Finding a job can be difficult, especially in a country you don’t know very well. What can you do to find a job more easily in Edinburgh? Here are our 10 top tips…
1. Write a good CV:
a. Change your CV to a UK layout and style and keep it short, one page if possible.
b. Adapt your CV to the particular job that you want. Only include work experience that is relevant for the position that you are applying for and prepare different CVs for different professional profiles. Donât forget to include any voluntary work that you have done.
c. Check your punctation and use the right vocabulary for the industry in which you are applying. Collect job advertisements for similar jobs in the sector, choose key words and include them in your CV.
d. If you’re an Alba English student, come to our CV Workshop, where one of our English teachers can revise your CV with you for free.
2. Include a cover letter
Every time you send a CV. Just as with your CV, prepare different cover letters for different positions.
3. Have a UK contact telephone number
As soon as you arrive in Edinburgh, buy a mobile phone and only put your UK number on your CV. No company is going to call to an overseas number.
4. Prepare good reference letters in English.
In the UK, a lot of importance is given to recommendations. If you are still in your country, talk to your boss and ask them to write a character profile about you. Type up the English translation and ask your former boss/university professor to print it and sign it. Send your reference letter with your CV – it could get you an interview!
5. Ask for a National Insurance number (NI Number)
Although companies can employ you with a provisional NI Number.
6. Donât underestimate the power of volunteering in the UK
Apart from contributing to a good cause, this kind of work can help you to get UK references. And as weâve mentioned above, that is something that can be really valuable.
7. âLooking for a job is a full-time jobâ so take any opportunities that you can get
Widen your efforts:
a. Check Gumtree and other employability websites such as LinkedIn, s1jobs, reed.co.uk, neuvoo.co.uk or monster Scotland.
b. Hand your CV in to recruitment companies, call them and visit them regularly.
c. Walk in the street and check the shop windows. Many companies look for employees by putting a poster in their window. Remember that adverts in quieter streets will receive less applicants – so more chance on getting the job.
d. Look in your nearest job centre. They have computers with printers. You can also print the adverts for jobs you are interested in that have been registered at the job centre.
8. Consider the time of year that you plan to arrive in Edinburgh
January and February are the worst months for finding a job in Edinburgh.
9. Improve your English and practice as much as you canÂ
Above all, prepare yourself so that you can have a conversation in English over the phone.
10. Check other job recruitment websites such as Talent Scotland
There you can find interesting material, no only about finding a job, but also about enjoying your experience in the city to the maximum.
All the best in finding a job position suited to your skills and experience
Interesting vocabulary:
top = best.
tip = hint/piece of advice.
