Ah, London! The city of red buses, black cabs, and an extraordinary number of Pret A Mangers. You’ve just landed in this massive metropolis, fresh off the plane (or train, or boat), and you’re already feeling like a proper Londoner. You’ve taken a picture of Big Ben, tried (and failed) to understand the concept of “Tube delays,” and now you’re ready for the next big challenge: finding a job.
But hold on—this is London we’re talking about. The job market here can feel like a maze wrapped in fog, draped in rain, and peppered with the occasional Union Jack. As a foreigner, navigating the job search in this city is a unique adventure, and with a little help, it’s one you’ll totally master. So grab a cuppa and buckle in because here’s your funny, yet brutally honest, guide to finding a job in London.
Before you even think about scrolling through job listings, there’s one tiny hurdle you’ll need to clear: making sure you can actually work in the UK. There’s no point in applying for jobs if you’re missing that crucial visa or work permit. Let’s go over the basics:
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Right to Work: Are you legally allowed to work in the UK? Depending on where you're from, you might need a visa, sponsorship, or permission from Her Majesty’s government. (Sorry, we don’t make the rules, and neither does Big Ben.)
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National Insurance Number: This is basically your UK work identification number, and it’s mandatory if you’re planning to be employed. Think of it as the British version of the social security number. Apply for it as soon as you can because employers will ask for it.
Okay, so now that you’ve got the right to work, it’s time to actually find a job. Cue the overwhelming panic—don’t worry, you’re not alone. There are more job websites out there than people queueing for the latest iPhone, and not all of them are worth your precious scrolling time. Here’s where you should be looking:
You probably know this one already, but if you’re not on LinkedIn, you’re missing out on the single greatest professional stalking tool—oops, I mean networking tool—available today. London employers love LinkedIn. It’s not just a place to post your resume; it’s a social network for professionals.
- How to Use It: Make sure your profile is up to date, with a photo that says “I’m a serious professional,” not “I just woke up from a nap.” Start connecting with people in your field, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about messaging recruiters directly. They expect it.
If LinkedIn is your best friend, Indeed is like the dependable workhorse. It’s the biggest job board in the world, and it has tons of listings for all kinds of jobs. In London, especially, Indeed has a strong presence.
- Best Practices: Upload your CV (or resume, if you’re still in American mode), and set up job alerts based on the keywords you’re looking for. The competition is fierce, so apply quickly when new listings pop up.
If you’re feeling particularly British, Reed.co.uk is the job board for you. It’s one of the oldest and most well-known job sites in the UK, and it has a massive range of jobs across sectors. Reed is also quite user-friendly, and they’ll send you those handy daily job alerts so you don’t have to spend all your time refreshing the page.
- Why Reed?: It’s great for temporary, part-time, and contract positions as well as permanent roles. If you’re still finding your feet in London, you might want to start with a temp job and transition from there.
Another big player in the UK job market, Totaljobs is a solid choice for a variety of industries. The site is filled with London-based jobs, so it’s worth adding to your arsenal.
- Pro Tip: Make sure to use the filter options to narrow your search. It’s easy to get lost in the flood of listings, especially when you're looking in a city as big as London.
Glassdoor is like the Yelp of companies. Sure, you can read reviews from disgruntled ex-employees who love spilling tea on the horrors of their last job, but Glassdoor also has job listings. It’s a great place to get the inside scoop on what a company is really like before you apply.
- How to Maximize It: While you're job hunting, take the time to read reviews on the companies you’re interested in. It’s important to know if you’re walking into a dream job or an office full of nightmares.
Let’s be real: job hunting in London can be overwhelming, and this is where recruiting agencies come in. These magical middlemen help you connect with employers and can give you a leg up, especially if you’re new to the country. Here’s why recruiting agencies might just become your new best pals:
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They Match You with Jobs: Recruiting agencies work with employers who are looking for candidates. Instead of you spending hours trawling through job boards, they’ll send your CV to companies that are actually hiring. It’s like having a personal job-hunting assistant.
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They Give You Insider Info: Agencies often have the inside scoop on job openings that haven’t been advertised yet. Plus, they can give you advice on how to tailor your CV to what companies are looking for.
London is packed with recruiting agencies, so choosing the right one can feel like a job in itself. Here are a few key players:
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Hays Recruitment: One of the biggest recruitment agencies in the UK, with tons of listings across a wide variety of industries.
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Michael Page: This agency specializes in everything from finance to marketing to legal positions. They’re big, they’re professional, and they know their stuff.
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Robert Walters: A great agency for higher-level roles, particularly in finance, tech, and HR.
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Be Clear About What You Want: Don’t be afraid to tell the recruiter exactly what type of job you’re looking for, your salary expectations, and your desired location. This will save both you and the recruiter time.
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Follow Up Regularly: Don’t sit back and wait for the recruiter to call you. Stay on their radar by checking in every week or two.
Networking is a huge part of finding a job in London, but let’s face it, not everyone is a natural schmoozer. The British are famously reserved, and you don’t want to come off as the loud foreigner bulldozing your way through conversations. So, how do you network in the UK without embarrassing yourself? Here’s how:
There are loads of networking events in London across industries. From tech meetups to marketing mixers, there’s something for everyone. Just search on platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup for events that match your field.
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Don’t Be Pushy: In the UK, people appreciate politeness and a low-pressure approach. Ask questions about the other person’s work and gently introduce yourself and your job search.
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Follow Up: After meeting someone at a networking event, follow up with a friendly LinkedIn message. Something like, “It was great to meet you at [event], I’d love to connect and stay in touch!” works wonders.
If you went to university or college, chances are there’s an alumni network for graduates living in London. This can be a great way to meet people in your industry, and alumni often like to help fellow graduates out.