Ruqayyah Snyder
Moving to a different country for work requires careful consideration and research. If you're an Australian jobseeker looking to move to London, there are several recruitment agencies that can help you find a job before you arrive, such as Australasian Recruitment Company and Robert Half. London has a diverse range of job opportunities, and the number of job vacancies in the UK has hit a record high of 1.1 million in recent months. The Australian High Commission in London is also a potential source of job opportunities, as they manage recruitment processes across the European region. The UK offers a good work-life balance, with normal working hours of 9 am to 5 pm and at least 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave per year. Additionally, the UK's proximity to other European countries makes it an ideal base for travelling around the region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Working hours | 9am to 5pm with a minimum 30-minute lunch break, or flexible working hours |
| Annual leave | 5.6 weeks paid annual leave |
| Diversity in the workplace | UK workplace law governs strict regulations against discrimination in the workplace, protecting employees on the basis of gender, religion, sexual orientation or beliefs |
| Visa | Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility), Working Holiday visa, Ancestry visa |
| Recruitment companies | Australasian Recruitment Company, Robert Half, Workgateways |
| Job sites | Indeed.com |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Job vacancies and recruitment companies
The number of job vacancies in the UK has increased in recent years, with a record high of 1.1 million vacancies in recent months. This means that there are plenty of working opportunities in London for those moving from abroad.
If you are an Australian jobseeker looking to start your career in London, there are several recruitment companies that can help you find the right role. Robert Half, for example, has sixteen offices across the United Kingdom with recruitment experts available to help you find a job in London. The Australasian Recruitment Company is another great option, as they have a team of British nationals and Australian and New Zealand expats who can help you find jobs in the UK.
If you are looking for a job in the Australian High Commission in London, you can apply directly through their website. The Human Resources Section based in the High Commission manages all recruitment processes across the European region. They encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share their values of inclusivity and diversity.
It is important to note that you may need a specific visa to work in the UK as an Australian citizen. A Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) is a good option if you currently work for a company with a UK office. If your grandparents were born in the UK, you may also be eligible for a UK Ancestry visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to five years.
Bubble Shipping: Australia-Bound?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Visa requirements
If you are an Australian citizen planning to work in London, you will need a visa. The type of visa you will need depends on your age, situation, and the type of work you plan to do in the UK.
Tier 2 Visa
The Tier 2 visa is for those who have a skilled job offer in the UK. Your future employer must be registered as a licensed sponsor and provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your visa application. The visa duration is the specified time on your CoS plus one month, up to a maximum of five years and 14 days. The fee for this visa is £200 per year, paid upfront when you apply.
Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa
The Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa is aimed at 18–30-year-olds who want to live and work in the UK for up to two years. To be eligible, you must be an Australian citizen with at least £1,890 (or A$3,040) in savings before you travel. You can apply for this visa up to six months before you plan to travel, and it costs A$370 (or £230) with an additional health surcharge of A$240 (or £150) per visa year.
Ancestry Visa
If you have a British grandparent born in the UK, you may be eligible for an Ancestry visa. This allows you to live and work in the UK for up to five years, after which you can apply for an extension or permanent residence.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
If you are currently working for a company with a UK office, you may be eligible for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility). This visa allows you to work and stay in the UK in an eligible job at your employer's UK branch.
It is recommended that you review the available visas on the UK government website to determine which is best suited to your situation. The decision lead time for visa applications is typically around three weeks, so it is advisable to submit your application before beginning your job search.
Big Brother Australia: Cancellation Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Workplace culture and regulations
Workplace culture in Australia is known for its relaxed and easy-going nature, with a strong work ethic. The work culture strives to value and treat all employees equally, providing opportunities for growth and development within the company, regardless of gender, age, race, etc.
A typical workday in Australia starts at 9 am and ends at 5 pm, with an hour-long lunch break. However, this may vary depending on the company's policies and flexibility. Australians value a healthy work-life balance, and punctuality is highly regarded as a sign of respect for colleagues' time.
Australian workplaces are very multicultural, providing opportunities to meet people from diverse backgrounds and learn from their perspectives and experiences. The culture encourages inclusivity, with employees expected to be culturally sensitive and contribute to a respectful and inclusive environment.
Communication in Australian workplaces is generally direct and straightforward, with a casual yet clear language style. Australians value honesty and prefer to get straight to the point to avoid misunderstandings. The use of Australian slang is common, and it is advisable to familiarise yourself with the basics to navigate the workplace more comfortably.
Socialising is an integral part of Australian work culture, fostering a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Social interactions during work hours, including team lunches, after-work drinks, or team retreats, help build a sense of community and strengthen professional relationships.
