The UK is extremely globalised; it has diverse job sectors and provides numerous job opportunities, which makes it a popular destination among ambitious graduates from all around the world to jump-start their career at an international level. Job searching can be an onerous process for international students upon finishing their degree program overseas. It can be harder when the student is unaware of visa requirements and labour market trends. The labour market in the UK is competitive and skill driven; however, the chances of securing a job for a highly skilled fresh graduate are the same as it is for a candidate with considerable work experience. The competition for securing a job is rising among international graduates; furthermore, a candidate with the appropriate skills and qualifications always has higher prospects of successful job placement.

When it comes to employment opportunities, as per the latest Labour Force Survey performed in the UK in 2021, there has been a quarterly increase in the rate of employment from Sept 2021 to Nov 2021. A record-breaking hike in the number of job vacancies from October 2021 to Dec 2021 was seen; the number rose to 1,247,000, displaying an increase of 462,000 vacancies as compared to January to March 2020.

To recruit the best global talents, the UK government has introduced a 2 year post-study work visa route for international students, providing them an opportunity to gain some work experience in the UK. This new graduate root is available to all international students upon successful completion of their degree. This visa will allow eligible students to look for a job and work in the UK for 2 years after completing their studies.

One way to find an opportunity to gain some work experience soon after the completion of the degree is through the graduate schemes, which are the employment contracts offered to recent graduates by the large organizations. The graduate scheme provides the candidate a chance to escalate their career, gain some work experience, and offers monetary benefits, too. Typically, schemes last between 6 – 24 months. It is extremely likely for graduates to be offered a permanent role upon successful completion of the graduate scheme. However, it also depends upon the employer and on the candidate’s demonstration of the desired skills.

Moreover, your chances of finding a job become easier if your occupation falls under the Shortage Skilled Occupation list. The UK Government has provided the list of occupation types, their related job titles and occupation codes on their website that falls under the Skilled Workers category and are deemed to be in short supply in the UK. Skilled Worker visa provides you with the opportunity to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. However, to be eligible for the Skilled Workers Visa, one must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office.

Also, the career fairs, open days and recruitment events give the jobseekers a chance to interact face to face with the employers or company representatives of national or international organizations to discover job opportunities. Through these events, employers also get a chance to discover extraordinary talents to work for their organization.

Lastly, don’t underrate the importance of applying to jobs on the social media platforms like LinkedIn and other job search portals. Additionally, you can also get relevant guidance by approaching the Career Office at your University or by expanding your network and getting in touch with your University Alumni.

To find out more about how to secure a job in the UK email us at info@worldwidecareers.org