For many United States college graduates, an ideal job means starting fresh and moving to an entirely new country. This is often difficult as visas and affordable living arrangements can be hard to come by after four years of rigorous university work. The good news for any American college graduates is that it is entirely possible to find graduate jobs in the UK, and it may be easier than you think. The following is a guide to finding a suitable job in the UK.
What to pay attention to
There are often different requirements for certain entry-level careers in the UK than there are in the US. For instance, nurses in the UK are required to have at least 1,500 hours of practice and 2,500 hours of teaching time during their degree program. Always check the requirements before beginning the job search. It may also be helpful to try to get hired by an American company in the UK.
Where to look
You may be asking yourself: where, or how, do I start? Well, thankfully, there are quite a few ways. The first being a simple, old-fashioned newspaper search. Some oftentimes have online job databases that make it easier to search around the UK. Looking here and applying in-person is a great way to get your face out there. While it simultaneously helps employers get a sense of you as an actual person.
On the other hand, if visiting the country before the job has been secured is not an option (which would most likely be the case with many US citizens), online job search engines would be a great way to start looking for a job. Sites like uk.jobrapido.com allow you to search for jobs in any city in the UK. If you are planning to move to the West Midlands, for example, on this page you will find all job openings in Birmingham. There is also an option of signing up and receiving job alerts; as well as finding useful tips for your first job interview.
How to Get a Visa
In order to get a visa in the UK, you must have a set of skills that are needed in the country, i.e. one whose supply of expertise is lower than the demand. This is mostly because it is the employer who would sponsor your visa. As you can most likely imagine, it’s rather unlikely that a manager of a coffee shop will sponsor your integration into the UK economy. Jobs that are currently needed include many scientific specialities such as doctors and engineers. In order for a recent graduate to begin, it may also be possible to apply for a job as a one-year lecturer or teacher and work your way up from there.
The Difference Between Countries
It is important to note the differences between the US and the UK when applying for a job, especially when it comes to your CV. Spelling is something that can easily make or break your resume. A simple difference can confuse an employer. In cases of thousands of resumes, this confusion could turn out to be enough for him/her to disregard your resume. It is also important to translate anything that is country-specific; like grades for instance, and make sure not to include too many personal details unless blatantly prompted.
As you can see, moving to a different country is always a process. When considering graduate jobs in the UK, it is best to take it step-by-step. The process is worth it in the end, and the goal of becoming an employed resident of the UK is indeed an attainable one.
