How To Get A Job In London

Are you wondering how to get a job in London? London is a very competitive and expensive city. The city is filled with foreign employees, such as those from other EU countries, or those from Commonwealth countries like Australia. To successfully get a job in London, you will need to make sure you are fully prepared before you arrive.

1. Get a work visa. Unless you were born in England, hold an EU passport or live in a Commonwealth country with a grandparent from England, you will need to obtain a work visa to get a job in London. Contact the UK Border Agency to start your application.
2. Obtain a National Insurance number. Your National Insurance number is similar to a Social Security number. You will need it to pay taxes and make National Insurance contributions. Contact the Department for Work and Pensions to get an NI number.
3. Get yourself a mailing address. Employers require you to provide an address to have on file. Make sure you have your accommodations sorted out before you arrive in London. Since hotels are expensive in London, consider checking the internet or a local London newspaper for cheap accommodations.
4. Obtain a local phone number. If you already own a GSM phone, simply buy a local SIM card. If not, consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go phone when you arrive in London.
5. Make a CV (curriculum vitae). A CV is similar to a resume. It is one to two pages in length and is a summary of your employment history, skills and education.
6. Start the job hunt. Consider checking local London newspapers like "The Evening Standard" for want ads. Also check job websites that cater to London. You will also find job listings at local council job centers, or you could join a recruitment agency. One example of a popular London temp agency is Blue Arrow.
7. Consider opening a current account (similar to a checking account) at a local bank. Once you've found a job, you will need a bank account as most UK employers like to pay directly into your account.

Resources:

UK Border Agency