Students flock to countries abroad for access to better education, jobs, and a better lifestyle. But most of the time, they lack the direction and guidance to land an ideal job in the UK. Are you an international student who’s about to graduate from college? If so, this guide is exactly what you need. Let’s dive into the tips that can assist international students in finding jobs in the UK.
1. Start earlier
If you aim to stay in the UK after graduation, blindly apply for the graduate scheme. It’s your stepping stone to employment in the country. Multiple institutions or companies extend this training program with a validity of 1 to 2 years. After graduation, you can take up an entry-level job here and undergo training with various company departments.
Much preparation goes into clearing the competitive psychometric test that will lead you to the graduate scheme. The sooner you start applying, the better it is. The ideal time would be summer break before entering the final year.
2. Quality over quantity
You cannot overlook competition in the in-demand industries. The rising competition makes job-hunting a tough affair. So, it’s strongly recommended to be very clear and target certain companies you want to work with. Through portals such as Jobsier, you can search for location and industry-specific job opportunities.
Focus on personalizing every application and cover letter for separate companies. If needed, enroll in relevant training programs for the job. Focusing on quality companies and preparing for them is better than randomly applying to whatever comes your way.
3. Gain experience before graduating
Some work experience adds weight to your CV. You can beat half of the graduate competition by showing some of your previous work experience. Engage in part-time jobs to develop your transferable skills. The fact that you have experience in a workplace shows that you’ve mastered the skills of teamwork, leadership, communication, and adaptability.
Being a part of organizations and clubs also exposes an individual to handling diverse personalities while aiming for common goals. And the most obvious one is internships. It for sure counts as your professional experience.
4. Hone your communication skills.
If you are a non-English speaking international student, the UK is the ideal place to take up the opportunity and learn the language that originated there. Your ability to fluently speak & write in English is crucial for your career and personal development. For instance, your ability to correctly put your thoughts into words is an element to ace interviews.
Having a good command of the language naturally brings a confidence boost. A plethora of standardized tests are available to determine an individual’s proficiency in the language. Students are often made to go through their English proficiency tests to secure a visa.
5. Be proactive
Don’t wait around for the job vacancies to find you. Instead, you take the initiative to find job vacancies. Approach the companies directly. When you turn up in person, it shows your seriousness toward the job. It reflects that you will persuade the employer that you’re determined for the job.
6. Polish your CV & interview skills.
As mentioned above, you have to customize your CV and cover letter every time you send out an application. Tailor every version to suit the job role you’re applying for. Even though doing a part-time job can give you some insight into interview skills, seek professional guidance. Consult with professionals from the industry about the interview process and the right practices to adopt. Practice it again and again!
7. Network, Socialize, Connect
Networking can also assist you in finding employment in the UK. Network with any contacts back home, including former employers, acquaintances, and relatives, especially if you are there in person during university breaks. Do you know anyone presently employed there or previously held employment there in a completely different country? These questions might land you the best opportunities in the UK.
Conclusion
Here’s to hoping that these tips can assist you in successfully landing a job in the UK as an international student. Follow these tips to accelerate your job hunt. If you find yourself skeptical, consult with someone who has been there on a graduate visa. We understand that finding a job in an unknown country isn’t easy. However, your talent, hard work, diligence, and research will surely pay off.