With over 2.35 million people employed in the British hospitality sector, it remains one of the best ways to find a new career overseas. So, how can you increase your chances of getting a job in the UK? Accommodation and food-related trades have weathered both economic storms and the changing tides of Brexit. In 2018, UK hospitality companies collectively achieved a £102 billion turnover. This is also a very varied and dynamic source of employment, making it appealing with foreign nationals with various skills and career goals. However, planning and preparation are needed to increase your chances of successful job placement.
Here are five steps to getting a UK job with a hospitality employer.
Do your research
It pays to consider the UK job market carefully and set realistic goals. For example, you may dream of working in a five-star hotel in the Scottish mountains, or a Michelin starred restaurant in the English countryside, but that may be tricky. Naturally, the majority of hospitality jobs are in London. Also, you should check whether your qualifications are recognised by UK employers.
Create a persuasive profile
Though hospitality jobs are readily available in the UK, competition is still fierce, particularly for higher paid grades of course. Take some time to gather as much evidence of your experience to date as possible, including employer references and copies of qualifications. Creating an online work profile is a popular option in recruitment. If you are a chef, having digital images of some of your signature dishes and major commissions is also a good way to impress would-be employers overseas! Make sure all this material is honest and can be validated.
Check Visa requirements
A visa is something that enables you to travel between countries. It is not the same as a work permit. One of the first things to do if you have ambitions to work in the UK is to check visa arrangements for the country you live in. This website deals with the latest information for European and non-European immigrants and visitors – https://www.gov.uk/eu-eea. UK visa consultants can clarify your situation.
Contact a specialist international recruitment agency
Applying directly for UK vacancies can be time consuming and fruitless. It makes more sense to register with a specialist immigration agency, who can match you to suitable posts and help you apply for a Work Permit.
Be ready for remote interviews
When recruiting from overseas, some employers use modern technology to set up interviews online. This can be video as well as voice calls, to ask you key questions and get a flavour of how well you will fit into an existing team. Make sure you have your device and your interview technique all sorted in advance, so you can make the most of digital communication with a potential employer. To find more about hospitality jobs and careers,
please feel free to email your queries on anjum@vira.co.uk thank you!
