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Job Search in London: Advice for Expats in 2024

The London job market is like no other. There is a plethora of industries, companies, opportunities and people to connect with. Its a great place to build your career, really the sky is the limit. However, with so many options when looking for a job in London as foreigner or expat it can be a confusing and tricky landscape to navigate.

So lets start with the basics, I’ll help you cover all of the below in this guide:

  • How to get a job in London

  • Are there Jobs in London for Foreigners?

  • Your CV

  • Your LinkedIn Profile

How to get a job in London

Job search

Job Boards:

Depending on your industry, there are many platforms you can apply for a job in London. The main job boards in London and in the UK are:

  • Indeed

  • Reed

  • LinkedIn

  • Total Jobs

There are also industry specific job board platforms like Otta for technology positions. Industries like hospitality and construction this will sometimes use Facebook groups like London Jobs or word of mouth.

Recruitment agencies:

Recruitment are also a great way to find a role. The recruiter will get paid commission by the company for placing you into a role, so if you are an ideal candidate they will have motivation to get you a job. 

Bonus Tip: Recruiters are busy, they are often managing multiple candidates and jobs at any one time. Make sure you keep in touch via LinkedIn, email or phone call with all of the recruiters you are working with so your profile is at the forefront of their mind when a relevant job comes up

Be Proactive:

Regardless of what job you are looking for taking a proactive approach to your job search is key. If you apply for a role, especially one that you feel you are a great fit for, reach out directly to the company or recruiter via email or LinkedIn.

Stand Out:

Over 8 millions people live in London so standing out from other candidates is important. If you treat your job search like a job, allocate regular time and techniques you will have more success

  • Tailor your CV to the job add

  • Follow up on your applications

  • Have a good LinkedIn profile

  • Reach out to anyone you may know in London already

  • Attend networking events or virtual networks on LinkedIn

Are there Jobs in London for Foreigners?

Foreigner jobs london

Yes, of course there are jobs in London for Foreigners. However, most companies will prioritise candidates who have UK, or sometimes specifically London experience. If you have a niche or specific skill set companies are often more flexible on whether the candidate has UK or London experience.

Regardless of your experience and skill set, here are some tips that will help you secure a job in London.

How to make a CV for the UK

Resume

The London job market is one of the most saturated candidate markets in the world, so you need to make your CV or Resume stand out from others. By standing out, this doesn’t mean colours, a fancy format or pictures (unless you work in a creative field where this is appropriate). It may surprise you but the best CV’s that stand out to recruiters or hiring managers are simple, straight to the point and easy to read.

I’d recommend including the below points to help you optimise your CV for the London, UK market.  Keep your CV to one to two pages, depending on your level of experience.

  • Your name

    • This should be the boldest and largest text on the page

  • Your details - directly under the name

    • You would be surprised by how many people forget this. Include email and phone number.

    • Bonus tip - you will be more likely to considered for a role if you have a UK phone number. If you have an overseas number your application might be rejected automatically.

  • A brief summary of your experience

    • Keep this to 4-6 lines of text. Include key words the recruiter or hiring manager will be looking out for. These words are usually the industry you have worked in, role title, years of experience and locations you have experience working in.

  • Key Skills

    • Include 10-20 bullet points of your key skills that are relevant to the role you are applying for. Be specific. If you are applying for a marketing executive role, make sure your key skills reflect what a marketing executive does. The more general you make your key skills, the less likely your CV will be recognised for a specialist position - so be specific

  • Your experience

    • Format this with your job title followed by company name, location and time in the role. Make this bold because it will act as a header for the position

    • Bonus tip - bullet point your experience where you can. Do not write your experience as long paragraphs. Simple, straight to the point and easy to read is the most effective way to stand out

  • Summary

    • Include your details again at the end of your CV. This includes your name, address, email, phone number and a link to your LinkedIn Page

Your LinkedIn Profile

Linkedin profile

LinkedIn the main social media platform in the UK for job searching. It is also one of the biggest job boards in the UK. Your LinkedIn profile is like your shop window, it is as important (sometimes more important) as your CV.

Just like your CV, your LinkedIn profile needs to be easy to read, straight to the point and polished.

  • Profile photo  

    • A headshot with a clean background and professional clothing. And remember to smile, a friendly face always helps!

  • Your location

    • Make sure your profile location is set to London. If your profile is set to a different location, you won’t show up in London searchers and the recruiter or company will think your not London based

  • Your headline

    • Include the role you have experience in and level

    • Bonus tip - you can add “open to work - London”. For example, "Marketing Executive. "Open to work in London"

  • About

    • A your job title, the industry you have experience, locations and key skills

  • Activity or Posts

    • Just like Instagram and Facebook, the more regularly you post the more likely you are to be at the forefront of your network’s minds. Start with a simple post, “I’ve just moved to London, I have 5 years of project management experience within the finance and technology sector and am looking for a new role within London. Would be great to connect with anyone who has project management opportunities available” Add a picture to your post for extra engagement 

  • Experience

    • Don't add short (1 or 2 months) periods of work, unless you state it was a contract role, and leave out roles that are not relevant to the positions you are applying for. 

  • Education

    • Include courses or modules you have completed that are relevant to your industry too

  • Profile Recommendations

    • Ask 5 people who you have worked with over your career to write a recommendation. Let them know you have just moved to London and their recommendation would help your search

Regardless of your background, experience, nationality or right to work status there will always be jobs available in London for expats. London provides an excellent platform for any career path - hopefully these tips have been helpful in your London job search

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