Work in your profession in the UK

I had a pleasant conversation the other day with Dorothy who is an employee at a non-profit organization called NERS – North of England Refugee Service. I was given useful tips and advice along with a few good contacts. Many foreigners who have moved to England find it hard to get a job which would be appropriate to their qualification. I remember too how difficult was it for me to get just close to a computer at work (it was not even an IT role). I have climbed the job ladder: washing dishes, catering/waiting, industrial work, etc. However catering jobs are very useful in the begining (unless you’re a kitchen porter), because you are forced to communicate with customers and that fasters your language learning, gives you confidence later on.

Back to the conversation: Dorothy superbly summarized what are the major issues with foreigners jobseeking in their profession. She also recommended solutions:

You don’t have relevant English work reference: take some part time volunteer job according to your field. Voluntary always looks good in your CV and counts as any other job reference.

She enlightened me what was the problem with my IT job applications too. I’ve been trying to find a job for over 2 years as an IT network engineer in Newcastle with no success. No matter how many times I re-worded my CV using different format, style, all my applications found deaf ears or rejection.

Why?

Majority of the English HR managers select candidates according one particular part of your application: the COVER LETTER. Very important to have it well-written. You should have template that you can custom tailor to every job offer. Invest enough time writing it at least an A4 page long, be convincing, original and not full of cliches (like “good team member, able to work alone, blabla – everybody writes that, they do not want to read the same after the ten thousandth time).

Don’t hesitate to visit North of England Refugee Service (NERS) in Newcastle. The name is a bit misleading as they deal with not just refugees. Migrants too. They can help you find a job which fits your qualifications. They are also giving advice if you are self employed, starting up a business.

Contact them at:
2 Jesmond Road West
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4PQ
tel: 0191 245 7311

They support and help with job searching, skills development, language learning (not just ESOL). Where, when, what courses, trainings are available. Some of them I was told about:
JET – swift language courses complementing ESOL, IT/computers/administration trainings
Crisis Skylight – learning opportunities leading to qualifications and employment. Classes covering demands from bike maintenance to yoga.
Learning Links - similar to the previous two above. Career consulting for foreigners based in Fenham.
See contact details on websites.

Funny but I was the 1st Hungarian who attended their Newcastle office. That surprised me as as far as I know we have a Hungarian community of a few hundred (according registrant count on iwiw community site). Anyway I assured them that they’ll be hearing from the northern Hungarian people a bit more from now;)