Finding a job in the UK can be a rewarding yet competitive process, whether you’re an international student seeking part-time work or a skilled migrant looking for full-time employment. At Cross Border Consultants, we provide expert Job Hunting Guidance to help you secure the right job that aligns with your qualifications, skills, and visa conditions.

1. Understanding Work Rights & Visa Restrictions

Before applying for jobs, it’s important to understand your work rights based on your visa type:

Student Visa (Tier 4/Student Route):

• Allowed to work 20 hours per weekduring term time and full-time during holidays.
  Can work in most sectors but not as a full-time permanent employee or self-employed.

Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2):

• Allows full-time employment with a sponsoring employer.
• Can switch jobs if the new employer provides a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa):

• Allows graduates to work full-time in any rolefor up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) without sponsorship.

Other Visas (Spouse Visa, Global Talent Visa, etc.):

• Work restrictions depend on the visa type, and we guide applicants based on their specific situation.

2. Preparing a UK-Style CV & Cover Letter

A well-structured CV (resume) and cover letter are essential for job applications in the UK.

UK CV Format Tips:

• Keep it concise (2 pages max).
• Highlight key skills, qualifications, and experiencerelevant to the job.
• Use bullet pointsfor clarity and readability.
• Avoid including personal detailslike photo, age, or marital status (not required in the UK).
• Add a personal statementsummarizing your career goals and strengths.

Cover Letter Guidelines:

• Tailor it to the job description.
• Explain why you are the right fit for the role.
• Keep it professional and within one page.

Tip: Use tools like Canva, Zety, or Europass to create a professional-looking CV.

3. Preparing for UK Job Interviews

Once shortlisted, you will need to prepare for interviews:

Common Interview Formats:

• Face-to-Face Interview– Traditional in-office interviews.
  Virtual/Online Interview – Conducted via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype.
  Competency-Based Interview – Focuses on skills and past experiences with STAR technique:
• Situation – Describe the situation.
• Task – Explain your responsibility.
• Action – Mention the steps you took.
• Result – Share the outcome.

Common Interview Questions:

• “Tell me about yourself.”
• “Why do you want to work for this company?”
  “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
• “Describe a time you faced a challenge and how you handled it.”

Tip: Practice mock interviews and research the company before attending.