How to prepare a Resume to Work in UK

This is a short guide to help you. How to prepare a resume to work in UK.

The key focus of your UK resume should be to persuade the employer to invite you for an interview. Therefore, your UK Resume / CV is a marketing tool, which should be adapted to the market in which you intend to use it.

You should include: Name, address, telephone and email address at top of page followed by personal details - marital status, and driving licence and health; a brief resume of 12-20 words on how you see yourself; your employment history in reverse chronological order - Dates, company, place, your title.

Describe experience in terms of achievements – not just job duties. Give ‘highlights’, not a complete detailed account of every task.

Quantify the scope of job, e.g. responsible for how many people, how much of a budget, etc.

Emphasise achievements This is really important; e.g. cost savings, initiatives and major project responsibilities.

Include details of any unusual features of job, e.g. a newly created job, a different cultural environment, etc.

Education: besides your academic background include details of continuing professional development activities; short courses attended and IT skills and interests outside of work.

Work permits in the UK

• EEA citizens are free to move and work wherever they want to, within the EEA (including the UK).
• You must apply for a residence permit. This is valid for five years and should be issued within six months of your arrival.
• Contact the British embassy in your home country for more information.

The application procedure in the UK

• Careers advisory services are well-established at all British universities.
• Speculative applications in Britain are only worth the effort if well researched in advance.
• Realise the importance of language skills. Having a social conversation is very different from a business negotiation.

The application letter in the UK

• Explain why you consider yourself the right candidate for the job.
• Illustrate your skills with examples.
• In the UK, if the addressee is unknown to you, start with ‘Dear sir/madam’ and end with ‘yours faithfully’.
• If you do know the name start with ‘Dear Mr/Ms X’ and end with ‘yours sincerely’.
• Many companies in the United Kingdom use application forms instead of letters.

Dos
• Use power words in an application in the UK. Power words and action verbs
• Add extra-curricular activities, hobbies and sports in your CV.
• Look interested – ask questions.
• Provide examples to prove your achievements.
• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand the question.
• Be prepared for an assessment centre.

Don’ts
• Act like a leader when you are not!
• Add a reference without telling this person.
• Overestimate your qualities the Brits are modest people.
• Sit until invited in an interview.
• Criticise former employers.
• Go over the top – stay calm and stick to the facts.

Management culture in the United Kingdom

• The traditional British organisational structure is a pyramid, consisting of many layers and a strong vertical hierarchy.
• Employers are fair value a good relationship with their employees.
• Meetings are an important management instrument: All-important decisions will be brought up,discussed, negotiated and passed through during the meeting.
• At meetings, British people are always on time. However in social life, they are almost always ten minutes late.
• Humour is very important; humour is present on every level and on almost every occasion.