A lot of students who study in England are interested in finding a part-time job – it’s a good way of meeting English speakers, experiencing another side of life in the UK, having something to add to your CV and earning money.
Some students plan to stay in the UK for a year or two, maybe also doing some further study at college or university. Yet others plan to move here longer term, and find opportunities to build a professional career in the UK.
Whichever category you fall into, there are certain things you must do first if you want to work in the UK:
• You must be legally allowed to work here eg as a student on a Tier 4 visa
• You will have to get a National Insurance Number (NIN)
• You will have to translate your CV, and be ready to adapt it for different jobs
• You will have to have any certificates ready to show a new employer
Finding a job in most UK towns and cities is possible, but it can take a few months, possibly longer, if you are looking for a job in your own profession. You may have to prove yourself, by doing voluntary work in your own professional area, or working as an assistant, or doing an internship.
Everyone has to start at the beginning, by getting a National Insurance Number. You’ll have to go online to make an appointment for an interview. The interview is usually one-to-one. You will be asked questions about why you need a National Insurance Number, and your plans for staying and working in the UK. You will also have to prove your identity, e.g. by showing your passport or Identity Card.
After the NIN interview, it takes about 10 days until you get your number. The next step is having a good CV (curriculum vitae). Usually, your teacher will advise on this. You can also go to the Careers Scotland office, situated near the school, and they will help you to prepare your CV and to look for a job.
Especially on some intensive language courses, there are often opportunities in school to practise interviews and other job-seeking skills.
Lots of students find part-time jobs, maybe not the best job ever (kitchen porter, housekeeper etc), but something that will start them off in the working world here.
Some recent language students we have helped found permanent jobs including:
• Maria, who worked as a dance teacher
• Elena who found a job as a pharmacist in a hospital
• Antonio, who started as volunteer, and is now a surveyor with a national organisation
• Albert and Francisco who both work in computing.
So there are lots of possibilities, and lots of support available for you from the school and other organisations, if you want to find a job in the UK.
These websites can help you to find work:
Comments are closed