If you are restless and suffering from wanderlust, a UK working holiday may be just the thing to make that extra bit of cash as well as making for an impressive addition to your resume. While a holiday may be on the cards, don’t forget to take advantage of the job opportunities that the UK has to offer. To get the most out of it, here are our tips to finding work for your UK Working Holiday.
Prepare & Research
Preparation is important so as well as brushing up your current resume, you should also plan ahead and try to find work prior to your arrival in the UK. At the very least you should conduct plenty of research to confirm that there is work available that you are willing to do.
Get Your Visa
One of the first practical things you will need to do is get your visa sorted. Those in possession of an ancestry visa or a European passport will find it easier to stay on long term compared to a working holiday visa. Once you’ve got all your paperwork sorted, it’s time to start searching for a job with general job market research to find the best industry and role for you based on your skills, experience, and preference.
Work Schemes & Recruitment Agencies
Some overseas countries have schemes in place that can help you locate work in the UK for a working holiday. For example, Australia has programs in place that will set up work for you prior to your arrival for a charge. This tends to be waiting staff positions or work as a live-in nanny, or similar temporary jobs. For a specific industry, such as healthcare, trades or HR, you can apply through a recruitment agency, which will help find the right work for you.
Write Your CV
If you’re looking for work through a work scheme or recruitment agency, they can advise you on how to write your CV for UK employers. Generally, you don’t want your CV to be longer than one page, and being clear and concise is much more preferred than showing off your Photoshop skills (unless, of course, you’re applying for a design job). Always fit your CV to the type of work you want to do.
Conducting Interviews
The majority of these will need to be conducted in person when you’re in the UK, particularly casual jobs like bartending and waitressing to demonstrate your skills. But, thanks to technology, you can now request an interview to done conducted online over Skype or by telephone. If the call goes well, you may be asked to come in for a face-to-face interview once you’re in the UK.