Many people wonder what it's like to acquire a job in the large city. For some, it seems to be a terrifying encounter, while for others, it appears to be an exciting chance.
Getting a job in London is not an unreachable goal. It is feasible to begin a job and meet some wonderful individuals along the road. However, there are a few things you should bear in mind while looking for job in London. As the UK's biggest metropolis, there is a lot of competition, therefore you must stand out. Continue reading our guide to find out how.
Why work in London?
London is one of the best places to work in the world(Opens in new window), and here are a few reasons why:
Every day in London, something new occurs. It's a vast, dynamic city packed with diverse populations from all over the globe, so you won't be short of adventures.
There are also several commercial communities.
Networking possibilities are plentiful, and with an ever-growing pool of fresh talent coming from graduates and apprentices, you'll get the assistance you need to further your career.
London is a melting pot for several sectors. While the city is well-known for its financial area (more on that later), there are also many chances for artists, technology aficionados, publishing, public relations, and other professionals.
It is also home to several worldwide corporations, including Google, Amazon, and Samsung.
London's Drawbacks
It's impossible to talk about London without emphasizing how costly it is. The cost of living in London is relatively high since it is the capital of the United Kingdom, a popular tourist destination, and a major financial center. However, this also implies that earnings are often higher (Opens in new window).
Depending on where you are in your career, you may need to budget carefully and evaluate the various regions of London where you may work to ensure that you can afford it. Check out the Minimum Income Calculator to get a better understanding of how much you need to earn to live in London (Opens in new window).
Job seeking in London might be simple, but it is a competitive market. This implies that you must distinguish yourself from the herd.
Some professions are simpler to locate than others since sectors have distinct criteria and expectations, so do your study before applying for positions.
It is consequently essential to have a strong CV, appropriate job experience, and, of course, to prepare for interviews. Continue reading for advice on nailing these aspects of your application.
Moving to London from another nation
There are a few extra things to consider if you are relocating to London from another nation. First and foremost, you must apply for a visa. The sort of work visa you need is determined by the job you're applying for and the length of time you want to remain, among other things. Learn more about UK visas. (Opens in a new window)
Inform any possible employers of the present circumstances before accepting any employment offers, and consider looking for networking groups of individuals who are also migrating to London, or have previously done so. This is a terrific opportunity to meet new people and learn about their experiences in a new city.
Working in London might be intimidating, but this guide can help you get your foot in the door.
As previously said, London is home to a diverse range of industries.
The capital city is most renowned for its financial industry, with neighborhoods like Canary Wharf and Croydon housing both well-established corporations and startups. HSBC and JP Morgan are only two of the well-known brands. It's also overrun with fintech firms, one of the fastest-growing industries. (Opens in a new window)
On the other side, many creative businesses gravitate to Soho, where design, music, film, and visual art firms thrive. Alternatively, if you want to work in a small firm or startup, Shoreditch is an excellent spot to start your career in London. Don't forget about the capital's Silicon Roundabout, which is home to companies like Google and Intel, among others.
When looking for jobs in London, keep the job location in mind; you don't want to work someplace that isn't a good fit for you. Before accepting a job offer, it's a good idea to look around the neighborhood. Consider arranging a few days away in or around the district after you have an interview, or even before.
Stay Central offers economical and trendy accommodation in the center of London. Our flats, which are suitable for long-term stays, are ideal for spending time in the city and immersing yourself in London culture. Because we are in downtown London, many sites are within walking distance or can be reached through our excellent public transportation.
Create a CV and keep your online presence up to date.
It goes without saying that you'll need a CV to get job in London. This should be memorable, professional, and effectively pitch oneself as the best candidate for the position.
There is no particular formula for creating the ideal CV, but there are a few general guidelines. It should be legible, short, and cover all of your essential abilities and expertise. Some companies allow creative CVs with graphics, vibrant colors, and a distinctive format. These may be a lot of fun to construct and ensure that your application stands out from the crowd, but not all companies enjoy them. So, while creating your CV, keep your intended audience in mind. More advice on CV writing may be found here. (Opens in a new window)
It's also worth remembering that, in most cases, you should add a cover letter, even if it's not required in the job posting. Cover letters are a chance to highlight additional abilities or expertise that did not make it onto your CV and give your application a boost.
Another consideration while seeking for employment in London is your web presence. When vetting job candidates, many businesses often utilize social media networks as screening methods. It's important going over your accounts, particularly LinkedIn, to see if there's anything that could be impeding your job search. This is particularly true if social media is incorporated in your portfolio and will play a key role in the job you're going for. If you haven't done, you should clean up your accounts and optimize them for your needs.
Network and network some more: how to network in London
You should take advantage of the numerous networking possibilities available in London for various sectors. It has been shown that 80 percent of job openings are not advertised and must be obtained via word of mouth. (Opens in a new window) Furthermore, London is a vast city, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed or out of place. Making relationships can help you establish your footing and succeed in your profession.
Meetings and business gatherings provide numerous networking possibilities, but there are many additional tools available. Here are two typical examples:
Meetup (Opens in new window)
Find networking events (Opens in new window)
Don't forget about LinkedIn. LinkedIn(Opens in new window) is widely regarded as one of the greatest networking sites available, enabling you to connect with people in your business, earn endorsements, and find new prospects. Don't be afraid to approach someone you like and strike up a discussion with them - you never know what may come of it!
Getting experience is another approach to broaden your network. This is easier said than done, yet there are options available. Try volunteering at a local organization or looking for freelancing jobs on platforms like Upwork (Opens in new window).
Prepare for your London interview
The interview is the next step in the process of finding a job in London. This is the most terrifying part for many people. So we've provided a few pointers to help you prepare properly and knock it out of the park.
Investigate the firm.
The first thing you should do is investigate the firm. Who works there? Who are your interviewers? What is the culture like? What is the company's background? These are some of the questions you should research before the interview. Knowing the answers to these questions can help you grasp the company's aims and beliefs.
Make a list of any questions you wish to ask the interviewer while you do your study. Remember, they're interested in you as much as you are in them. You want to make certain that you want to work for them, so don't be hesitant to ask some questions of your own. If you're anxious about remembering everything you want to say, bring a notepad to the interview.
Plan your route
You should also carefully arrange your journey before the day of your interview. London may be chaotic, and you'll often experience delays of some type, whether you're driving or using public transportation. Consider this and plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early.
Stay Central's central location makes it simple for you to attend interviews or networking events. By scheduling a lengthy stay in London, you may reduce your commuting time and avoid arriving home too late. This gives you more time to prepare for interviews and spend time with your new contacts!
Getting a job in London might seem to be a difficult affair, but with our advice, you'll feel prepared and ready to get your foot in the door.
Stay Central allows you to get to know London while preparing for interviews and networking events. Based in Bloomsbury, you may feel like you've lived in London your whole life for a reasonable price. Our lodging is in the center of London's history and culture, so you'll definitely get a sense for the city you could work in one day.
Our apartments provide a variety of amenities, including WI-FI, freeview TV, and a kitchen. We'll also receive mail for you throughout your stay, which may make beginning a new job a bit simpler. Our accommodations are appropriate for single travelers, couples, and groups, and we provide both self-catering and bed-and-breakfast choices. Contact us for additional information, or visit our website to learn about our low-cost lodging alternatives.