August 28, 2025
6 Tips to Find Professional Work in the UK
Finding professional work in your field when you’re new to the UK can feel incredibly frustrating. You know you’re great at what you do, but breaking through to land that ideal role seems impossible. Whether you’re studying in the UK, have moved here with your partner, or are making a fresh start, the job search process requires more than just applying to countless positions.
Instead of taking a scattergun approach, it’s time to think strategically. Here are six practical tips that will significantly improve your chances of finding professional work in your field in the UK.
1. Get clear on what you want
The first step isn’t rushing to apply for jobs – it’s taking time to define exactly what you’re looking for. This clarity will narrow down your search and ensure you’re not wasting time on roles that don’t align with your goals or skills.
Start by identifying your specific skills, both technical (whether in engineering, tech, HR, or other fields) and soft skills like problem-solving and communication. Consider your personality traits and how they fit different work environments.
Next, think strategically about the roles you want and what would be the logical next step in your career. For example, you might be qualified for a management role in your home country but lack UK experience. In this case, applying for a junior position with a clear path to promotion might be the smart move. Just make sure to communicate this strategy to employers. If they understand your reasoning, they’re more likely to give you a chance rather than dismissing you as overqualified.
2. Perfect your CV and applications
Don’t rely on AI to create your CV or applications because it’s obvious when you do, and the results look generic. Instead, invest time in crafting personalised, compelling documents.
Keep your CV brief and concise; two pages maximum, ideally one. Here’s a crucial shift: instead of listing job responsibilities, focus on what you gained, learned, or achieved in each role. Employers want to see that you’re someone who learns and grows, as this makes you a valuable long-term employee.
Include a personal profile paragraph at the top of your CV covering your present situation, past experience, and future goals. Describe who you are, your specialties, your experience level, and the type of role you’re seeking. This section should be tailored for each application.
The key to modern job applications is customisation. With hundreds of applicants for each role, you need to include keywords from the job advert in your CV and application. However, only use keywords that genuinely reflect your skills and experience; getting an interview through false claims will backfire when your lack of relevant experience becomes obvious!
When filling out applications or writing personal statements, focus on specific skills, experience, and achievements. Always provide concrete examples from your work history that demonstrate why you’re a good fit for the role.
3. Build connections through strategic networking
If you’re doing everything right with applications but still not getting responses, it’s time to focus on networking. This can happen both online and in person.
Start with LinkedIn: Ensure your profile matches your CV exactly, as any differences look unprofessional. Fill out your work history using the same approach as your CV, focusing on skills gained and achievements. Use the introduction section as your personal profile, and craft a clear headline under your profile picture.
Once your profile is polished, actively network on LinkedIn. Connect with people at your dream companies, those in similar roles, and industry professionals. Engage authentically by asking for tips, and starting genuine conversations about their journey into their current roles.
Follow companies you’d love to work for, read their articles, and comment thoughtfully on posts. Share relevant industry developments and your perspectives on them. This positions you as an expert in your field and shows employers that you’re genuinely interested and proactive.
For in-person networking: Search Eventbrite for professional events in your area related to your field. Universities also frequently host events where employers come to meet potential candidates.
Remember, networking isn’t about immediately finding job opportunities; it’s about building genuine connections and learning from others. One of my clients had been repeatedly rejected by companies via email, but when he attended a networking event and had a natural conversation about industry developments, he ended up talking to the CEO of one of those same companies. That conversation led to a work placement offer just a few months later.
4. Stay active and keep building confidence
Networking can happen anywhere, so don’t limit yourself to formal events. Consider taking a part-time job in a café or volunteering while you search for professional work. This serves multiple purposes:
- Maintains confidence: Staying home and only applying for jobs can damage your self-confidence, making you less effective in interviews when opportunities do arise
- Improves language and cultural skills: If English isn’t your first language, regular interaction helps you stay fluent and better understand local accents and culture
- Provides networking opportunities: You never know who might give you ideas or know someone who could offer opportunities
Many of my clients who jumped straight into professional roles from overseas struggled with understanding local culture and communication styles. Taking a lower-stakes job first can help you build this understanding in a supportive environment.
5. Target companies that sponsor visas
If you need visa sponsorship, focus your efforts strategically. In this post-Brexit world, this requirement is incredibly common, so you’re not alone.
Target larger companies and those experiencing skills gaps, particularly in healthcare, engineering, and tech. These industries regularly hire from overseas and have established sponsorship processes in place.
Smaller companies or those outside these high-demand fields, especially if they’ve never sponsored before, are less likely to go through the process. It’s heartbreaking to get through the entire interview process only to be told they can’t provide sponsorship.
If you don’t work directly in healthcare, engineering, or tech, look for supporting roles (HR, branding, marketing) within these industries or at larger companies. If they’re already familiar with the sponsorship process, they’ll find it much easier to sponsor you and won’t see it as a huge expense.
6. Master the job interview process
When you land an interview, whether through networking or applications, remember that they’ve already decided you’re potentially a good fit based on your CV. Now they want to verify that everything is accurate and see how you’d fit with the team.
Prepare thoroughly but stay human:
- Practise common questions like “Tell me about yourself”. Keep your answer short, clear, and focused on achievements and what you enjoy about your work
- Prepare specific examples of career achievements for competency-based questions. When asked about teamwork, don’t speak generally (“I always work well in teams”) – give a specific example from a particular project and explain what you learned
- Research the company thoroughly by reading their website and blog posts. This shows genuine interest rather than treating it as just another interview
Make genuine connections:
- Engage in small talk at the beginning because it helps both you and the interviewer feel at ease
- Speak from the heart when giving examples. If you felt proud of an achievement, let that emotion show. In an AI-dominated world, human authenticity is more valuable than ever
- Remember that this is a conversation between human beings, not an interrogation. You’re showing them how you’re a good fit for the role
Have thoughtful questions prepared that demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and company.
Quality over quantity
Finding professional work in the UK is challenging, especially in the current market. Resist the temptation to apply to dozens of jobs hoping something will stick. Instead, focus on positions at companies where you genuinely want to work, and invest time in tailoring your applications to each specific role.
Don’t underestimate the power of networking, and remember that if you can’t find professional work immediately, taking on other employment or volunteering will keep your confidence up while helping you better understand local culture.
The job search process can be tough, but with strategic thinking, genuine networking, and authentic communication, you can break through and find the professional role you’re looking for in the UK.
Good luck with your job search – you’ve got this!
If you need help preparing for job interviews or developing your communication skills in English, let’s have a chat.
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