Searching for a job in the United Kingdom might seem overwhelming when first getting started, but we have put together this short guide to help you with your applications.
The first step will be to consider what area of work you are interested in – what sector or industry most closely matches your previous work experience and what skills can you offer a prospective employer? Once you have narrowed this down, you will be in a stronger position to identify suitable opportunities within your chosen area of work.
Practical steps you might take to help you with your search include:
- Access a general search engine and use key terms to source suitable positions. This could include the sector, a specific role title, and/or a specific company you are interested in, making sure you also include “UK” or “United Kingdom” in your key terms.
- If you have identified specific companies, visit their website directly and access their “careers” page or section on “working with us” to explore any roles they are currently advertising. Again, ensure you narrow your search to the UK.
- Consider any other helpful sources of information. This might include the social media accounts of organisations, industry-specific websites, or job platforms, as well as connecting with industry professionals online or in-person by attending networking events or job fairs.
How to make an application
When directly applying for a job in the UK, you will need to familiarise yourself with the wider recruitment process for the position. These will vary based on the industry, the organisation, and even the role.
Make sure you do the following:
- Carefully read through the information provided by the company or recruiter, including the overview of the role and responsibilities, the person specification, including the skills, knowledge and experience they are looking for, and what the first step in the recruitment process is. Also, take note of the deadline.
- Only produce and submit what they have requested. They might ask for a CV accompanied by a cover letter or supporting statement, they might ask you to register for an online portal to complete an online application form detailing your education and work history, and/or they might ask you to contact them directly for a copy of an application form to complete, answering specific questions. Attention to detail will be key throughout the recruitment process, ensuring you follow their instructions.
- Produce tailored applications based on specific requirements. Carrying out effective employer research to ensure you have understood the needs of the organisation will be vital. Recruiters will, unfortunately, spot a “generic” application, and this may disadvantage you during the recruitment process.
- If you have been encouraged to apply to a role through a contact you have established or a recruiter you are working with, the application and recruitment process may be less formal, and you should be guided by the individual as to what will enhance your application.
Finally, if you are an international candidate applying for work in the UK, then ensure you have fully understood any visa requirements, including salary thresholds, for the position you are applying to. You can access further information and advice directly through the GOV.UK website.
Don’t forget if you are looking for a role in the UK Higher Education sector, access our dedicated jobs board now.
How can I directly apply for jobs in UK?
Are you looking to find a job in the UK and not sure what steps to take?
We have provided some key guidance to help you find a rewarding job quickly:
National Careers Service
If you live in England, you can get free career advice and guidance via the National Careers Service. For further guidance and to register your interest, please visit their website here.
Regular online searches: It is best to search for jobs at twice a week. As soon as you see a vacancy which you are interested in, do apply as soon as possible. Recruiting companies may close job applications early if they receive lots of applications. You might find it helpful to search at the below platforms:
Submit bespoke applications
It is essential that you submit well-crafted applications aligned with the job criteria. Do not be tempted to submit the same CV and Cover letter for similar jobs. Please make sure that you tailor each job application to the specific job you are applying for. You may want to ask a friend or family member to take a look at your applications prior to submitting them and to give you some feedback.
Measure your progress
You might find it helpful to create a spreadsheet and note down details of the jobs you have applied for: job title, recruiting organisation, date of applying, application deadline date, expected interview date, where you have found the job etc. The more organised your job search is, the quicker you may start experiencing some success. You will be able to check how many jobs you have applied for each week, how many interview invites you have received and which online search platforms are most effective for your search.
Research visa/ work permit requirements
If you are an international applicant, you need to carefully research how you can work in the UK and what documents you would need to provide. See further information on living and working in the UK.
What documents do I need to get a job in the UK?
Are you looking for a job and unsure of what documents you need?
Please see the list of documents below that you would need as a UK-based or international applicant. The below is for general guidance only and the requirements could change based on your individual circumstances or the requirements of your new employer.
CV and Cover letter
Recruiting companies would require you to submit a job application online. At times, they might only ask you to submit a CV and a Cover letter while other times you would be asked to submit a full application form. If you need guidance on how to craft bespoke job application materials, please visit the jobs.ac.uk platform here.
Qualifications
Employers often require proof of your academic qualifications such as your academic certificates, transcripts and any other relevant certifications. You may need to get these officially translated if they are not in English.
UK passport/ visa/ work permit
You will need to prove your right to work in the UK before you start working. If you have a valid British passport, this should be sufficient proof. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to apply for a visa. Do familiarise yourself with the visa application procedures to ensure that you meet the relevant criteria. For further information on how to prove your right to work in the UK, please visit the Gov.uk website.
National Insurance number
This unique identifier remains the same for life and it is used for taxation and national insurance contributions. If you have never had a National Insurance number before, you will need to apply for this. For further information on how to apply, please visit the Gov.uk website.
Address and contact details
You would need to provide your home address, e-mail and telephone contact details, and at times emergency contact details.
Bank account
Most employers pay their staff salaries directly into the employees’ bank accounts. You may need to clarify with your new employer the type of bank accounts they accept.
See more information about living and working in the UK here.
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