By Alessandra Gnudi, Executive Director, FOCUS An international move may have an impact on spouses and partners’ career continuity. One of the biggest challenges in a new country is acquiring an understanding of the local job market and discovering all the opportunities that are available. While this can be quite daunting whether seeking a career transition or continuing an established career, it is encouraging to know that in the UK there are plenty of opportunities for people with international experience...
Often the move presents partners with the chance to re-examine their career and the opportunity to reinvent themselves. Perhaps they have taken a break from work to raise a family, or have been in a location where it wasn’t possible to work and now is the right time to go back. If professional qualifications are not easily transferable to the UK it is recommended to look at what skills match and can be applied to desirable roles. There are plenty of possibilities to change roles, do something new and work flexibly.
This is the perfect time to do something you have always wanted to do so take advantage of this opportunity!
Some people know what they want to do but lack the knowledge of the UK job market and haven’t yet established a network, which is essential in this country. They may have a visa to work but this alone will not ensure success. It is very important to be aware that the networking style in the UK may be very different to other countries and expats need to learn to navigate this new system. Never pass up an invitation, whether it is to have a drink in the pub or attend a local event, as this will provide the chance to meet new people.
Investing time in meeting people from similar as well as different professional and personal backgrounds is paramount.
The interview process and time frame of a job search can also come as a surprise as well as the salary discrepancy compared to other countries. Job seekers should take the time to research their industry, local professional bodies and career progression in the UK, so that they have a foundation of understanding when they begin searching for a new job.
In today’s competitive market it is essential that a CV stands out and spouses and partners looking for work should also sell their international experience on top of their professional expertise and skills to prospective employers. Working with a professional career coach can be fundamental to ensuring that you have the right information on your CV that will catch the eye of recruiters and employers.
The job search process will be challenging and will require a lot of perseverance and energy. Bear in mind that you are more employable if you are already employed so we do suggest to take the first good opportunity that is offered to you even if it is not the ideal one. Taking a volunteer position can also be beneficial in terms of getting UK experience and showing an organisation the skills that you have.
Keep meeting people and keep your enthusiasm up and remember that this country has loads of job opportunities, many of which you have may not have heard of before!
FOCUS is a community for expats by expats. Operating as a non-profit, we are proud to have been providing an award winning support to our members for over 35 years.
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