Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > Moving back or to the UK
Reload this Page >

Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

Old Feb 7th 2015, 8:03 pm
  #1  
Just Joined
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 9
Louise Hedley is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

Hi All
Wonder if anyone can shed any light on the above question.
My hubby and I have been living in Ottawa for nearly 15 years and now want to move back.
Has anyone ever managed to secure a new position in the UK after applying from abroad? My husband is an Embedded Software Engineer with many years experience but is now a young looking 57 year old - what are the chances?

If this is a no go then we will have to wait until we move in a couple of years and then hope to get employment.
Thanks for your help.
Louise
Louise Hedley is offline  
Old Feb 7th 2015, 11:55 pm
  #2  
BE Enthusiast
 
Bnet36's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 369
Bnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

I have asked this question before and didn't get anyone who had gone this route.

You can only try. I am hoping that I can manage to secure something but I feel the odds are against me being in the U.S.

Being in IT your husband may have a good chance.
Bnet36 is offline  
Old Feb 8th 2015, 12:10 am
  #3  
 
Pulaski's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,397
Pulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

Unless your husband is prepared to "spoof" a UK address using a PO box at Mailboxes, Etc (use the street address of a MBE, and then "Flat No xxx", so that it is not obvious that it is a mailbox, ..... doing this is much more common than you might realise), and obtain a British VoIP phone that rings to his cell phone, I suspect the chances of him securing a job from outside the UK are slim to none. Using the two tricks above, he will have a CV that on the face of it looks like he is in the UK, so might get some attention and not get thrown in the bin, as most applications from overseas are.

That just leaves three problems: what does he do if called to a face-to-face interview next week? When he gets to the interview, what does he say about his current job if asked about the arguably deceptive CV? And how does he manage to repatriate himself if asked to start work one month later?
Pulaski is offline  
Old Feb 8th 2015, 4:49 am
  #4  
wish I wasn't here!
 
Sparkleydiva's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Location: Erm...Plymouth unfortunately!
Posts: 510
Sparkleydiva has a reputation beyond reputeSparkleydiva has a reputation beyond reputeSparkleydiva has a reputation beyond reputeSparkleydiva has a reputation beyond reputeSparkleydiva has a reputation beyond reputeSparkleydiva has a reputation beyond reputeSparkleydiva has a reputation beyond reputeSparkleydiva has a reputation beyond reputeSparkleydiva has a reputation beyond reputeSparkleydiva has a reputation beyond reputeSparkleydiva has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

My DD who left NZ yesterday hasn't managed to secure a job, but does have 2 interviews arranged for the day after she arrives (Monday UK time) and she does not have a specific skill set as such, as is young.

She did, however, have a UK address and landline as she will be staying with my mother and I think this helped. She also only started applying in the last week although her flight has been booked for longer, and so would be available within a reasonable time scale to attend the interviews.

I think it also depends on your occupation. I am a UK trained registered nurse and anticipate securing a role before I return, but I think healthcare is very different to IT in which my DH works.

Good luck.
Sparkleydiva is offline  
Old Feb 8th 2015, 6:29 pm
  #5  
Dichotomus tinker
 
not2old's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,660
not2old has a reputation beyond reputenot2old has a reputation beyond reputenot2old has a reputation beyond reputenot2old has a reputation beyond reputenot2old has a reputation beyond reputenot2old has a reputation beyond reputenot2old has a reputation beyond reputenot2old has a reputation beyond reputenot2old has a reputation beyond reputenot2old has a reputation beyond reputenot2old has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

OP, I believe post#3 gave the reality check.

To add, should he alone move back to try to get work & do the settlement, then you follow - likely unless he has specific skills or can go 'consultant', it be tough for him going up against someone just as qualified who is much younger.

I am a retired Electrical Engineer in my late 60's, that has seen this happen in the UK as well as in Canada & other countries, where an employer is going to look not only at the candidates ability, also 'how long is this person going to be around'

I would suggest to get an idea, that he starts looking on line for consulting or contract work.

Three years from now he'll be 60 & as you may be aware folks in their 60's resident in the UK qualify for certain benefits.

