New Year, New Job – Moving Abroad for Work
For many, January is a time to hit the gym, quit those bad habits and consider making a bold career move. Getting a job overseas is about as bold as it comes, and the start of 2023 looks set to provide plenty of opportunities to do so!
The decision to move abroad for work can feel daunting with all the moving parts that need to be taken care of. Australasian Recruitment Company is based in London, however many of our staff originate from Australia or New Zealand and have gone through the relocation process themselves. As such, we’ve compiled a list of the key considerations when it comes to pursuing career opportunities in London, and why a move to the UK could be the perfect next step for you.
The UK’s job market is stronger than ever
In the wake of the pandemic, as well as losing out on talent from the EU as a result of Brexit, the UK – and in particular London – has a very strong “job full” market, with an abundance of unfilled roles. This affords a huge advantage to candidates who may be looking to switch roles or pursue career opportunities in London. Unemployment is still at its lowest since 1974 and despite fears of an impending recession, it is still reported that over six million people in the UK will quit their jobs in the next 12 months, meaning new candidates are in a great position if looking to relocate from abroad in the new year.
Why London is a great place to live
London is a culturally rich and diverse city where over 300 different languages are spoken; 37 per cent of its population was born outside of the UK. Thanks to this diversity, it’s a tolerant and welcoming place that is second-to-none when it comes to things to do and see. From spectacular theatre shows, live music and comedy to beautiful city parks, an efficient transport network (strikes aside!) and Europe on its doorstep, it’s impossible to be bored in this vibrant city.
On the other side of the coin, because London is so vast it’s important to do your research on which area you want to move to. You may face competition over accommodation, but many residents are starting to rent out rooms in their homes to help with the cost of living, which opens up access to unique and interesting abodes.
What do you need to be able to work in the UK?
If you’re planning to work in the UK and you don’t hold a British Passport, you will need to apply for a visa. There are a range of visas that will allow you to work in the UK depending on your age and situation. The visa you will need for the types of roles we recruit are likely to be one of the following:
- Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa: Perfect if you are aged between 18 and 30 and want to live and work in the UK, these visas are granted once per applicant and currently last for up to two years.
- Ancestry visa: Citizens of Australia and New Zealand with a British grandparent born in the UK can apply for an Ancestry visa which allows you to live and work in the UK for up to five years. After this you can either apply for a visa extension or the right to permanent residence.
- Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa: This allows you to come to the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer if you have a confirmed job offer. This visa lasts for five years, after which the same rules apply as with the ancestry visa.
The decision lead-time for visa applications is usually around three weeks, so it’s a good idea to get your application submitted first and then focus on your job search. Visit the UK Government’s website for all the information you need to start your application process.
Soft skills and upskilling
During the pandemic, many of us who were stuck at home may have invested time into learning new skills or upskilling existing ones. We have been seeing the range of our candidates’ skillsets increase over the past 12 months, which gives us more flexibility to not only place them in new roles with our clients, but provide them with opportunities to break into industries they may have less practical experience in.
Ensure you have a job lined up for when you reach the UK
At Australasian Recruitment Company we’re able to set our candidates up with interviews prior to their arrival in the UK, and have roles available that require immediate starters. We’ve even placed candidates in roles that started as little as four hours after touching down!
Speak to us
Our team is highly knowledgeable, not just in helping candidates to find jobs in the UK but also to support with the relocation process from those who have been through the process themselves. We have lots of great roles on our books right now so call us on (+44) 207 625 3300 or drop us an email on hello@australasian.co.uk.