Applying for a job in the UK ⦁ 英國搵工

Job interview

The most important thing of all when you apply for a job is to have a clear idea why you want it what makes you a suitable candidate. Whatever the application process, this information should always come through to the recruiter.


Get your CV ready ⦁ 預備你嘅履歷表

Always tailor your CV to the specific job you are applying for by focusing on the most relevant and important aspects and staying brief on the less relevant parts. Keep the design simple so that the recruiter will easily be able to see the key information.

✅  Speaking Cantonese or Mandarin may not be obviously relevant to the job, but if you have those skills we recommend you mention them on your CV. Very few people in the UK can do this and it could be a bonus that makes you stand out!

There are many online resources to help you write a good CV, such as this article from CV Library.

Cover letter ⦁ 通常要寫求職信

A cover letter should be formal and short. This is where you talk about why you want the job, and what your relevant skills and experience are. You should look through the job’s advertised requirements and include something in the letter addressing each one.

Again, there are many resources online on how to write a cover letter suitable for UK employers, including this one.

Application forms ⦁ 填申請表還是遞交求職信

British companies usually ask for CVs although the larger firms might have an online system. In that case you need to transfer your details to that application form, which unfortunately takes away the personal touch. However, they usually still have space to include a cover letter or an introduction so make the best of that.

If you are not confident in your use of English, it would be a good idea to ask a friend with good English to proofread your CV, or application form, as well as your cover letter if possible.

How long to wait for a call back ⦁ 幾耐先知有Offer

It is unfortunately common that an employer does not acknowledge unsuccessful applications. However, if you don’t hear from the employer one week after the deadline of the job application, it is OK to contact them and check on the progress.

Job interview ⦁ 見工面試重點

Dress smartly and arrive on time! If COVID-19 is still around it is likely you will be doing a telephone interview or video call, in which case what you wear obviously becomes less important. An interview will always be stressful, but most British employers will try to reduce this by being friendly. Be ready to chat for a minute or two and relax a little before the more serious questions start.

The interviewer will expect you to be able to introduce yourself and answer questions on your relevant skills, your experience, why you would like the job, why you think you would be good at it, and what you think about the company.

✅  Show that you are a warm person as well as competent.

Take a look at some of the most common interview questions published by Glassdoor and think about your answers. And if you think your English needs to be better, the British Council offers a free four-week course on “English for the Workplace”. It also has online courses targeted for those who want to improve their English for job interviews and business situations.

References ⦁ 記得喺香港搵定推薦人

Most UK employers will ask an applicant for references from one or two previous employers. They will only contact these referees with your permission after the interview stage as a final check. It is best to get the permission of two different people to supply references before you start applying for jobs. If you do not have a previous employer, you can put another trusted person such as a family doctor or university lecturer.

The reference itself is usually a short and simple call or email exchange to confirm that the basic claims on your CV are true, for example that you really did work for them with the job title you say. References only concern the facts, and not opinions of you as a person.

Keep trying ⦁ 降低門檻,讓第一份工作成為你嘅踏腳石

Some Hong Kongers find that that British employers do not always value their experience in Hong Kong, and this has made it harder to get their first job. However, they say this problem goes away once they have a little UK experience on their CV, so keep trying! Remember that UK employers are very used to working with people from other countries.

Images: Photo by Van Tay Media on Unsplash


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