Finding a Job in the UK: What's Different

Right to work checks

UK employers are legally required to check every employee's right to work before they start — usually via a passport, visa, or digital eVisa share code. Have this ready before you start applying, as it can otherwise slow down an offer once you've been through interviews.

CVs, not resumes

The UK typically uses a CV (curriculum vitae) rather than the term "resume," usually 1–2 pages, listing experience in reverse chronological order. Photos, age, marital status and similar personal details are generally omitted, unlike some other countries' conventions — and it's worth tailoring your CV format to UK expectations rather than translating your home-country version directly.

Where to look

• General job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn, Reed and similar) cover most sectors
• Sector-specific boards and recruitment agencies for specialist or senior roles
• Company career pages directly, particularly for larger employers
• Networking — UK hiring, especially outside entry-level roles, still relies heavily on referrals and professional networks

Interview expectations

UK interviews are typically more understated in tone than in some countries — confident but not overly assertive, with a focus on specific examples (often structured as "tell me about a time when..."). Salary negotiation tends to happen later in the process than in some markets, often after an offer is made rather than during early conversations.

If you need visa sponsorship

Not all UK employers hold a sponsor licence, so if you need one, it's worth checking a company's sponsorship status (or asking directly) before investing significant time in an application. Larger employers and certain sectors facing skills shortages are generally more likely to sponsor.