Jobs in UK for Indians
Did you know how many people were granted a UK work visa in 2022? The UK Home Office has confirmed that a whopping 267,670 work visas were issued in 2022, nearly double the amount in 2019. According to the Home Office, Indian nationals were the highest nationality granted the Skilled Worker route.
There are nearly 1.2 million jobs available in the UK job market, thanks to the fact that many UK residents are hesitant to return to work after COVID. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) report reveals that many people have started their own businesses, opted for early retirements, or even migrated to cheaper European countries for a peaceful retirement.
Why am I not getting interview calls? or Why am I not getting selected after interviews?
UK’s work visa, also known as a Skilled visa, is the ultimate visa for settling in the UK. Why? Well, first and foremost, you can obtain Permanent Residency (PR) after just 5 years on this visa. And guess what? You won’t have to spend a single penny! In most cases, your employer will cover your visa and flight expenses.
There are few mandatory steps which need to be followed:
Step 1: Get Familiar with the UK’s Shortage Occupation List
Just like any other country, the UK has its own Shortage Occupation List. This list signifies that certain job roles are in high demand but there is a shortage of workers available. When local supply falls short, companies look to hire foreign nationals like you, provided you have the right skills and experience. You can check out my video on the Shortage Occupation List https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6YIPDjrJ-s to get more information. Some of the jobs listed include nurses, doctors, engineers, artists, and many more. If your job falls under the Shortage Occupation List, your chances of getting visa sponsorship from UK companies increase compared to those whose job doesn’t appear on the list. If your job isn’t listed, you can upskill yourself by learning the in-demand skills and plan your next steps accordingly.
Step 2: Create your MASTER CV, but Tailor it for Every Job Description
Keep your CV concise: In the UK, your CV should not exceed 2 pages. Make sure to shorten it and present only the most relevant information.
Customize your CV based on the job description: Update your CV according to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Let me illustrate this with an example: Imagine that Amazon is hiring for a Java Developer position, and they’ve listed this job vacancy on LinkedIn. Let’s consider two individuals, Ramesh and Ajay, who work for Your Knowledge Buddy Tech in Bangalore, India. Ramesh has 10 years of experience in Java, Python, HTML, and CSS. He applied for this job with his existing 5-page CV, which includes all his experience over the past 10 years. On the other hand, Ajay has 4 years of experience in Java, Python, and HTML. However, Ajay tailored his CV specifically for the Java Developer role, incorporating all the keywords mentioned in the job description. So, Ajay has higher chances to receive a call because his CV is tailored to match the job description, and it’s concise and focused.
There are several sites that offer free services to review the CV. One can upload the CV and receive feedback on various aspects such as formatting, content, keywords, layout, structure, and language. Here are five options one must consider: TopCV, CV-Library, CV Knowhow, RezRunner, and CareerAddict.
Step 3: Creating an Engaging Cover Letter
A cover letter offers you the opportunity to showcase your suitability for a job, demonstrating why you are the best candidate. It serves as an introduction, accompanying your CV, and provides a platform to emphasize your core skills required for the specific role.
The format of a cover letter is simple, consisting of a header, body, and footer, as demonstrated on the screen. Remember to keep it limited to one page.
Difference between a cover letter and a CV
While a CV showcases your experience, a cover letter provides a chance to explain to the employer how your experience aligns with their position.
Steps to boost the job search
Step 1: Explore LinkedIn, the ultimate job hub
It’s a professional platform where you can connect with employers, employees, and recruiters. Not only can you search for jobs, but you can also join groups related to your field. This opens up networking opportunities and allows you to collaborate with like-minded professionals.
Step 2: Discover job listings on popular sites
Apart from LinkedIn, there are several other job sites one can explore. For Example:
1) Reed
2) Indeed
3) Jobserve
4) Glassdoor
Step 3: Find licensed sponsors for visa applications
After finding an enticing job listing, research the company’s visa sponsorship credentials. Only UK companies registered with the Home Office have the authority to sponsor visas. Check if the company you’re interested in is on the licensed sponsor list.
Generally, companies sponsor roles listed under the Shortage Occupation list or those requiring extensive experience. For instance, at TUI, a renowned travel company, they prioritize technical roles such as cloud engineers, architects, and data scientists.
Step 4: Tailor your application for success
Visit the company’s careers page to submit your application. Use your cover letter to highlight your skills, experience, and passion for the role. Note – A personalized application can significantly boost your chances of getting noticed.
Point 1: Tailor your CV specifically to each job application. In the UK, almost all companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which filter out CVs that do not contain the keywords mentioned in the job description.
Point 2: Mastering the HR interview:
One of the key differences between HR interviews in India and the UK is the focus on competency-based questions. These questions require you to provide real-life examples and respond using the STAR technique:
- S stands for Situation: describe the context and when the situation occurred.
- T stands for Task: explain the objective and the task at hand.
- A stands for Action: detail the actions you took to address the problem.
- R stands for Result: conclude your response by describing the outcome of your actions.
Job Application Tips: Why Applying for Multiple Jobs in the Same Company Might Be Hurting Your Chances
When it comes to job hunting, it’s crucial to approach the process strategically. One common mistake that job seekers often make is applying for multiple positions within the same company. In one of the recent interviews with Claire, a seasoned HR professional with 15 years of recruitment experience, she shed light on why this practice can be detrimental to your job prospects. Let’s explore her insights and discover why one should carefully consider the career goals before hitting that “Apply” button.
During the conversation, Claire emphasized the importance of presenting oneself as focused and dedicated. Applying for 10 different roles within the same company can unintentionally give the impression that you lack direction and are simply desperate to land any job. This can adversely affect your chances of being selected for even a single position, putting future job opportunities within the same company at risk.
In today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial to approach the application process with strategy and focus. Avoid the temptation to scatter your applications across multiple positions within the same company. Instead, take the time to evaluate your career goals, and apply for roles that align with your skills and interests. By doing so, you’ll maximize your chances of success and open doors to future opportunities.
Check out my video on my YouTube Channel – Applying jobs in UK from India – https://youtu.be/nGrSzz0OTnI?si=VzJfd6HzQtmIzlTF
