Frequently asked questions and answers

How do you help me?

• By setting up agency interviews for you before you arrive in the UK
• By presenting your most marketable skills in the UK
• Through our agencies recognising the professionals we help are the best, so your CV goes to the top of the pile
• By telling you the best time to go
• Through free CV consultation service to help you stand out
• Through ongoing advice and support while you are overseas
• Through assistance and career guidance when you decide to return back home
  
  

How do you get paid?

We are paid by our partner agencies in the UK for introducing professionals such as you. This ensures that our services are free. There are no disadvantages to you being introduced through us – indeed as one of our candidates you will be favoured and given priority over others.

Can you help with visas?

Although we are not immigration specialists, we can provide you with information on what visa will be best suited to your situation and who you need to contact to apply for it.

Does London have the strongest job growth in the UK and Ireland?

Yes, the bulk of roles are in London.  Pay rates in London are also the strongest.

What other cities have lots of roles?

Edinburgh and Dublin have a significant need for professionals too, and it is relatively easy to secure work quickly in these areas.

Is the UK market slower in some months compared to others?

The UK market tends to slow down in July and August during the UK summer.  The time it will take you to secure a job may just take longer.  The market picks up quickly again in September.

Does the UK market slow down during the Christmas period?

No, most businesses remain busy.  The Christmas period does not affect the UK market as much as it does in New Zealand and Australia.  Many antipodeans go home during these months, increasing demand across the board.

What position can I expect to get in the UK?

Initially you will need to look at roles at the same level or slightly below what you are doing now.  This will ensure that you pick something up quickly.  Once you have UK experience you will find you are able to expand your skills set and develop your career.

Where are Global’s partner agencies located in London?

Our partner agencies are all located in Zone 1, Central London.

Which agency is the most highly recommended in having the best recruiting service?

All our agencies are highly recommended.  We select who we work with very carefully and base our decision on an agency’s reputation in the market, their client list, and their success with placing professionals in roles.

Is it necessary to go through a recruitment agency?

Yes, the vast majority of roles go through recruitment agencies.  Working with an agency not only allows you access to impressive organisations, but also ensures you have an advocate who has a close relationship with the prospective employer, and can help you negotiate the terms of your contract.  Close to 100% of contracting roles will go through recruitment agencies.

What is the general process with these recruitment agencies?

The initial meeting that we arrange for you on your arrival in London is effectively like a first round job interview.  We would encourage you to treat the meeting in this way and conduct yourself in a professional manor (suit, hand shake etc).

In this meeting the consultants will ask a number of questions, and ask you to talk through your experience.  This is an opportunity for you to sing your own praises and convey your career successes.  They will also ask questions around what you are looking to do in the UK, locations in London you would be willing to work, and the money you are looking for.  It is important to be as flexible as possible.

Following on from this initial meeting is imperative that you keep in touch with your consultants.  You should be in touch with them at least three times per week.  If you do not hear from them after 24 hours, you must call them to touch base so they do not forget about you.

Will I need written references?

You will need to supply a ‘Certificate of Service’ for every permanent full time role you have held over the past five years or for your last two roles. These are not a written reference as such, as they do not include personal details on your performance.  They simply confirm your employment with the organisation. Of course if you have written references as well this will be beneficial.

What specific details are required on a Certificate of Service?

A Certificate of Service must be on company letterhead and confirm your dates of employment and your job title.  These are obtainable from a company's HR department.

Do I need to bring written references, passport and bachelor degree certificate to my agency interviews?

You do for your interview with the recruitment agency.  You generally do not need to provide this information to the prospective employer.

Will there be tests?

Generally not for contracting work.  Sometimes there will be for permanent roles.

What will pre-employment screening include?

For contracting you should expect that there will be two interviews and for permanent, generally three or four.  Often the first interview will be with HR, and then the second interview will be with the Hiring Manager.

What do employers expect and like to be asked?

Employers like to be asked questions that show that you have researched the company and are interested in finding out more.  They also are keen to see your enthusiasm for the role and company.

Is it possible to get a copy of the job description before the interview?

Yes, generally the job description will be emailed to you to review.

When does the financial year finish?

It varies, but the majority of organisations have financial year-end at the end of December.

Are my accounting qualifications recognised in the UK?

Yes, all New Zealand and Australian accounting qualifications (including CA, ACA, AT, CPA) are recognised in the UK.  For fully qualified accountants there is no need to become accredited in the UK.

If you have any further questions, please contact one of our experienced UK consultants on uk@globalcareerlink.com.