You may already have a job lined up in London before you arrive—and if so, great! If not, how you go about finding work will depend largely on the type of job you’re looking for.
If you’re seeking casual work, you could simply walk into the restaurant, café, shop, etc. where you’d like to work and ask if they’re hiring, or check their company websites. Caterer.com is a useful site for hospitality jobs. Many of my students also use job sites aimed at their own communities. This can be a helpful way to get your first role, though keep in mind that if you’re surrounded by people from your home country, you might not get as much opportunity to practise your English. You could also try employment agencies—Reed, for example, is a popular platform where many other agencies also advertise, making it a convenient place to start.
For more skilled or professional roles, LinkedIn is probably the best place to look. Make sure your profile is well-written and up to date—I’m happy to help with that if you’d like. There are many job sites out there, but Indeed works as a search engine that pulls in listings from a wide range of sources. You’ll also come across job ads via Google Jobs. Using recruiters is very common, especially for industry-specific roles, so a bit of research will go a long way. Recruiters are used to dealing with jobseekers at all levels and can often give valuable advice.
Based on my students’ experiences, it can sometimes be a bit challenging to land your first professional job in London. However, once you get your foot in the door, there are lots of opportunities for career progression. You may need to start with some volunteering, an internship or an entry-level role to gain UK-based experience. Sites worth checking out for volunteering opportunities include Team London (run by the Mayor of London), Doit and CharityJob.
Before you can start working, you’ll need a National Insurance Number. If you’re an employee, income tax and national insurance contributions will be deducted automatically through the PAYE system. If you’re classed as self-employed, things are a bit more complex—you’ll need to keep records and submit a yearly tax return. The HMRC website has detailed guidance on this.
You’ll also need a bank account to receive your salary. Big banks like HSBC and Barclays are common choices, though there are others. You’ll typically need proof of address to open an account, which can be tricky when you’ve just arrived. A good alternative is the online bank Monzo, which only requires ID and is quick to set up.
When planning how to get to and from work, you’ll most likely use public transport. The TfL (Transport for London) website has all the information you’ll need. In addition to Google Maps, I also recommend the Citymapper app for real-time travel updates and route planning.
You’re unlikely to take taxis to work often, but if you do, avoid the expensive black cabs—Uber is generally a cheaper option. Owning a car in London tends to be more trouble than it’s worth due to the congestion charge, ULEZ and limited parking. If you occasionally need a car, consider joining a car-sharing service like Zipcar.
If you have any questions about working in London, feel free to ask. I’m happy to help with your CV, covering letter or interview preparation. It can take time to find the right job, so don’t see unsuccessful interviews as failures—they’re great practice and learning experiences. With each one, you’ll improve and grow more confident.