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Ask HN: Advice on applying for jobs in the UK

16 points by hfsktr ↗ HN
Short backstory: I am in US, trying to get to the UK.

I would like to get a working visa but need a job first (catch 22). I am a developer but don't feel like I have anything 'special' to offer. I am not confident (even submitting this scares me a little) but I am capable.

When I see the jobs that I would apply for (there are many) I just don't know how I am supposed to approach them.

Has anybody emigrated?

Is it worthwhile applying to all the job ads?

How do you bring up the part about needing a visa?

Is there a specific set of companies that are more open to this?

If none of the above what should I bury myself with learning to become desirable?

Depending on the details I could answer them here but otherwise my email is in my profile for those who would like to reach out.

Thanks in advance.

9 comments

[ 4.2 ms ] story [ 21.6 ms ] thread
jlees
Firstly, you might want to post this during UK time for better responses.

I went in the other direction so don't have a great deal of help I can offer, other than asking if you've considered working for a company with dual presence and transferring to their UK office after working in the US for a while? I know of several people who've done this. The other Americans I knew working in the UK all got jobs there after attending university there.

Peroni
I'm a Tech Recruitment Manager here in the UK and I deal with oversees applicants all the time. I'll address your questions individually.

When I see the jobs that I would apply for (there are many) I just don't know how I am supposed to approach them.

Email the hiring manager directly with a short, personalised email. It needs to be immediately obvious that you're interested in a particular role and that you believe you meet the criteria but because of your nationality, you would require assistance with a visa. End the email with a direct question along the lines of "Is your company open to the idea of assisting me with a visa if I was deemed suitable for the role?"

Has anybody emigrated?

This one is probably best answered by a US citizen who has relocated to the UK.

Is it worthwhile applying to all the job ads?

Absolutely not. Most UK tech roles (more so in London) are inundated with applicants from all corners of the earth. You won't stand out or increase your chances. The same applies to recruitment companies. Most tech recruiters here in the UK are terrible and I would be amazed if any could appropriately assist you when it comes to visa issues.

How do you bring up the part about needing a visa?

It will be immediately obvious based on your nationality. As mentioned above, ask the hiring manager directly if they can assist. Most of the larger companies have an allocation of sponsorship visas however they are limited and therefore quite precious.

Is there a specific set of companies that are more open to this?

It's a bit of a minefield for UK based startups to hire US citizens but not impossible. Larger companies tend to have been through the process a number of times in the past and tend to have an allocation of sponsorship visas.

If none of the above what should I bury myself with learning to become desirable?

Ruby is in massive demand in the UK. Most companies with large ruby teams have no choice but to look abroad for talent as there are infinitely more ruby jobs in the UK than there are ruby developers. iOS, Python and niche technologies tend to be in big demand also.

My email is in my profile. Send me your resume and I'll do my best to give you some more tailored advice.

smokingkipper
Ruby jobs are pretty rare outside of the major cities. A search for Ruby jobs in Lancashire for example, does not highlight too many results; PHP is everywhere around here :/
Peroni
Fair enough. I chose Ruby based on the fact that most immigrants tend to focus on the major cities.
truthteller
the ruby market is still very small, so it's a bit of a gamble for someone to concentrate on learning ruby when there are so many more jobs available using php/java/c#...
Peroni
As far as the major cities are concerned, I couldn't disagree more. Ruby is in huge demand and is directly reflected in the salaries and contracting rates on offer. Some of the more notable Ruby shops in London are comprised almost entirely of developers sourced from abroad.
hfsktr
"When I see the jobs that I would apply for (there are many) I just don't know how I am supposed to approach them. Email the hiring manager directly with a short, personalised email. ...

Is it worthwhile applying to all the job ads? Absolutely not. ..."

Aren't those contradictory? I will send you an email this evening when I've fully updated my resume.

hcho
The current government is pretty hostile towards immigration. If you are not an EU citizen or married to one, your chances of getting a work visa from the US is slim. There are strict quotas and companies try to use theirs for top candidates.

You could improve your chances by being in the UK. I know a few people who got their jobs through connection they made when studying, despite needing visas.