The application letter (cover letter)
An application letter should evoke a recruiter’s interest and ideally lead to an invitation for a job interview. In a British application letter, an applicant’s skills and competences with regard to the respective job opening are being portrayed. The application letter should clearly explain your motivation for applying. The tone should be formal and to the point.
Always try to address the letter to the respective person dealing with the recruitment rather than merely write: ‘Dear Sir or Madam’. If there is no name mentioned in the vacancy, you might want to consider sending an informal inquiry via email.
Commonly, an application letter is about one page long and type-written on a white sheet of paper (A4) and accompanied only by a CV. In the UK it is not customary to attach any documents such as copies of diplomas or letters of recommendation, unless specifically asked for.
The CV
A typical CV in the UK is one to two pages long, type-written on white paper (A4). Make sure it looks smart, text and dates being well arranged. Reversed chronological order (most recent activity first) is the common format for a CV in the United Kingdom.
In addition to contact details, educational background and work experience, extra curricular activities should not be forgotten. Each time an application is sent, the CV should be slightly adapted to match the vacancy advertised.
At the bottom of a CV it is customary to put the names and contact details of two referees who agree to support your application. Unless specifically requested, there is no need to scan or attach a photograph.
Online applications
Digital CVs and cover letters, sent via email, have grown more common. Although they may seem less formal when being prepared, they need the same careful attention as any hard copy sent via regular mail.
Online application forms are widely used by British companies. When asked to use online forms within an application process, it is wise not to deviate from this request. A lot of the time these work as a first-stage filter to draw up a short-list of candidates.
The interview
When invited for an interview, it is advisable to research the company or organisation in question and to be familiar with the respective industry and market.
A neat and professional appearance is required for the interview appointment.
Confidence, as well as a sense of modesty, are appreciated. At the same time, it is important to clearly stress your strengths and qualities, in order to stand out from the other candidates. Try to illustrate your skills by giving brief examples from previous work experience, studies, etc.
In the United Kingdom, interviews – particularly for more senior functions – are conducted by a panel of three or more people.
Where to look for jobs
Like in most other countries, job search in the United Kingdom starts with close self-examination. What kind of position are you looking for? Do you prefer working in the public or the private sector? Are you looking for full-time or part-time employment? Answering these questions first will save you from wasting precious time chasing a job you won’t actually appreciate.
Despite the current digital age, the classic print media, including national and local newspapers, continue to be a good starting point for job hunting. Continue your search by going online and looking for job sites on the internet. Some sites will feature a particular region, while others list jobs within a particular sector or industry. Depending on the individual jobseeker, both approaches can prove helpful.
Job openings are also advertised on organisations' own websites. Unsolicited applications are often welcome. They are only successful, however, if well researched in advance.
Career fairs – usually advertised in the media – are a good opportunity to orient yourself on the respective job market and to talk to employers and recruiters. Another way to expand your network and scout for possible job opportunities is to join a professional association.
This information is based on the
Looking for work in the UK (ISBN-978-90-5896-059-7, written by Expertise in Labour Mobility. This one-pager is one step to making your international career aspirations become reality. The full
Looking for work in the UK guide tells you everything you need to know.
If you want to order or find out more information about our services, have a look at
www.labourmobility.com.
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This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes how to write a CV, the application procedure, interview dos and don'ts, and British management culture.
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