Working Abroad Career Guide for the United Kingdom

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Country Profile
The history of the modern world would be very different without the United Kingdom. The U.K, which encompasses England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, is often confused with Great Britain (which consists of England, Wales, and Scotland). By the early nineteenth century, Great Britain had emerged as an industrial, maritime and colonialist world superpower. At its zenith, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. At the dawn of the new millennium, after witnessing the widespread destruction of both World Wars and the dismantling of its colonial empire, the United Kingdom has become a prosperous nation and an integral part of the European community.

Almost 60 million people call the U.K. home; 7 million live in London, making it the largest city. With its rugged hills, low mountains and Northern latitude, the U.K. isn't known for its sunny weather-more than 50 percent of the days are overcast. Although the majority of the population is Caucasian, in the last forty years a large number of Indians, Pakistanis, and Southeast Asians have immigrated to the U.K., making up almost three percent of the total population.

The United Kingdom is ruled by a constitutional monarchy; parliamentary power is divided between the Executive Branch (the Monarch, the Prime Minister and the cabinet) and the Legislative Branch (the Bi-cameral Parliament). As a leading trading power and financial center, the U.K. operates an essentially capitalistic economy, with a GDP (gross domestic product) of 3.5 percent and an inflation rate of 3.6 percent.

Professional Resources
The majority of professionals in the United Kingdom have their own organizations, all of which are listed in the telephone directory. Many phone books and directories are now available online and include sections specific to businesses and industries. Industry organizations and trade unions are a great place for job-seekers to obtain advice, conduct career research and locate business contacts. The UK is filled with small-to-mid-sized towns and cities; job-seekers can find
valuable information about local businesses and industry at a community's chamber of commerce.

Trade journals, such as Major Companies of Europe and United Kingdom Business Opportunity, are usually published annually and contain current information about a large number of firms and corporations. Job-seekers will find remnants of Britain's high-society history in its exclusive clubs and networking associations, which include organizations such as the East India Club, the Cavalry and Guards Club, and the Wig and Pen Club.

Job Search Resources
In the UK, working as a "temp" (a temporary employee in a company or firm) can often lead to permanent entry-level work. There are a number of temp agencies that specialize in specific occupational areas, and some employers treat a temporary contract as a "probationary" period for new hires. Job-seekers can also find temp work through job or career centers, which provide vacancy boards, offer career support and advice, and set up interviews with organizations that are hiring new staff. Brits also use government-sponsored career agencies, job fairs and professional recruiters to hunt down job opportunities.

If you're interested in working at a specific company, you can always contact the organization directly. Many companies now have websites with employment sections listing current job vacancies; applicants often use the website to e-mail their CV or resume to company recruiters.

Many online career websites list job openings and provide useful tips for job-hunting, writing resumes or CVs, and interviewing. Some sites cater to specific industries, such as information technology or financial services. Other websites cover a broad range of career fields, allowing job-seekers to search vacancies by industry, location, job title and position (permanent or contract/temp). Online job boards also offer message boards, free newsletters, and advice on job-seeking and salary negotiation. Career fairs are also a popular job-hunting method in the United Kingdom. VISIT is a recruitment company that organizes job fairs in the UK and throughout Europe.

Financial Considerations
Although the UK is expensive, resourceful job-seekers will find that earnings tend to match living costs. Professionals living in major cities, such as London, Edinburgh, Dublin and Cardiff, can expect to earn more than their suburban counterparts. However, urban-dwellers will also pay substantially higher housing, food and transportation costs. Restaurant dining can be expensive, particularly in London, but groceries are affordable.

Most homes in the UK are rented through estate agents, who might also act as the property manager, but rental houses can also be found through the local papers. Transportation in the UK is reliable but can be expensive, particularly the London Underground. Buses and coaches are good cheap alternatives too, both inside the city and in other major towns.

Although the National Health Service provides free health care to all people living in the UK (including general practitioner care, specialist services, hospitalization, and maternity care), Brits must pay for some dental care and prescriptions. The National Health Service is financed through taxes, which include regional Council taxes, Road Tax (Vehicle Excise Duty), and Value Added Tax (or VAT, a 17.5 percent tax on most consumer goods). If you buy a television in the UK, watch out-you'll be expected to pay an annual television usage tax for all the TVs in your home.

Employment Trends
In 2000 and 2001, British employers have struggled to recruit highly skilled, qualified job applicants. British business services, manufacturing, transport, communications and information technology companies have all admitted problems in hiring new talent. A recent survey reports that as many as half of the UK's employers are having problems recruiting skilled workers.

To ease this skills shortage, companies are hiring staff from overseas-a trend that is growing, experts say. Recent research
shows that 48 percent of UK firms employ foreign staff. Most of these companies are London-based, with many newcomers being employed in hotels and restaurants. Although this need for foreign employment signals less stringent work permit and visa regulations, key foreign workers still need at least three years experience to work in the UK.

