Figuring out how to find a job in the UK can help you get ahead of the competition in a busy market. It enables you to discover and leverage opportunities more quickly and efficiently, whether you’re a recent graduate or a professional with decades of experience.
In this article, we’ll show you what you need to know about the UK job market and provide you with actionable steps to help with your job search and hunting. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do, both as a local worker and an international job seeker.
Key Takeaways
The UK job market has been resilient to volatile economic changes, with the employment rate being at a steady 75.2%.
To find a job in the UK, you need to identify the sector that matches your skillset, tailor your CV and cover letter, use online resources and job boards, optimize your online presence, and prepare for interviews.
If you’re a foreigner (non-UK or Irish resident), you’ll need a work visa before you become legally able to get a job.
Some of the biggest mistakes job seekers make include submitting generic applications, failing to research the company, and not preparing adequately for interviews.
What You Need to Know About the UK Job Market
The UK job market has remained resilient in the face of the latest global economic changes and difficulties. Based on the labor market overview data provided by the Office for National Statistics, the employment rate for people aged 16 to 65 is estimated to be 75.2%.
The number of vacancies has been on a steady decline in recent months, dropping by 56,000 between April and June 2025. Still, this leaves approximately 727,000, indicating that there are many openings; however, caution is one of the key UK hiring trends.
However, there are differences between industries. Some of the most in-demand jobs in the UK are in sectors like healthcare, information technology, construction, and engineering. This makes jobs like software engineering, civil engineering, data analysis, and nursing some of the most sought-after.
It’s worth noting that UK job salaries have also increased by 5.0% between March and May 2025. Adjusted for inflation, this results in a total increase of 1.0%–1.7% in pay, indicating that real wages are rising.
How to Find a Job in the UK (Domestic/With Visa)
There are several steps and activities you can leverage to find a job in the UK effectively. Let’s explore the ones that will have the highest impact on your search.
#1. Identify the Right Job Sector
Before starting your job search in the UK, you should conduct research to find an industry where there is a high demand for someone with your skillset. The healthcare, information technology, and engineering sectors are all vast, but they require significantly different types of abilities, knowledge, and experience.
Choosing a sector that is currently growing or has a large number of openings will make your search much easier while increasing the chances of success.
If you’re an international candidate, you can look into jobs with UK visa sponsorships to get an idea of what’s in demand. The UK government also publishes a shortage occupation list, which outlines currently open positions, so you can use it to identify opportunities.
#2. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter
Once you narrow down your search to a sphere of interest, you should tailor your CV and cover letter to it. This allows you to include your skills and qualifications that are most relevant to that field.
A generic application is one of the main reasons why candidates get rejected. If your CV and cover letter don’t demonstrate specific abilities and experiences that recruiters are looking for, they will likely move on to the next candidate.
Moreover, you should tailor these documents to each new job you apply for. You should research the company and the ad to identify the key skills recruiters are looking for. Your UK CV format should also be clear and concise, typically one or two pages.
#3. Use the Best Job Websites
A large portion of the UK job search takes place on the internet, as there are plenty of websites and resources that facilitate the process. Various online job boards, social media platforms, and networking websites help professionals discover opportunities and connect with recruiters and employers.
Some of the biggest and most popular UK job sites include:
UK Job Sites
Indeed UK. This is a vast and comprehensive job board that lists openings across every sector and industry in the UK.
Reed. Reed is another broad recruitment platform with hundreds of thousands of openings.
CV Library. The UK’s largest independent job site with more than 100,000 vacancies in every industry.
NHS Jobs. A National Health Service job board is essential for healthcare professionals looking for work.
Glassdoor. Glassdoor is a comprehensive website that offers not just job postings but information about companies.
#4. Build an Online Presence
In today’s digital age, the majority of networking and job seeking happens online. Some companies rely on video interviews to assess candidates and narrow the selection before in-person meetings. That’s why it’s important to have a strong and professional online presence.
For starters, you should polish your personal website or online portfolio to look professional and up to date. Following that, you want to audit your social media profiles, since many recruiters perform background checks.
An optimized and well-maintained LinkedIn profile is one of the most powerful tools for job seekers. While you can use it to find job openings and contact recruiters, you may also encounter offers from talent seekers.
#5. Consider Recruitment Agencies
If you want a more hands-off approach, you can contact a recruitment agency to find a position that suits you. These agencies specialize in hiring professionals and often have access to job postings and opportunities that you won’t be able to see in other places.
The initial investment of hiring an agency often quickly pays off as they do the work for you, save you time and effort, and find you a matching opening. Plus, these agencies can offer advice that can help you during a job interview. They can also help improve your CV and cover letter or expand your professional network.
#6. Prepare for Interviews
Properly preparing for a job interview will help you impress recruiters, get ahead of the competition, and maximize your chances of landing the job.
One of the key things to do is research the most common interview questions and answers. Knowing how and what to respond in advance will help you stick to the topic and give relevant information to the interviewer. You should also familiarize yourself with the STAR method, which is invaluable in answering behavioral interview questions.
Even knowing what to wear to an interview based on the industry you’re in and the position you’re applying for can increase the chances of leaving a lasting good impression on the recruiter. Conducting a mock interview is a great way to practice all of these aspects and prepare for the real meeting.
