CV advice

Good Afternoon!

I am currently updating my CV (again for the billionth time  ). I am currently in the UK under a tier 4 visa which ends in October and Im taking my chances and seeing if I can get a job and stay here in the UK.

I recently read somewhere that I should put in my CV somewhere that I need a work visa/sponsorship. Can someone give me advice on where in my CV I should put this information? And what exactly should I say (work visa needed?).

I apologize if this topic has been spoken about before, I couldn't find it in any of the previous threads.

Thank you!!

Probably somewhere near the top?

Here are sample CVs by type:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/example_cvs.htm

When applying for jobs, I never had it on my CV... I would always raise the issue at interview (perhaps to help myself get my foot in the door). I would always be honest and include the information if asked on an application form with as much detail as possible about what THEY would have to do in order to hire and sponsor you.

I feel like need a Tier 2 needs more explanation than just 1 line on a CV: it will never lead to an interview. Especially as you will be exempt from the RLMT, they need an explanation of how they can hire you and I think more employers are willing to jump through the hoops if they already want to hire you from having met you during your interview.

When applying for jobs, I never had it on my CV... I would always raise the issue at interview (perhaps to help myself get my foot in the door). I would always be honest and include the information if asked on an application form with as much detail as possible about what THEY would have to do in order to hire and sponsor you.

I feel like need a Tier 2 needs more explanation than just 1 line on a CV: it will never lead to an interview. Especially as you will be exempt from the RLMT, they need an explanation of how they can hire you and I think more employers are willing to jump through the hoops if they already want to hire you from having met you during your interview.

I was thinking the same thing, that by seeing on my CV that I needed a visa it might put them off. I just wasn't sure if it was better to be up front on my CV, or as you said, talk about it in the interview.

Now, if the job is specifically asking for candidates who 'have the right to work in the UK', would it be okay to still apply for the job or should I stay away from these positions?

If they explicitly say 'right to work in the UK' it's a tricky one. Technically, you DO have the right to work in the UK because of your Tier 4 visa. But you don't have the right after your visa expires... I doubt they would entertain visa sponsorship, so I would put these jobs as less of a priority, unless they are already signed up to sponsor and it is the dream job where you tick ALL the boxes and you are likely to bag an interview.

I'll be honest, the cards are very stacked against graduates getting sponsored visas unless you of a job through a connection...

Thanks for all your advice!!

All I can do is apply and see what happens. If I don't get anything, I guess going back to sunny California isn't such a bad thing. 

I do hope I get something though. haha

Personally would say don't put it on the CV as, like you've pointed out, may put them off. Get your foot in the door for an interview and let your personality shine and show them why you are the best candidate!

To be completely honest as well, I've always had phone interviews first or some type of preliminary informal chit-chat about a role and they straight up ask "can i ask about your visa status" or something of that nature. That is when you can say "I have the right to work just now, but will require sponsorship going forward in x-amount of time". They never usually take you to a "make-it-or-break-it"-type situation from my experience without getting some basic info such as that down - especially if they know your nationality/citizenship status.

Good luck! x

Now, if the job is specifically asking for candidates who 'have the right to work in the UK', would it be okay to still apply for the job or should I stay away from these positions?

My interpretation of that is that the company is not in a position to offer visa sponsorship (i.e. they aren't registered sponsors), so they can't or won't hire anyone who would require a work visa in order to be able to take the job.

In that case, it would seem like a bit of a waste of time (both yours and theirs) to apply, since no matter how suitable you might be for the job, they wouldn't be able to hire you anyway.

Although you have a Tier 4 visa now, which does give you the right to work, it will expire in October and you are not allowed to take a permanent position on it anyway... so the company won't be able to hire you for more than a couple of months or on a permanent contract unless they can sponsor you for a Tier 2 visa.

Might be also worth looking for jobs within bigger, more global companies as they will probably be in a better position to sponsor than smaller, local companies. Also, perhaps check out which jobs are in demand at the moment via the government website? there tends to be a list of occupations they need more recruits for which make it easier to gain sponsorship. Basically anybody sponsoring you needs to prove there is nobody within the UK that can fill that position to the same ability as you.

Basically anybody sponsoring you needs to prove there is nobody within the UK that can fill that position to the same ability as you.

It is true that jobs covered by the shortage occupations' list are exempt from the RLMT. But bear in mind that switching from a Tier 4 to Tier 2 (when you have completed one of the relevant qualifications like a degree) also exempts you from the RLMT. Be careful because you wouldn't be exempt if you then switched jobs.

Thanks for all the replies guys, it's been really helpful!

I've had another meeting yesterday with my university career advisors just to make sure my CV is 100%. I think it's really all down to luck now. haha