Expatriates are predominantly employed at the managerial or professional level; they are least likely to work in manufacturing or in local and central government. For example, foreign workers may find employment in the health industry, which is struggling to recruit qualified nurses. To help ease the shortage of skilled workers, lawmakers are committing resources to job training centers throughout the U.K. However, it may take years for these initiatives to take full effect.

Resume/CV's
As part of your job application, you should include a one-page, tailored, cover letter. The letter should be business-like, typed on good quality white or ivory paper, and addressed to a specific person.

Your enclosed resume may be two to three pages, depending on your experience. Start with your name, address, contact information, birth date, marital status, and nationality. If you are a non-EU citizen, clarify your work permit status. In what is called the "Profile" section, give your professional designation (e.g., CPA), and immediate ambitions; then, in bullet-format, list relevant skills and a few work-related achievements.

Begin your employment history by describing your current position. Following the profile section, provide the name, location, and focus of each company, and your title and responsibilities. If you are new to the job market, you may include temporary or part-time positions.

The last major section is "Education." In reverse-chronological order (most recent listed first) list schools attended, locations, areas of study and diplomas/degrees. Mention additional courses and training, and special skills such as foreign language fluency and computer programs in which you are proficient.

At the end, it is sufficient to say: "References are available on request."

Information Technology
Despite recent blows to the high tech industry and a tightened labor market, the UK still lacks a sufficient number of qualified IT professionals. One research group reports that one million additional IT workers are needed in the UK in the next five years. The British Government has been influential in addressing the skills problem by increasing the allocation of visas for foreign professionals and encouraging organizations to increase their training resources.

Today's market is becoming increasingly candidate driven and often international in its reach. A growing number of employers are expected to import qualified IT professionals from abroad, and to out-source projects to overseas teams. For UK e-Business professionals, this not only means a significant rise in competition for UK-based jobs from overseas candidates but also an acceleration in the number of opportunities to work on international projects.

Successful IT candidates are usually certified in one or more recognized IT qualifications. These include Java, C++ and other
computer languages, which are usually essential for programmers and web developers. British trade organizations, IT publications and websites are a valuable resource for any IT applicant; they offer information about qualifying exams, awards, professional development, and training programs.

Interviewing Advice
Before the interview, do some background research on the company-its history and present focus. Then, assess your own skills and experience, so that you are clear on what you can contribute.

The United Kingdom is rather formal, so dress appropriately and make sure to be on time for the interview. Men usually wear suits (black, blue or grey), and tasteful ties, and women wear dresses or conservative skirt suits, with simple accessories.

The meeting begins with introductions and hand shakes. It is proper for a woman to extend her hand first. Normally those present do not exchange business cards at an interview. Remember in these exchanges that Britons want their personal space, and that it is best to avoid body contact and to keep a wide distance when conversing.One should also avoid emotional responses, loudness, and overuse of hand gestures and, certainly, patting on the back!

The interview is a time of mutual assessment. You should answer questions respectfully and directly, and avoid arrogance or boasting. However, you should also ask questions-- about the internal operations, responsibilities, and even benefits.

Engineering
The UK's lack of qualified engineering candidates is good news for foreign engineers interested in working in Britain. Industry experts are reporting an urgent need to recruit high-caliber young people to replace qualified engineers due to retire over the next ten years. In a bid to try to ease the shortage, the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) has launched a new website designed to recruit recent graduates into the engineering industry. As part of its engineering connections initiative, the EEF is inviting employers to register their apprenticeship vacancies on the web.

The basic requirements for working as an engineer in the UK include an accredited BEng (Hons) degree, or equivalent and approved training and assessment through a professional review by a relevant engineering institute. The Engineering Council (UK) maintains a Register of Professional Engineers who are recognized as having met stringent standards of education, training, and professional competence. This register is the defining List of Chartered Engineers (CEng), and the Chartered Engineer is required to be a Member or Fellow of a nominated Engineering Institution.

All of these institutions maintain websites, which contain a great deal of valuable information for engineers. Trade associations and labor unions also publish reports about the state of engineering in the UK and Europe, news and information about issues pertinent to the industry, and information about job opportunities.

Work Permits
European Economic Area (EEA) country nationals have the right to live and work in the UK without obtaining any further entry clearance. The United Kingdom is a member of the European Union, and all residents of European member countries are eligible to work within the UK. Similarly, individuals who are married to such nationals also have that right, provided they are coming to the UK with their spouse.