In terms of regulations, Australian workplace laws include stringent anti-discrimination policies, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all employees. These laws protect employees from discrimination based on gender, religion, sexual orientation, or beliefs.
Health Act: Australia's National Healthcare Framework
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Interview process and preparation
The interview process for a job in London from Australia can vary, but there are some standard steps and preparation tips that can help you be successful. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Understanding the Process:
Firstly, it's important to understand the interview process and the format it will take. Interviews can range from brief conversations to multiple rounds of formal meetings, and they may be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video call. Phone and video interviews have become more common due to the pandemic, so be prepared for these formats.
Research the Organisation:
Spend time researching the organisation you're applying to. This includes a basic Google search to understand their operations and any recent news or media appearances. Try to relate your previous work experience to the specific duties of the job you're applying for. This shows a deeper level of interest in the company.
Prepare Your Responses:
Interviewers often ask behavioural, competency, and situational questions to understand your working style and motivations. Prepare examples from your past that showcase your skills and problem-solving abilities. For instance, describe a situation where you took the initiative to improve a process or a time when you used your analytical skills to make a decision.
Practice Your Delivery:
Practice your interview technique, paying attention to both body language and verbal presentation. Positive body language can help convey enthusiasm and confidence. If it's a video interview, ensure you're prepared for the format and are familiar with the technology.
Handle Logistics Early:
Have everything ready ahead of time, including your outfit, resume, and directions to the interview location (or video call details). This reduces stress on the day. Ensure you look and act professionally, and consider the cultural norms of the country where the job is based.
Visa Considerations:
If you're moving from Australia to the UK, visa requirements are essential to address. Be open about your visa status during the application process, as employers will need to know if they can facilitate your move. The upcoming Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement will make it easier for skilled professionals to transfer qualifications and obtain work visas.
Show Commitment:
Demonstrate your commitment to relocating and explain what you hope to achieve by moving to London. Discuss your adaptability and provide examples of how you've successfully transitioned into new roles and contexts.
Be Mindful of Cultural Differences:
Be aware of potential cultural differences between Australia and the UK. While both countries share similarities in working hours and values, there may still be adjustments to make. Understanding these differences can help you navigate the interview process and showcase your willingness to fit into a new work environment.
Remember to always follow up after the interview with a thank-you note or email. This is a courteous gesture that can leave a positive impression.
Growing Tree Peonies in Australia: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Salary and benefits
London is the UK's commercial and financial hub, hosting the European headquarters of around 40% of the world's top companies. Jobs in London cater to all occupations, from healthcare to the creative arts. Many organisations in the United Kingdom support diversity in the workplace, welcoming job seekers from different cultural backgrounds and experiences. UK workplace law governs strict regulations against discrimination in the workplace, protecting employees on the basis of gender, religion, sexual orientation, or beliefs.
The cost of living in London is high, even though many salaries receive a location-specific London boost. Nearly all workers are also entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave per year. Normal working hours are 9 am to 5 pm with a minimum 30-minute lunch break, although this depends on your employment contract and whether your company offers flexible working hours.
If you are applying for a Tier 2 visa before travelling to the UK, your application will cost A$925 for up to three years and A$1,859 for more than three years. Fees are reduced if you have been offered a job in a 'shortage occupation', including engineers in the oil and gas industry, nurses, secondary maths and science teachers, or senior software developers. Fees are currently A$700 for up to three years and A$1,400 for more than three years. It is also possible to apply for a Tier 2 visa from within the UK if you are switching from certain categories of UK visas. For a Tier 2 visa, you will need to pay a health surcharge of A$320 (or £200) for each year of your visa, which must be paid upfront when you apply.
Australian Baseline Security Clearance: What Government Workers Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some websites that post jobs in London include Indeed.com, Robert Half, and Australasian Recruitment Company.
There are plenty of reasons to consider a move to the UK from Australia. The similarities in working hours and values can help with the culture shock. The UK also offers many famous landmarks, entertainment, dining attractions, and remarkable landscapes to visit. With London only a two-hour train ride to Paris, Aussies can easily travel around the EMEA region and the rest of Europe.
The Australian High Commission in London is responsible for managing all recruitment processes across the European region and often posts jobs for Australians. Recruitment companies like Australasian Recruitment Company also have many great roles on their books for Australians looking to work in London.
It is important to research and carefully consider the move to mitigate uncertainties. Websites like Workgateways can also help make your move to the UK a smooth one, with important information on work visas, bank accounts, finances, and National Insurance numbers.