Its all up to you both doing what you have to do & the reasons for moving back

Good luck to you both

EDIT: from a google search

http://www.jobsite.co.uk/cgi-bin/adv...tion_within=20

http://www.jobsite.co.uk/job/softwar...ract-952761429

http://www.astutejobs.co.uk/electron...FGPA-platform/

Last edited by not2old; Feb 8th 2015 at 6:37 pm.
not2old is offline  
Old Feb 8th 2015, 11:02 pm
  #6  
 
BritInParis's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Not in Paris
Posts: 18,175
BritInParis has a reputation beyond reputeBritInParis has a reputation beyond reputeBritInParis has a reputation beyond reputeBritInParis has a reputation beyond reputeBritInParis has a reputation beyond reputeBritInParis has a reputation beyond reputeBritInParis has a reputation beyond reputeBritInParis has a reputation beyond reputeBritInParis has a reputation beyond reputeBritInParis has a reputation beyond reputeBritInParis has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

I applied for and successfully telephone interviewed for my current job before I moved back. I would echo other comments that you'll need at least a UK address and phone number to get past the auto-sifting software. I would also emphasise your right to live and work in the UK in any covering letter you attach. Many employers will conduct interviews by phone or Skype.
BritInParis is online now  
Old Feb 9th 2015, 4:42 pm
  #7  
Forum Regular
 
LBJR07's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 128
LBJR07 is just really niceLBJR07 is just really niceLBJR07 is just really niceLBJR07 is just really niceLBJR07 is just really niceLBJR07 is just really niceLBJR07 is just really niceLBJR07 is just really nice
Default Re: Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

I was also wondering about this, I was planning on using my parent's address and home phone for contact although not sure where to go from there. I have a trip planned in May so hoping if I get any responses to interview while I'm over there (finger crossed!). I know companies over here (USA) conduct Skype interviews so you hope a decent number of employers would be open to it in the UK.
LBJR07 is offline  
Old Feb 12th 2015, 12:10 am
  #8  
BE Enthusiast
 
Bnet36's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 369
Bnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

Originally Posted by LBJR07
I know companies over here (USA) conduct Skype interviews so you hope a decent number of employers would be open to it in the UK.
This is one area the US is ahead of the game. We do Skype interviews here (US) all the time. Sometimes with candidates out of state but within the country.
Bnet36 is offline  
Old Feb 12th 2015, 1:33 am
  #9  
 
Pulaski's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,397
Pulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

Originally Posted by Bnet36
This is one area the US is ahead of the game. We do Skype interviews here (US) all the time. Sometimes with candidates out of state but within the country.
Most applications we get from out of state, or more than a hundred miles away are mostly ignored by my employer IME unless the applicant is pretty special.

I managed to get an acquaintance an interview (and ultimately a job) directly lobbying hiring mangers on his behalf, because although he lived two states away his wife already worked in the area and he was trying to find a job that would enable him to live with his wife!

Last edited by Pulaski; Feb 12th 2015 at 3:09 am.
Pulaski is offline  
Old Feb 13th 2015, 12:17 am
  #10  
BE Enthusiast
 
Bnet36's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 369
Bnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond reputeBnet36 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

Originally Posted by Pulaski
....because although he lived two states away his wife already worked in the area and he was trying to find a job that would enable him to live with his wife!
This is not the first time I have heard of such arrangements. I know of a couple, wife live in GA and husband in DC. Wife is almosted vested at current job so she is waiting for that to happen... It's been 2 and a half years, one more to go.

With the remote recruiting, I suspect it varies by industry and then by company, that is why I thought I.T for the OP may be different. That sector has a more global mobile workforce. OH's buddy was hired by a California I.T firm from GA remotely, he is there now.
Bnet36 is offline  
Old Feb 13th 2015, 8:48 am
  #11  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
Moses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond reputeMoses2013 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

Originally Posted by Bnet36
This is one area the US is ahead of the game. We do Skype interviews here (US) all the time. Sometimes with candidates out of state but within the country.
No different elsewhere and depends on company and how many candidates they already have. I was living in UK and applied for a job in Ireland and interview was through Skype.
Moses2013 is offline  
Old Feb 21st 2015, 5:45 pm
  #12  
Just Joined
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 9
Louise Hedley is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Securing a job in the UK before you move back from overseas

Hello
Thanks all for your input re my question.
I guess there is no harm in applying and asking for a telephone interview initially and seeing how it goes from there. OH could always move back first and I could follow.

'Never too Old' - not sure what you mean by certain benefits are available when you reach 60 and are resident in the UK????

Louise
Louise Hedley is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.