Work permits can be granted on a number of different bases. Full work permits are usually granted only to individuals with high-level skills, qualifications, and experience, where there is a genuine vacancy and no resident workers are available. This means that the application must fall within one of the "Tier One" categories evidence of the unavailability of resident workers, usually produced by unsuccessful advertising in the national media. Non-European Economic Area students can now work in the UK without a permit. Since 21 June 1999, international students over the age of 16 who are not nationals of a EEA country, and who have in their passports a stamp prohibiting them from working "without the consent of the Secretary of State," are no longer required while studying in the UK to obtain the Secretary of State for Education and Employment's permission on an individual basis.

Accounting & Finance
Successful accountants know more than just facts and figures. Strong accounting candidates possess a blend of sharp mathematical skills, analytical prowess, and the ability to work under pressure.British accountancies look for communicative, team-oriented applicants who can use their training to help shape business strategies and build better companies.

A business degree or higher education qualification is preferred for accounts or finance executives, but it is not absolutely necessary. To become a Chartered Accountant, candidates must pass the exams given by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), and have the necessary range of practical work experience.

While in training, the work experience will be varied, but will include accounting, auditing, and taxation. Time spent on each discipline and the focus of the work experience varies among training organizations.Once candidates become qualified, they are entitled to call themselves Chartered Accountants and use the letters ACA or FCA after their names. In the UK, accountant salaries vary according to training and certification: on average, accountants earn about 40 percent less than financial analysts, chartered accountants and management accountants.

Cultural Advice
Newcomers to the UK generally tend to find its inhabitants friendly yet reserved. Here are a few examples of what to expect from British culture:

· Britons are generally reserved people and do not use many hand gestures. When visiting the U.K., avoid making a "V" with the index and pointer fingers. In some cultures this may symbolize "peace;" however, in the U.K., this means, "get lost." Also, clicking one's fingers can either mean, "darn it" or "good idea." Therefore, it is wise not to make this gesture when trying to get someone's attention.

· Britons do not consider themselves to be European, and one should note this when discussing the European Union. Discussions should not include politics, religion, or English work ethics. Generally, Britons do enjoy talking about animals.

· When visiting the U.K., one will find it common to wait in line for almost everything. It is best to be patient and never cut in line. This is quite rude.

· Despite the various ethnic groups, the U.K. is fairly homogenous and quite proud of their history and traditions. They are generally accepting of newcomers to their country, and those wishing to spend time in the U.K. will find themselves in friendly, accommodating surroundings.

Sales & Marketing
Recent research shows that the retail, financial and business services sectors are the most likely to be recruiting staff for new sales and marketing positions. Marketers can feel optimistic about the current employment trends, particularly if they have expertise or experience in e-commerce and web technology. The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), which conducts industry research and allows applicants to post their CV and search job vacancies online, is an excellent resource for sales and marketing professionals seeking work in the UK.

At least a business degree is required to obtain a good job in marketing and sales. CIM, the UK's primary sales and marketing trade association, offers qualifications to show that one has achieved Chartered Marketing Status in marketing or professional sales. However, these are not absolutely necessary to secure a job in sales and marketing.

General Business
While Britain may no longer be a maritime superpower, its financial strength has remained firmly intact. Management consultants in the UK brought in more than £1 billion in revenue in the last quarter of 2000, and revenues were up across a range of consulting areas, including strategy and IT consulting. Industry experts report that overall, future prospects for the industry remain positive, including the recruitment of consultants. At least 50 percent are IT-based, and further growth is assumed.

In this industry a business degree is required, and, if one wants to achieve partner status, an MBA or postgraduate qualification is also necessary. Licenses and/or certificates are not absolutely necessary, especially if the job-seeker holds an MBA. To achieve chartered consultancy status, however, the International Council of Management Consultants offers a portable qualification CMC, which is recognized in 30 countries. The IMC is the only awarding body, and CMC has a credit rating equivalent to Master's degree.

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Country Career Guides Table of Contents

I. COUNTRY PROFILE

II. JOB-SEARCH RESOURCES
1.Online Job Sites
2.Government-Sponsored Employment Offices
3.Job Fairs/Career Events
4.Staffing Agencies/Temporary Help Firms
5.Newspapers that Publish Job Advertisements
6.Other Resources

III. EMPLOYMENT TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

General Trends
Information Technology
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Engineering
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Accounting and Finance
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Sales and Marketing
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
General Business
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources

IV. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND RESOURCES
1.Business Organizations/Trade Councils
2.Chambers of Commerce
3.Telephone Directories
4.Publications
5.Other Resources

VI. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ( Cost of living, salaries, health insurance, taxes, vacation/leave, benefits, etc)

VII. WORK PERMITS/VISAS

VIII. JOB APPLICATION GUIDELINES
1.Cover Letter Guidelines and Sample
2.Resume/CV Guidelines and Samples

IX. INTERVIEWING ADVICE

X. CULTURAL ADVICE

XI. COUNTRY RESOURCE BOOKS