Coming to work in the UK

Question

"I have recently emigrated to the UK on a British passport and am trying to start my career again. Having come from a background in the hospitality industry including hotel conference and banqueting, conference and event management, I am finding it really difficult to find a job because I am told I have "no UK experience" or am "too qualified" for the position.

I feel like this attitude discriminates against anyone who has not worked in the UK even though for most positions the experience and skills needed are the same all over the world. Still I cannot find a job. Help!"

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /?> Tamar, London

What the expert says

Steve Nunes, managing director catering, Blue Arrow

"I can understand your frustration at not being able to find work in the UK despite your extensive experience. Unless someone gives you the opportunity to work in the UK, it will be impossible for you to achieve this essential ‘UK experience', so it would appear to be a chicken and egg situation.

While it will always be difficult to to fight against people's perceptions or prejudices, there are things you can do to make it easier for yourself to appear employable.

For example, most employers find it essential to obtain an up-to-date reference and may not want to go to the trouble of writing or phoning overseas. Consider asking ex-employers to write you a reference that you can take it with you to interviews. The global use of e-mail is a real bonus for employees from overseas as it makes contact between different countries so easy. Get an e-mail

address for any ex-employers so that a UK employer can contact them to validate and obtain further details without delay.

It's also a good idea to take copies of any qualifications with you - and if they differ from UK qualifications, find out what the UK equivalent is.

And, while not directly work-related, it could help in any prospective interviews to take proof that you are eligible to work in the UK - your passport, birth certificate, etc.

D

on't underestimate how useful temporary work can be as way as a way of gaining that all-important UK experience, it can also often lead to permanent roles, especially for chefs.

The important thing to remember is that once you get an opportunity, an employer will want to maximise your potential. You must be prepared to work on a temporary basis or at a lower level than you are used to. If you're good then it will be spotted. So much of the hospitality industry is about

proving yourself in the job that capable people rise through tthe ranks really quickly."

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