Finding a job in London as an American can seem daunting, but it is very much achievable with the right preparation and approach. As an international job seeker, there are some key things you need to consider when looking for work in the UK, from visa requirements to tailoring your resume. With some strategic planning, an open mind, and a bit of persistence, you can land a great job in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Do You Need a Visa?
The first major consideration is whether or not you need a visa to work in the UK. American citizens can travel to the UK for tourism or business for up to 6 months without a visa, but you cannot legally work without the proper paperwork. To work in London long-term, you will need a visa. There are a few main options:
- Tier 2 (General) visa – For skilled workers with a job offer from a licensed UK employer. You must meet certain income thresholds.
- Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa – For Americans aged 18-30 for working holidays up to 2 years. No job offer required.
- Spouse visa – If you are the spouse of a British citizen or settled person. Allows you to work in the UK.
Be sure to research the requirements for each type of work visa thoroughly. The application process can be lengthy and complicated, so it’s best to understand what you need before seeking a job. Having a visa in place will make you a much more attractive candidate to employers.
Craft Your CV
While resumes are common in the US, in the UK you need to put together a curriculum vitae (CV) to apply for most roles. There are some important differences between resumes and CVs:
- CVs tend to be longer, up to 2 pages is normal
- A CV is more comprehensive, listing your full career history in detail
- CVs focus less on accomplishment summaries and more on the specifics of what you actually did in each role
- Photos and other personal details like date of birth are commonly included
When putting together your CV, be sure to:
- Use a standard UK CV format and layout
- Include your location/visa status and clarify you have the right to work
- Show how your experience and skills match UK needs and priorities
- Avoid US-centric conventions like listing your GPA
- Use standard UK date formatting like DD/MM/YYYY
- Convert your education credentials into UK equivalents
Getting your CV just right will take some work, but it’s crucial for opening doors to interviews. You may also want to have it reviewed by UK contacts who can provide feedback from a local perspective.
Understand the London Job Market
London is a huge, diverse, and competitive job market. Some key factors to understand include:
- London has thriving finance, tech, media, healthcare, and professional services industries
- Almost 40% of available jobs are in finance and professional services
- Business services, hospitality, and tech sectors are growing rapidly
- Typical job growth areas include marketing, finance, engineering, IT, and trades
- Finding entry-level roles can be challenging without local experience
- Qualifications and specialized skills are valued, even for junior roles
- Competition is fierce, especially for top employers and jobs
Do your research on fields that are in high demand and align with your background. Having an in-demand or specialized skill can set you apart. You may need to be flexible and open to a range of opportunities as you get your foot in the door.
Use Online Job Sites and Resources
You can use many of the same online job search methods as you would in the US, but it helps to focus on UK-centric platforms and sites. Some top online resources include:
- Reed
- Indeed
- Monster
- TotalJobs
- Jobs.ac.uk (for academic roles)
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Guardian Jobs
- Civil Service Jobs (for public sector roles)
You can set up alerts and notifications so new vacancies matching your search criteria get sent to your inbox automatically. Make sure to check directly on company career sites too.
Leverage Your Networks
Tapping into the power of networking can be one of your most effective strategies when seeking work abroad. Reach out to any connections you have in London companies and let them know your relocation and job search plans. Connect with alumni from your university who now work in London. Attend industry events, conferences, and job fairs in your target field. Many early and mid-career roles in particular come from personal referrals and insider leads.
You can also join LinkedIn groups, alumni associations, and American expat groups in London to expand your network quickly. Let all your contacts know you are looking – the right introduction could fast track you to your dream job.
Work With a Recruiter
Experienced recruiters are invaluable when trying to penetrate the London job market as an outsider. Recruiters have insider knowledge of available roles and can match you with opportunities that fit your background. They can provide feedback to help tailor and polish your CV. Many larger London employers exclusively use recruiters to fill open positions.
Look for recruiters specializing in your industry and those who regularly place international candidates. Be cautious of recruiters who seem overly pushy or promise easy placement – work only with reputable firms with proven success records. Check reviews and get referrals from others who have been placed by the recruiter.
Consider Temporary Contract Work
Taking on temporary contract roles can be a smart way to get your foot in the door with London employers as an American. Many companies use contract hires to fill immediate needs and trial new team members before making permanent job offers. Contract roles are often easier to secure than permanent ones. They let you demonstrate your abilities on the job and build local experience on your CV. Permanent opportunities frequently open up for contractors who perform well.
Just be selective about the contract roles you take on – focus on reputable firms with potential for ongoing growth. Be proactive from day one about conveying your interest in permanent placement. With flexibility and strategic planning, contract work can be a launching pad to your dream permanent job.
Be Persistent and Patient
Even with the right qualifications and an excellent CV, it takes effort and perseverance to land a great job abroad. You will likely need to apply to many roles and be prepared for some rejection along the way. Stay positive, learn from each application, and keep networking. Refine your CV based on any feedback. Expand your search criteria as needed. With determination and sustained effort, you can overcome obstacles and win your ideal London position.
Conclusion
Following these key strategies can help position you for job search success in London as an American. From obtaining the right visa to polishing your UK-style CV and tapping into local networks, targeted preparation is key. Understanding high-demand fields and being flexible to find your entry point can open up possibilities. With cultural adaptability and dogged persistence, you can achieve your goal of finding a fulfilling London job and lifestyle.