#7. Understand the Requirements
You need to be legally allowed to work in the UK before you can find a job in the first place. If you’re a UK or Irish citizen, you’ll fulfill this requirement by default. However, if you’re a foreign national, you’ll likely have to secure a UK work visa before becoming legally employable.
One of the most straightforward ways for international workers to become eligible for employment in the UK is via the Skilled Worker visa. This typically involves having an approved employer who can provide you with a UK job visa sponsorship.
Don’t forget to gather all the necessary documentation, as you’ll have to provide evidence of your right to work during the hiring process.
#8. Be Persistent
To find a job in the UK, you need to be determined and to face rejections with a positive attitude. On average, it can take applicants anywhere between 3 and 6 months to get the job. By understanding that job hunting is a marathon and not a sprint, you’ll better mentally prepare yourself and persevere until you succeed.
It’s also important not to take a lack of communication as a job rejection in the UK. You should follow up on your application, as well as after an interview. This puts you back on the recruiter’s radar and gives you another chance in case they forgot about your application or have been busy with other endeavors.
How to Find a Job in the UK as a Foreigner?
To find a job in the UK as a foreigner, you mainly need to ensure that you meet all the necessary visa requirements.
Here are the key UK job hunting tips for foreigners:
UK Job Search Tips for Foreigners
Choose your visa. The most common visa for foreign workers looking for a job in the UK is the Skilled Worker visa. The main requirement for it is a job offer from a licensed sponsor. Other options include the Health and Care Worker visa for medical professionals and the Global Talent visa for leaders in specific fields.
Find a licensed sponsor. You should focus your job search on the companies listed in the register of licensed sponsors on the UK government website. You can also use websites like UK Visa Jobs.
Prepare the documentation. In addition to your CV and cover letter, you’ll need additional documents to prove your eligibility. These typically include your visa, proof of proficiency in the English language, and evidence of sufficient financial savings.
Familiarize yourself with the process. The process of getting a job as a foreigner in the UK involves a few extra steps that you need to be aware of. Upon receiving an offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer, you can apply for a visa, after which you’ll need to follow the government’s official guidelines.
Should You Use a CV or a Resume in the UK?
You should use a CV in the UK, as it’s the standard document when applying for a job. CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, and it’s very similar to the US resume, which makes standard resume tips applicable to UK documents.
In general, a UK CV should be one or two pages long. It should have distinct sections about a candidate’s skills, work experience, achievements, and education written in a concise and professional manner.
What to Do If You're Not Getting Job Offers?
If you’ve been applying for a while but haven’t been getting job offers, you’ve likely been making mistakes.
Here are some of the most common job-hunting mistakes with tips on how to avoid them:
Common Mistake | How to Avoid It |
Generic applications | Your CV and cover letter should be carefully tailored to each new job application to demonstrate the most relevant and impactful skills and experiences. |
Not researching the company | By researching the company, you’ll learn about their team, values, products, and culture. This can help you write a better CV and give more meaningful answers to interview questions. |
Poor online presence | Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is complete, professional, and updated with the latest information. Clean up your other social media profiles or make them private if you’ve been interacting with unprofessional content. |
Lack of interview preparation | Prepare for a job interview by coming up with answers to the most common questions, familiarizing yourself with the STAR method, and preparing questions to ask interviewers. |
Not following up | Following up on your application or after a job interview significantly increases the chances of receiving a callback or progressing to the next stage in the hiring process. |
If you want to make a concise and professional CV with no effort, check out our AI-powered generator.
Create your resume here!Final Thoughts
Now you have the necessary resources and information needed to find a job in the UK. Arm yourself with patience and persistence, leverage online resources, tailor your CV, and prepare for a job interview to maximize your chances.
If you’re an international applicant, don’t forget to look into visa requirements, gather the necessary documentation, and follow the official government rules. Lastly, don’t forget to check out our software tool if you need to quickly and professionally generate a CV, resume, or cover letter.
How to Find a Job in the UK FAQ
#1. Can I find a job in the UK without a visa?
You can find a job in the UK if you’re a UK or Irish citizen. However, if you’re a non-British or Irish citizen, you’ll have to obtain a visa to become legally employable. This typically involves having a licensed sponsor to apply for a work visa.
#2. What are the best job websites in the UK?
Some of the best job websites in the UK include Indeed, Reed.co.uk, CV-Library, and NHS Jobs. You can also leverage global websites and social networks, like Glassdoor and LinkedIn, to find a job in the UK.
#3. Do I need a UK address to apply for jobs?
You don’t need a UK address to apply for jobs, as it is not a strict requirement, but it can be highly beneficial to your application. Some application forms might require you to include a UK postcode, while in other instances it can be helpful to omit your address.
#4. How long does it take to get a job in the UK?
On average, it takes between 3 and 6 months to get a job in the UK. The exact time varies between people and can depend a lot on the applicant’s location, skillset, experience level, and sector.
#5. Can international students work in the UK?
Yes, international students can work in the UK on a student visa. They can usually work part-time during the school year and full-time during vacations. After graduating, they can apply for a graduate visa to extend their stay in the UK and to continue working.
