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Five Things to Look for as an International Jobseeker

Image: Unsplash

The UK has long been a destination for international jobseekers. The latest government data shows that 212,551 work visas were approved in the year ending June 2023. That was 93,371 more than the same period in 2022 [1]. Couple this with Statista data for the three months to April 2024, which shows there were almost 900,000 job vacancies, and there are opportunities aplenty in the UK.

Opportunities are great, but you need to find the right place to work. Everyone has their own skills and preferences, but you can improve your chances of landing the right role for you by focusing on these five things:

1. Is the company allowed to hire foreign workers?
The most important thing to look for when you’re assessing the UK job market is whether a company is a licenced sponsor who is allowed to hire foreign workers. Only companies who hold a valid sponsor licence can sponsor foreign nationals to work for them in the UK. In addition to checking the eligibility of the company, make sure the job you’re applying for meets the UK work visa requirements.

For example, the minimum salary requirement for a UK Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700 or the job’s going rate. However, you might still meet the minimum salary requirement with a lower salary under certain circumstances, such as being under 26 or a recent graduate. That is why it is important to understand the stipulations of the visa you are apply for and, in turn, make sure the jobs you are looking at comply with UK immigration laws.

2. Where is the company based?
Location, location, location isn’t just a motto homebuyers should abide by. A company based in a city centre without parking facilities or easy access to public transport isn’t ideal. Even though it might not seem like a big deal now, struggling to get to work every day can take its toll. We’re not saying you should turn down a job just because it’s not in a perfect location, but don’t take location for granted.

3. Can you work remotely?

Image: Unsplash

Buffer data shows that 61% of workers around the world have a “very positive” view of remote working. Connecting to cloud servers and workflow platforms such as Slack has increased the number of people working remotely.

Data from The Office of National Statistics shows that 11% of people in the UK worked remotely full-time in April 2024 [2]. Almost 30% of people work from home some of the time, so check to see if you’re afforded the same flexibility before you apply.

4. Are there clear routes to progression?
Your ideal role now won’t necessarily be your ideal role in three years' time. You need to find a company that not only makes progression possible, but actively encourages it. Training programmes, extra qualifications and job swaps are great ways to learn new skills and progress. Ask potential employers if they offer any of these things to get an idea of how easily you can move up the ranks.

5. Can you get more bang for your buck?
Everyone wants a competitive salary, but there’s more to value out there. Perks such as free lunches, wellness provisions, personal days, and bonuses can make a job infinitely more attractive. Put simply, it pays to find companies that offer more than a basic salary.

We’re not saying that everything needs to be perfect. However, if you’re an international worker looking for jobs in the UK, the companies you’re looking at need to get as close to these ideals as possible. If they do, and a job matches your skills and preferences, there’s a good chance you’ll find your ideal role in the UK.