Applying for jobs before you go back
#1
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Applying for jobs before you go back
Just wondering if any of you started applying for jobs before you returned to the UK. If so were any of you able to secure work without the face to face interview? Were employers open to your application even though you were not in the country yet and did they arrange phone interviews or skype interviews. What did you find was the best way to apply, through their website and job posting boards or by contacting them directly to explain the situation? Sorry for so many questions just trying to get a good idea of what to do if I decide to return.
#2
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Re: Applying for jobs before you go back
I had a skype interview this week, but withdrew my application after speaking to them (don't ask). My partner has had several, and has had an offer. I don't expect to get any others; I'm not particularly senior nor do I have particularly unique skills.
#3
Re: Applying for jobs before you go back
My husband had a skype interview a couple of weeks back. Since then, they changed the job to a 3mo contract, which won't work for us.
Last year, when we first went back to the UK, my OH (who's the Brit btw), he did a phone interview with the company, then a Skype interview, and then he flew over to the UK for an in-person interview and eventually received an offer. After accepting the position, he had to be there to start the job in about 4weeks. Then we pinged back to the US in December, so now we're back to square one with him trying to find another position over there.
Last year, when we first went back to the UK, my OH (who's the Brit btw), he did a phone interview with the company, then a Skype interview, and then he flew over to the UK for an in-person interview and eventually received an offer. After accepting the position, he had to be there to start the job in about 4weeks. Then we pinged back to the US in December, so now we're back to square one with him trying to find another position over there.
#4
Re: Applying for jobs before you go back
I'm a paramedic with the UK NHS and before I left to come to Australia I was given a 5 year sabbatical which will end in March 2013.
I thought it would be easy enough to return to work, just a few e-mails and a return to work interview but oh no, the HR woman I am dealing with is the devil let me tell you!!!!!
I have kept a copy of my sabbatical letter and also e-mails between her and I. She keeps dragging her heels even though I have agreed to work at any station and undergo any retraining they deem necessary but still she continues to ignore my recent e-mails and never seems to answer her phone either. I'm waiting until I go home and I shall turn up at HQ and tackle her face to face.
I'd rather work freelance, which is entirely possible, but it would be nice to have a job to go home to just until I find my feet. It would also be easier not to have to live on my savings until I get a job.
Good luck with your job hunt and your upcoming move
I thought it would be easy enough to return to work, just a few e-mails and a return to work interview but oh no, the HR woman I am dealing with is the devil let me tell you!!!!!
I have kept a copy of my sabbatical letter and also e-mails between her and I. She keeps dragging her heels even though I have agreed to work at any station and undergo any retraining they deem necessary but still she continues to ignore my recent e-mails and never seems to answer her phone either. I'm waiting until I go home and I shall turn up at HQ and tackle her face to face.
I'd rather work freelance, which is entirely possible, but it would be nice to have a job to go home to just until I find my feet. It would also be easier not to have to live on my savings until I get a job.
Good luck with your job hunt and your upcoming move
#5
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Location: London, Ontario
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Re: Applying for jobs before you go back
I have an interview over Skype over tomorrow, so I shall let you know if it works!
#7
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Re: Applying for jobs before you go back
Did you register with a recruiter or post your CV online? Just wondering how to get the process started. I do have a lot of skills and have senior management experience so I am hoping that I will be able to secure employment, just wondering how to start the process while still here in the US.
#8
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Location: London, Ontario
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Re: Applying for jobs before you go back
Well the interview went well, no technical glitches. It is definitely NOT the same as being there in person, being able to shake hands, read people's "vibe" etc.
I did well, but I didn't get the job. I'm dissapointed because I honestly feel if I was there I would have done better in the interview. This is the first time in my life I have ever had an interview and not got the job, so it is discouraging.
Oh well, back to the job search. I am sure something will come up.
I did well, but I didn't get the job. I'm dissapointed because I honestly feel if I was there I would have done better in the interview. This is the first time in my life I have ever had an interview and not got the job, so it is discouraging.
Oh well, back to the job search. I am sure something will come up.
#9
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Joined: Sep 2008
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Re: Applying for jobs before you go back
Did you register with a recruiter or post your CV online? Just wondering how to get the process started. I do have a lot of skills and have senior management experience so I am hoping that I will be able to secure employment, just wondering how to start the process while still here in the US.
#10
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Joined: Feb 2012
Location: London! (yes!)
Posts: 195
Re: Applying for jobs before you go back
I applied for one! I did register with a journalism jobs site, and that was actually where I found the listing I wanted to apply to. I chose to send them an email, but I also have my CV posted on the website and myself listed as a jobseeker. I think if you put a note in your cover letter that explains why you have a foreign phone/address then it kind of helps. I mentioned in mine that I'd be returning in September. Hope that helps!
#11
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Re: Applying for jobs before you go back
I applied for one! I did register with a journalism jobs site, and that was actually where I found the listing I wanted to apply to. I chose to send them an email, but I also have my CV posted on the website and myself listed as a jobseeker. I think if you put a note in your cover letter that explains why you have a foreign phone/address then it kind of helps. I mentioned in mine that I'd be returning in September. Hope that helps!
#12
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Re: Applying for jobs before you go back
Well the interview went well, no technical glitches. It is definitely NOT the same as being there in person, being able to shake hands, read people's "vibe" etc.
I did well, but I didn't get the job. I'm dissapointed because I honestly feel if I was there I would have done better in the interview. This is the first time in my life I have ever had an interview and not got the job, so it is discouraging.
Oh well, back to the job search. I am sure something will come up.
I did well, but I didn't get the job. I'm dissapointed because I honestly feel if I was there I would have done better in the interview. This is the first time in my life I have ever had an interview and not got the job, so it is discouraging.
Oh well, back to the job search. I am sure something will come up.
#13
Re: Applying for jobs before you go back
Thank you to the Op for this thread. I have been reading avidly. As someone who is going to be trying this route as well before my definite return it is good to see others experience. If anyone has been successful applying from abroad your tips would be welcome. The obvious is to explain why you are applying from abroad but I can't keep from thinking that this just disadvantages me from the start, you know file 13 i.e., the bin before the real election process starts, because of the obvious complications, having to offer everyone the same service - Skype interviews or just an unwillingness by the selection panel to even deal with unusual situations because there are enough possibilities already out there in a tight job market. Despondent talk I know but I wonder about these things. Any HR managers out there with tips in these situations?
#14
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Joined: Dec 2009
Location: California
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Re: Applying for jobs before you go back
I have only once applied for a job in the UK and it was a teaching position, they wanted to interview me but they insisted that they were having all the candidates give a lesson to the students and so I would have to come in person. No skype option for them. I could not drop everything and run over to the UK for that since I was in the middle of writing and defending my thesis at graduate school so I dropped it.
That was a bit disheartening but I'm thinking of dipping my toes in the water again and looking at jobs in the UK once more. The 8 hour time difference from the UK to the Pacific Northwest is a pain in the backside for even phone calls or skype interviews. It's encouraging to hear the experiences of others in this thread.
That was a bit disheartening but I'm thinking of dipping my toes in the water again and looking at jobs in the UK once more. The 8 hour time difference from the UK to the Pacific Northwest is a pain in the backside for even phone calls or skype interviews. It's encouraging to hear the experiences of others in this thread.
#15
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Location: London, Ontario
Posts: 279
Re: Applying for jobs before you go back
I am applying for more jobs, and hoping that I will be there in time for interviews this time round.