Employment
It can be daunting trying to find a job in the UK, with systems and a working culture that may be very different to those in your home country.
This page gives important information to help you find a job. You can also get help from our employment volunteers - contact us or attend one of our hubs to access this support.
Some key steps to success
1. Learn English as quickly as you can
This is the most important thing you can do to help you integrate into the local community.
2. Think about your long-term and short-term goals
Is there a way to build your interests into your work?
3. Consider training while you are learning English or waiting to find employment
Speak to your Job Centre coach about free courses on offer.
4. Prepare a good CV
Here are some tips to get you started.
5. Interview Practice
Practice makes perfect. Get help to improve your interview skills.
6. Work Experience
Having some UK work experience can really boost your CV. By volunteering or doing work experience for free, you can improve your network and it could offer you a way into paid employment.
7. Get online
Most recruitment in the UK takes place online and it is important to have some basic IT skills to search for jobs and submit applications online. Local colleges and the Job Centre can help you find a course to improve your skills.
8. Persevere
Try not to be too disheartened if you get many rejections or do not hear back after submitting a job application.
Looking for a job
There are many different ways to find a job. This can vary depending on the type of company or industry you are looking to work in. Generally, large international companies will recruit through their websites or use recruitment agencies, whereas smaller businesses may find staff through word of mouth or by direct approaches.
We have collated information about different ways you can find a job. Find out more here:
Types of employment
Employment contracts
UK Employment law regulates the relationship between employers and employees. It governs what employers can expect from employees, what employers can ask employees to do, and employees’ rights at work.
For more information about Employee rights, please refer to ACAS.
Self employment
For some people self employment may be the best option. Your skills or your family commitments may mean this works for you. For example, job roles such as gardeners, taxi drivers and photographers often work in this way as they have many clients.
Being self employed offers:
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The chance to choose your own work schedule
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Self-agency and accountability
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Personal connection with customers
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Independence, freedom, being one’s own boss
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Direct payment from clients
There are a number of things you need to consider when setting up a business in the UK. Take a look at this government guide Working for yourself - GOV.UK.
You can also seek advice from the Job Centre; business support services and training providers like the The Rebel School.
Overseas qualifications
You may wish to continue working in a similar role to your former job in your home country. To do this, employers may ask you to provide translated copies of your certificates and qualification equivalency, so your employer can see how your qualifications equate to qualifications in the UK. Sometimes, an employer will do this for you, however, it is often useful to be prepared and have this ready yourself, so you know if your qualifications are correct for a specific job role. ENIC is the UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills and they offer a statement of comparability service.
Translation and Certification services: There are many organisations that offer these services. If you require a recommendation, please contact us.
UK Education levels
When joining a course like ESOL classes at a college, the admissions team will be keen to identify your existing level of English or your qualifications. Many courses and job descriptions will also ask for a specific level of qualifications, for example, GCSEs or equivalent Level 2 qualifications or a Level 3 qualification.
This website gives guidance on what the different qualifications mean:
What qualification levels mean: England, Wales and Northern Ireland - GOV.UK
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are an alternative way to employment that offer you the opportunity to train as you work, so you can earn a salary while gaining a qualification. Apprenticeships are offered at various levels from school leaver (Level 2 / 3) to Degree apprenticeships (Level 6). They are available in a variety of industries including business, accountancy, healthcare, construction, hairdressing and many more.
For further information on how apprenticeships work and different opportunities available please visit the government apprentice information page.
Common barriers to work
Childcare: For the latest information on how to find childcare and get help paying for it and what to do if your circumstances change, please refer to Get childcare: step by step - GOV.UK.
Cost of finding a job: There are costs to finding work that you may find difficult to pay for, for example, work / interview clothing or travel to interviews. The DWP has funds that may be able to support you with these expenses. Please speak to your Job Centre work coach.
Loss of benefits: You should not have a lower income by going to work. For up to date information, please check the government’s Universal Credit webpage.
Disability support: Surrey County Council offer a supported employment programme called Work Wise. Work Wise is a free employment service available to any person with a mental or physical health condition, disability, or neurodivergence, who wants to work. Find out more on their website.
Long term unemployment: Restart is a programme offered by the Job Centre, specifically for individuals who have been out of work for more than 12 months. If you think you are eligible for this programme and would like the opportunity to join, please contact your work coach.
If you have any specific questions that are not answered here, please attend one of our drop-in hubs or get in touch by email at contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk and we will connect you with one of our employment volunteers.
Looking for a job
There are many different ways to find a job. This can vary depending on the type of company or industry you are looking to work in. Generally, large international companies will recruit through their websites or use recruitment agencies, whereas smaller businesses may find staff through word of mouth or by direct approaches.
We have collated information about different ways you can find a job. Find out more below.
Online recruitment websites
Many job vacancies are advertised through online recruitment websites. Think about the keywords you put in to search engines like Google to ensure you find the most suitable job vacancies for you.
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Reed - Jobs and Recruitment on Reed.co.uk, the UK's #1 job site
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Indeed - Finding a job | Indeed.com
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Total Jobs - Jobs are our job | Totaljobs
Company websites
Most companies and international organisations advertise their job vacancies on their own websites. Search on the internet for companies you know and look on their careers pages.
For example:
Linked In
LinkedIn is an extremely popular online professional network that you can use to search for a job.
If you set up a LinkedIn profile, you can then use LinkedIn to find the right job or internship, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn professional skills.
Here’s some help with how to set up a profile:
Ask people you know
Most companies and international organisations advertise their job vacancies on their own websites. Search on the internet for companies you know and look on their careers pages.
For example:
The DWP Job Centre
The Job Centre works with local employers and training providers to try to help people into work. Attend their job fairs, speak to your work coach and look at the notice boards in the Centre for the latest opportunities.
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment agencies can be national or local and offer job vacancies across many industry sectors. They can also specialise in a specific sector. Local agencies give you the opportunity to meet with the recruiters in person and will often have vacancies in the immediate area.
National recruiters
Request a call back | Michael Page
Examples of specialist recruiters
HomeOrganisers | Housekeeper and Nanny Placements - HomeOrganisers
Manufacturing & Engineering Recruitment | Martin Veasey Talent Solutions
Health and Social Care Jobs | Search Jobs | Safehands Recruitment
Milkround | Graduate Jobs, Schemes & Internships
Surrey recruitment agencies
Leading Recruitment Agency in Surrey & Sussex | The Recruitment Consultancy
Specialist roles
Specialist roles may require a different approach when searching for a job. For example, medical professionals, dentists, and teachers may need to undertake a period of retraining to practice in the UK. In the first instance, it is useful to approach the industry regulators to understand the process you must follow for your profession.
General Medical Council:
Full registration for international medical graduates - GMC
General Dental Council: Overseas Registration Examination
British Dental Association: Overseas dentists working in the UK
Teaching for Internationally qualified teachers:
A fairer approach to awarding QTS to overseas teachers - GOV.UK
Apply for qualified teacher status (QTS) if you teach outside the UK - GOV.UK
For some there are opportunities to receive loans or grants to help fund your training, exams and fees. Take a look at these organisations to see if you are eligible:
Construction industry
Construction workers must complete a CSCS course to acquire a card to authorise them to work on building sites in the UK. These courses vary by profession ie plumbers, bricklayers, labourers etc, however the key focus is on ensuring best health and safety practice on site.