time to research life in the UK and make sure it aligns with your expectations. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before committing.
Choosing Where to Live
Once you decide to move forward, choose where in the UK you want to live. Popular destinations for immigrants include:
- London – A huge multicultural city and Europe’s financial capital. Massive opportunities but very high costs of living.
- Manchester – Cosmopolitan and more affordable than London. Strong job market and great transportation links.
- Bristol – Youthful vibe and thriving tech and creative sectors. Highly rated for quality of life.
- Edinburgh – Picturesque Scottish capital with major finance, tech and oil industries.
- Birmingham – Diverse city with reasonable prices. Jobs in manufacturing, retail, healthcare.
Consider the job opportunities, costs of living, and lifestyle in different cities and regions. Aim to live somewhere that aligns with your goals and budget.
Getting a Visa
The next key step is securing the right visa to live and work in the UK legally. Some options include:
- Skilled Worker Visa – For skilled professionals with a job offer in the UK paying over £25,600.
- Global Talent Visa – For highly skilled individuals in science, engineering, humanities, digital technology or arts.
- Youth Mobility Scheme – 2 year visa for eligible 18-30 year olds from certain countries to live and work in UK.
- Family Visa – For partners/spouses and dependents of UK residents or citizens.
Research which visa is right for you and be sure to apply well in advance of your planned move. Having a visa in place is essential.
Getting Necessary Documents
In addition to a visa, there are certain other documents you will need for living and working in the UK:
- Passport – Valid passport with 6 months or more before expiration.
- Biometrics residence permit – Issued with UK visa, required for starting work and accessing services.
- National insurance number – Required for employment, taxes and healthcare access.
- Bank account – Needed for paychecks and accessing funds. Easier to open once you have a job.
Be sure to research and prepare all necessary paperwork before your move. This will make your transition much smoother.
Finding a Job
Your job search is a key focus once you arrive. Here are tips for success:
- Polish your resume and skills – Cater your resume to UK formats and highlight skills UK employers want.
- Use online job boards – Sign up on sites like Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn to access lots of listings.
- Network and make connections – Attend industry events and join local professional groups.
- Check company websites – Look directly on company sites for openings not posted elsewhere.
- Seek help from recruiters – Register with reputable recruiting firms specializing in your field.
- Attend job fairs – Great for making in-person connections with employers.
Persistence and diligence in your search is key. Be prepared that securing a good job may take some time.
Tips for Getting Hired
To improve your chances getting hired, keep the following tips in mind:
- Highlight language skills – Fluency in English is an asset employers look for.
- Understand UK work culture – Research work norms and etiquette to fit in.
- Prepare for interviews – Practice commonly asked questions and polish interviewing skills.
- Develop a local network – A strong professional network can help uncover leads.
- Get UK qualifications – Earning a degree or certification from UK institution can help.
- Consider temporary roles – Taking on temp or contract work can help you gain experience and make contacts.
Following these best practices can really help you stand out and land a great job.
Typical Steps for Getting Hired
The process for getting hired typically follows this workflow:
- Search and apply for jobs that match your skills and interests.
- Get contacted by hiring manager to schedule a phone or video interview.
- If phone interview goes well, you will be invited for one or more in-person interviews.
- The company will check your references.
- You will receive and negotiate a job offer.
- Accept offer by agreed deadline and set official start date.
- Complete any pre-employment screening requirements.
- Start your exciting new job in the UK!
This process can move quickly or take several weeks depending on the role. Be patient and persistent throughout.
Job Opportunities in the UK
The UK has a diverse job market with opportunities across many sectors. Some top fields for foreigners to find work include:
Information Technology
– Software engineering
– Web and app development
– Data science
– Cybersecurity
Engineering
– Civil engineering
– Mechanical engineering
– Electrical engineering
– Chemical engineering
Healthcare
– Nursing
– Medicine
– Dentistry
– Medical technology
Teaching
– Primary school
– Secondary school
– University lecturing
Finance & Business
– Accounting
– Marketing
– Human resources
– Project management
Skilled Trades
– Construction
– Plumbing
– Electrical
– Auto repair
Do thorough research to understand in-demand roles in your field and skill set. Focus your job search on openings a good match for your background and qualifications.
Average Salaries for Common Jobs
Salaries can vary significantly by location and employer in the UK. Here are typical average yearly salaries for some common professions:
Job | Average Yearly Salary |
---|---|
Software Engineer | £50,000 |
Accountant | £45,000 |
Marketing Manager | £42,000 |
Teacher | £35,000 |
Nurse | £33,000 |
Construction Worker | £32,000 |
Salaries tend to be higher in major metropolitan areas, especially London. Do research on sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn to understand typical pay in your field.
Covering Your Costs of Living
When budgeting to live in the UK, be sure to account for the following typical costs:
Housing:
– Rent for a one bedroom apartment in an urban area: £1,000 – £1,500 per month
– Basic utilities like electricity, heat, internet: £150 – £250 per month
Food:
– Grocery budget for one person: £200 – £300 per month
– Eating out occasionally: £100 – £200 per month
Transportation:
– Public transportation pass: £100 – £150 per month
– Gas for a car: £100 – £200 per month
Other costs:
– Mobile phone contract: £20 – £40 per month
– Entertainment, hobbies, travel: £200 – £400 per month
– Miscellaneous expenses: £100 – £200 per month
Be strategic in choosing where to live to keep costs manageable. Have savings to cover initial expenses as you get settled. Creating a detailed budget is essential.
Dealing With Challenges
While an international move can be tremendously rewarding, homesickness, cultural adjustments, and logistical issues are common. Here are some strategies for overcoming challenges:
- Join local meetups and clubs – This helps combat loneliness and make new friends.
- Stay in touch with family back home – Regular video calls help with homesickness.
- Learn about British culture – Understanding cultural nuances will help you assimilate.
- Get help from newcomer services – Many organizations assist new immigrants with transitions.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself – Moving countries is a huge change. Give yourself time to adjust.
Being mentally prepared for potential obstacles will make you more resilient. Use available resources and support systems to help overcome any issues.
Next Steps to Take
If you are serious about moving to the UK for work, here are some suggested next steps:
- Research visa options in depth to confirm which one suits you.
- Start networking in your industry to make UK connections.
- Polish your resume and work samples to highlight skills for UK employers.
- Save as much as possible to help cover your initial expenses.
- Look into bank accounts and housing options in your target locations.
- Create a timeline with target dates for completing key milestones.
- Join UK-focused social media groups to connect with others doing the move.
- If needed, enroll in English classes or other training to boost your qualifications.
- Start applying for jobs several months before your planned move.
Advance planning and diligent preparation will help ensure you can successfully transition to living and working in the UK.
Conclusion
Moving abroad and establishing yourself in a new country is a big undertaking. With strategic planning and effort, finding fulfilling work in the UK as an immigrant is an achievable goal. Do extensive research, secure the right visa for your situation, network and prepare a strong resume, and remain resilient in overcoming obstacles along the way. The UK has a wealth of job opportunities and a generally welcoming environment for newcomers from other countries. With dedication and perseverance, you can successfully launch the next chapter of your career and life in the UK.