Being one of the strongest and most advanced economies in the world, the United Kingdom is a center for foreigners looking to challenge themselves while working in a foreign country. For some foreigners, it offers them greener pastures and is a land with greater opportunities than their home country. If you have made up your mind about working there, that is a great decision. However, you should be aware that being one of the most popular countries in the world, millions of foreigners like yourselves would also be attracted by the opportunities in the country. Therefore, the competition will be high. Formerly an EU member state, the United Kingdom has grown an economy only rivaled those of Germany, France, Russia, etc. in the European continent. In such a large and populous country, the rate of unemployment is not that high.
Getting a Job as an Expat
Before the Brexit, all citizens from EU nations, EEA countries, and Switzerland did not require a visa or permit to work and live there. However, recently, the same policy, which requires non-EU nationals to apply for a work permit to work in the UK, also applies to citizens from EU nations too. If you live in an EU country, but you are a citizen of the UK either by birth, descent, or marriage, you are eligible to live and work there. To work as a foreigner, you should first get a job and then apply for a work visa. If you are already an ex-pat says a student, you should apply for a work permit instead.
Applying for a Job as an Expat
There are various platforms where you can find job postings; online and in print. When you have found the job you are qualified for, fill out the application form and send your CV to the company. Remember to write the CV in a UK format, keeping it short, detailed, and in fluent English. Your CV must contain the following details in order; personal details at the top, work experience from the recent position to the earliest, educational background including all your qualifications in order, skills such as software you can use, languages you are fluent in, et cetera. Always remember to keep your CV or resume simple and precise.
The job market for an Expat
According to UK statistics, the country has the third-largest economy in Europe with a low unemployment rate of 3.9%. There are over three million ex-pats from across the globe working there, with the numbers of non-EU nationals increasing in recent years. The fields with more job opportunities in the country are technology, medicine, and engineering. Jobs in these sectors are always in demand for foreigners with desired experience and expertise. If you want to apply for a job position, check out job availability and industry shortage areas on UK government websites. There you will find jobs in need and those you are eligible to apply for.
Language requirements for foreign Workers
You are probably aware that British English is the official and commonly spoken language in Britain. If you want to work there, you must be able to speak and understand English to some extent. When applying for some jobs, one of the requirements is proficiency in English certificates such as TOEFL.
Average Salary for workers
UK government pays its workers an average annual salary of about 36,000 GBP. The minimum wage per hour, on the other hand, depends on the worker’s age. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is paid to workers aged 16 to 24 while the National Living Wage (NLW) is paid to workers aged 25 and above.