It's worth signing up to several agencies to broaden your chances
Those pints won't pay for themselves, so here's some tips to help you find a job in the UK.
Well, you made it. Congratulations. However, don't sit back and relax just yet — now you're here, it's time to figure out how to pay for this massive adventure.
Happily, the tough part is over. Provided you've got experience and enthusiasm, you should be able to find work before long.
The UK jobs market remains in decent shape, especially in major cities, and Antipodeans are looked upon favourably by employers, who appreciate their can-do attitude and work ethic.
A permanent, full-time job may be tough to find for those travelling on a WHV (see p9), but there's plenty of short-term contract and temporary work if you know where to look, which is where we come in.
Recruitment agencies
Many new arrivals head to recruitment agencies when they start to get settled. Whether you join them depends on how much flexibility you'd like (do you want a permanent job or short-term contracts?), how much confidence you have in your own ability to find work, and what you’d like to do while here. Some industries rely on agency recruitment more than others.
Finding work through an agency is effectively a three-stage process: You contact an agency and arrange to submit your CV.
The agency calls you in for an interview, whereupon they may also test you on your skills. The agency then matches you to a job that suits your skills and experience.
That's the general idea, anyway, although the reality doesn't always tally. While many recruitment agencies are very efficient and reliable, others may essentially forget about you when you've finished your interview.
It's worth signing up to several agencies to broaden your chances of finding work, and don’t be afraid to phone them regularly if they’ve not found you anything. A little reminder often goes a long way.
Going it alone
Of course, you could always just look for work yourself, skipping the agencies entirely and making your own way around London's jobs market. Members of some professions should dig around in specialist publications: we’ve mentioned a few of them in the revelant careers sections here.
However, many national and local newspapers also carry ads, among them The Guardian, The Times, The Independent; in London, the Evening Standard and Metro; in Scotland, the Daily Record and The Scotsman; and in Ireland, the Irish Times and the Irish Independent. Of course, don't forget to check TNT Magazine each Monday for jobs or search TNT Jobs
Five keys to a great CV:
Keep it brief
No one wants to read about your needlepoint prizes or your talent for the ukulele. Well, except your mum, and you're not exactly writing this for her.
Make it neat
Don't be too fancy with the layout. It should be easy for agencies and employers to find what they need.
Back it up:
Always include two references.
Keep it clear
When listing your qualifications, include the UK and/or Irish equivalent if applicable.
Get it right
True story: we once received a CV from a journalist who claimed to have a "keen eye for detail". Check your spelling and punctuation: you won't get a professional job if you look like an amateur.
Three things you'll need :
A great CV
See page 53 for more on CVs.
Stamps or comfortable shoes
If you're not using a recruitment agency, you might do well to send out your CV to employers in your field, even if you’ve not seen them advertising. And some businesses, especially in service industries (pubs, shops, etc), advertise for staff simply by putting signs in their windows. Prepare to pound the pavement.
Enthusiasm
Some people find work the day they get off the plane, but others aren’t so lucky. Stay patient!
