UK Job

Finding a Job in the UK: A Practical Guide for Newcomers

Updated: 31 August 2026

This guide explains how to prepare, search safely and understand your basic rights. Immigration permission and job eligibility depend on your individual circumstances, so check GOV.UK before accepting work.

1. Check your right to work

Before you apply, confirm what work your immigration status allows. British and Irish citizens normally prove their right to work with eligible documents. Most other applicants can use their UKVI account to generate a right-to-work share code.

Your employer must check your right to work. A genuine employer should not charge you for a job offer or ask you to use another person’s identity.

Official service:

https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work

2. Prepare a UK-style CV

Keep your CV clear and relevant, usually one or two pages.

Include:

• your name, phone number, professional email and town or city

• a short profile matched to the role

• recent work experience, with results and responsibilities

• education, training, languages and relevant digital skills

• volunteering or community experience where useful

• two referees, or “References available on request”

You usually do not need to include your photo, date of birth, marital status, nationality or passport details. Tailor the CV and cover letter for every role and use the same keywords as the job description where they genuinely match your experience.

3. Search through reliable channels

Useful starting points include:

• Find a Job: https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk

• Civil Service Jobs: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk

• NHS Jobs: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk

• local council and university vacancy pages

• reputable recruitment agencies

• employers’ own careers pages

• LinkedIn and professional networks

Keep a simple application tracker with the job title, employer, closing date, link, contact and outcome. Apply for roles that fit your current experience while continuing to build skills for your next step.

4. Understand Skilled Worker sponsorship

A Skilled Worker visa normally requires:

• an eligible job

• an approved Home Office sponsor

• a Certificate of Sponsorship

• the required English level

• the relevant salary requirement

As of this update, the usual salary requirement is at least £41,700 a year or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher. Different rules and lower thresholds may apply in limited cases, including some healthcare, education, new entrant and transitional situations. Never rely on a single headline figure—check the occupation code and current rules.

Official guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers

5. Graduate visa: check the application date

The Graduate visa is unsponsored and allows eligible graduates to work or look for work. It lasts:

• 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026

• 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027

• 3 years for eligible PhD or other doctoral graduates

It cannot be extended, although you may be able to switch to another route if eligible.

Official guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

6. Know the legal minimum wage

From 1 April 2026, the hourly minimum rates are:

• age 21 and over: £12.71

• age 18 to 20: £10.85

• under 18: £8.00

• apprentice rate: £8.00

The apprentice rate applies only in specified circumstances. Deductions, unpaid working time or required work expenses can sometimes reduce pay below the legal minimum.

Check current rates:

https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

7. Check the offer before accepting

Ask for the important terms in writing:

• job title and duties

• pay and pay frequency

• working hours and location

• start date and probation

• holiday entitlement

• notice period

• pension arrangements

• whether the role is permanent, fixed-term, temporary, agency or self-employed

Most workers are entitled to paid holiday. Eligible employees must also be enrolled into a workplace pension. Your exact rights depend on your employment status and circumstances.

Employment rights:

https://www.gov.uk/employment-status

https://www.acas.org.uk

8. Avoid job and visa scams

Warning signs include:

• payment demanded for an interview, job offer or Certificate of Sponsorship

• promises of a guaranteed visa

• pressure to send money quickly

• communication only through personal messaging accounts

• a salary or role that does not match the written contract

• requests to return part of your wages

• an employer missing from the official sponsor register when sponsorship is claimed

Check the organisation independently. Do not send passport scans, bank details or money until you know who you are dealing with and why the information is required. Report suspected fraud to Action Fraud:

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk

9. Prepare for interviews

Read the job description and prepare short examples showing how you handled real situations. The STAR structure can help:

• Situation

• Task

• Action

• Result

Test your route or video link, prepare questions, and ask when you can expect an outcome. After an unsuccessful interview, politely request feedback and use it to improve the next application.

10. Build UK experience safely

Volunteering, accredited training, English practice and community activities can strengthen confidence, references and local networks. Volunteering is not the same as paid work, and immigration conditions can differ, so check what your status permits.

EasyStepUK offers community activities, volunteering opportunities and practical support to help newcomers build confidence and connections. Visit our Events and Workshops or Get Involved pages.

Important

This page gives general information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules and salary thresholds change. Always use the latest GOV.UK guidance or seek advice from a qualified, regulated adviser before making a visa or employment decision.