Job hunting tips in the UK

I have been thinking about writing on this topic for quite some time now. When I did come up with the idea, the world was engulfed in what is popularly called 'the credit crunch' and there were not many jobs in the market. Infact people were being laid off and unemployment was on the rise. Whilst there is still a large unemployed population (as compared to the good old days pre credit crunch) the markets have picked up and they are relatively better than before and people are finding jobs quickly.

Even though my focus is on accounting related jobs today, some parts of the write up would be relevant for any individual wishing to get a job in London.

Right to stay

In the current market and the situation which the UK economy is in it is fair to say that only very few lucky ones could possibly get a work permit issued by their potential employer. It becomes all the more difficult if you want to secure a work permit but have never worked in London before (there is however an exception to this point below.) You will have a higher chance of securing a job if you have an HSMP visa. It stands for Highly Skilled Migration Programme. You can also have a Tier-1 visa which allows you to stay and work in the United Kingdom.

It is important to distinguish between people who are currently working with professional practice firms specially those in the big 4 vs those who are currently working for in other industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, banking etc.

 

Employees of professional audit firms

 

For those who are currently working with one of the big4 firms in the Asian region and wish to come to the UK, the best possible option for them is to secure a secondment with their overseas office. This is very common these days and should not be a problem if you are performing well in your local firm, well spoken, organized and can work well in pressure. Make sure you can impress them with your technical knowledge and have good examples to quote in case of an interview. Normally for such secondments, the overseas offices secure a short term work permit and that allows you to show your skills whilst working abroad. It gives all the more chances for overseas offices to offer you a job or even a long term secondment if you meet their expectations and are willing to work those long and crazy hours (at times!).

 

Those currently not in the UK and working for other industries

 

For those individuals who are working for industries other than audit firms but have presence in London or anywhere in the UK should try and follow the same approach as above. i.e. try and secure an overseas secondment, impress your bosses and secure a job. It obviously depends on organization to organization and each individual. Some also have clauses in their agreement which prohibits them from working full time in their overseas office. Honestly speaking it is easier for employees of multinational companies (MNCs) than non MNCs.

 

For individuals currently working within the non MNCs sector and also do not fall in any of the other criteria, it is a harsh reality that it is extremely difficult. Assuming you have a right to stay in the UK it is preferable to have some sort of UK experience else you might get a job but it may not be upto your standards.

 

If you have the means to visit the UK first it is always a good idea as I would not recommend resigning from your existing job and coming to the UK in search of work. You may not like the weather, the system, the people and what not and you may end up going back to your old job. It can take people upto six months to secure a reasonable job provided you have played all your cards well.

 

If you need some good recruitment consultant contacts feel free to email me or post here and i will try and send the links.

 

Those already in the UK

 

For those who are already in the UK and want to find a job or change from their existing jobs, I dont think there is much to say except use your contacts and all the recruitment consultants you can come across. I am assuming you already have the right to stay in the UK. I would not recommend flooding your CV in the market as that sometimes gives a bad impression. Don't appear to be too desperate and make sure before any interviews you have thought of the logical reasons for your move. And no, money is not a logical reason although most of us want to move because we feel we are underpaid and overworked. Make sure you have good examples from your routine working life of all the key competencies such as leadership, planning and organizing, teamwork, technical knowledge etc etc.

 

Contract market pays well, however it is short term and has its disadvantages. You dont get paid for your holidays, no sick leave and you dont get a bonus and neither do you get any pension or any other allowances.  It usually comes with a very short notice period.

 

Disclaimer: The above is based on how the current market is doing and in the current economic climate. Economic conditions and rules may change in future and therefore some of the things may not be applicable.