How to Get a Job in the UK

UK has many opportunities for professionals despite the highly competitive job market. According to the UK's Office for National Statistics, the last quarter of 2023 had more than 1.3 million job vacancies in the country, portraying a high demand for skilled professionals in a broad range of industries.

Therefore, you must research how to get a job in the UK and acquaint yourself with the intricacies of obtaining employment in the UK if you wish to progress in your career in the UK. Follow this article if you want tips on how to present yourself as the best candidate in this dynamic labour market.

Getting used to the professional culture of England could be fascinating and at times challenging coming from India. The business environment in Britain is formal, time conscious and places strong value on work-life balance. Regular working hours usually are between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with an average workweek being 37-40 hours.

Contrary to India where longer working days are commonplace, British society considers time out-of-work as highly important.

Key Benefits and Differences:

• Professional Culture: UK workplaces tend to have a formal structure with clear hierarchies, whereas Indian workplaces might be more flexible.
• Work Hours: Standard working hours in the UK are more defined compared to the often longer hours in India.
• Holidays: The UK provides statutory annual leave of 28 days, including public holidays, compared to the varying holiday entitlements in India.
• Employee Rights: The UK has robust employee rights, including protections against unfair dismissal and detailed regulations on working conditions, which can be more comprehensive compared to India’s evolving labour laws.

Understanding these aspects can help you adjust smoothly and make the most of your professional experience in the UK.

For students seeking work opportunities in the UK, certain sectors have a high demand and commonly provide sponsorship for work visas. Here’s a snapshot of key sectors and roles:

These roles are not only in high demand but also often come with opportunities for visa sponsorship, making them ideal for international professionals looking to advance their careers in the UK.

If you're considering working in the UK, it's crucial to understand the various work visas available for UK jobs for Indians and their requirements. Here’s a quick overview:

Skilled Worker Visa

Requirements:

• Job offer from an approved employer with a certificate of sponsorship.
• Roles must meet the minimum skill level (RQF Level 3 or equivalent).
• Salary must meet the minimum threshold (usually INR 2825219.36/£26,200 per year or the specific rate for the job).
• Proficiency in English.

Health and Care Worker Visa

Requirements:

• Job offer from an approved employer in the healthcare sector.
• Roles must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the minimum salary threshold (usually INR 2208415.74/£20,480 per year).
• Proficiency in English.

Graduate Visa

Requirements:

• Must have completed a qualifying course at a UK higher education institute.
• Application must be made within 2 years of the course completion date.

These visas cater to different professional needs and provide varied benefits, making it essential to choose the one that best fits your career goals and eligibility.

When applying for a work visa in the UK, it’s essential to meet specific criteria and prerequisites. Here’s a breakdown:

Academic Qualifications:

• Skilled Worker Visa: Normally needs a degree or similar certificate in connection to the job. Some particular positions may need further qualifications.
• Health and Care Worker Visa: Generally calls for appropriate health related qualifications, like a nursing degree or medical qualification.
• Graduate Visa: Must have completed a UK higher education course at an approved institution.

Language Skills:

• Skilled Worker Visa: Normally, applicants must prove that they are fluent in English.
• Health and Care Worker Visa: Requires evidence of language skills in English, frequently verified using recognized language tests or exams.
• Graduate Visa: Proficiency in English is necessary to obtain this visa.
• Proving English Language Skills:

  To meet the English language requirement, you can:

  Pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the Home Office.

  Provide evidence of a degree taught in English.

  Show proof of equivalent qualifications if from a majority English-speaking country.

Country-Specific Requirements:

• Skilled Worker Visa: Should have an offer of employment from a British employer along with a certificate of sponsorship. However; some countries have extra requirements for visa applications.
• Health and Care Worker Visa: Requires an offer from any authorised healthcare sector employer. There may be additional documents needed based on the applicant’s country of origin.
• Graduate Visa: Must hold a first degree from a UK university. There are no specific country-related conditions apart from the fact that it must be an accredited institution.

Work Experience:

• Skilled Worker Visa: Some job roles may demand relevant work experience, particularly those requiring higher skill levels.
• Health and Care Worker Visa: Previous experience in the healthcare field is often necessary, depending on the role.
• Graduate Visa: No work experience required, but having relevant experience can help secure a job during the visa period.

Meeting these criteria ensures that you are well-prepared for your visa application and increases your chances of a successful outcome.

Mentioned below are the steps candidates need to take when applying for jobs in UK:

Craft a UK-Standard CV

• Research UK CV Formats: You should know that most often British CV emphasise work experience plus professional achievements. Photos are not included and personal information like age and marital status is also excluded from these documents generally.
• Include Key Sections:

  Personal Statement: A brief introduction highlighting your career goals and key skills.

  Work Experience: List jobs in reverse chronological order with detailed descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements.

  Education: Include your highest qualifications and relevant certifications.

  Skills: Highlight skills pertinent to the job you’re applying for.

  References: Mention that references are available upon request.

• Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV for each job application, using keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Find Job Listings

• Job Portals: Utilise job search engines such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor or Reed through which you can filter your search to get only visa sponsored positions.
• Company Websites: Look at websites of companies where you are interested in applying. Here, they will have job listings and application instructions.
• Recruitment Agencies: Connect with UK-based recruiters that specialise in your area of work. They can assist you get suitable roles and give advice also.
• Prepare for Interviews
• Understand Usual Questions: Situational questions, technical evaluations and competency based questions are some formats that may be employed during a UK interview. Get ready for a combination of these.
• Learn the STAR Technique: Structure your answers to competency questions using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method.
• Study the Company: Know the company background, culture and what they expect from applicants in your role. Make sure you respond in a way that reflects their values and expectations.
• Prepare Questions: Be prepared with some good inquiries for the interviewer which will show your keenness and interest on the job.
• Apply for the Job

  Submit Your Application: Follow the directions provided in job postings when submitting applications. So include your CV as well as other additional papers required.

  Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back within a few weeks, consider sending a polite follow-up email to express your continued interest.

• Avoid using Generic CVs: Don’t use the same CV for every position; adjust it according to what’s needed.
• Ignoring Application Instructions: Always thoroughly read the instructions given about how to submit an application when applying for jobs.
• Lack of Preparation for Interviews: Not researching about the company or not being prepared for some commonly asked interview questions may negatively affect your performance during an interview. Be sure to practice.
• Neglecting Visa Requirements: Ensure that you understand and fulfil all visa requirements; also ensure that your application aligns with job roles offering visa sponsorship.

By following these steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you'll be well-positioned to successfully apply for and secure a job in the UK from India.

A strategic approach is important for students from India, ranging from creating a CV that matches the UK standards of job boards and preparing well for interviews. You can improve your chances of success by understanding and meeting specific requirements for jobs in UK for Indians, while avoiding common application pitfalls.

Preparation and customization are key factors that will help you make a good impression and help you reach your career goals in the United Kingdom.

If you are planning to go for higher studies in the UK and transitioning to a career there, AECC is here to help you. Get personalised assistance on all matters related to higher studies and career in UK, along with support for visa.