How to secure a job in the UK from the US?

How unusual would it be for a UK citizen to apply for and secure a professional job in the UK, while still living in the US? Would employers really hire a random person from the States who can't just walk in for an interview, when they probably already have more than enough local applicants?

Those of you who moved back with a new job waiting for you with no existing connections, how did you line it up? How did you stand out from the local applicants?

100% depends on the profession, demand, and skill set.

What industry are you in? If it's anything technology or medicine related I think you would have a good chance. It may not be as easy in some other professions, but you'd probably want to get in touch with some recruiters for your industry and try.


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I decided to start applying to jobs from the States. I'm not looking seriously yet, but I wanted to see if there was anything different about the application process, and get my feet wet because I haven't been job hunting in a few years. Since January I have sent about 8 applications and gotten 2 interviews out of it - one of which was conducted via a type of Skype service and one that will be done via telephone.

I do think it's much harder to get interviews if they see a US address - especially since some of the positions I applied for were not very high paying or the funding was grant based - not likely that these places will have relocation assistance so they probably don't bother (at least that's what I'm telling myself )

I put a line in all my cover letters about what my situation is so it's not totally out of left field why I'm applying from the States. I'm a librarian, so obviously I don't know if my experience would translate to what you do.

I think it will definitely depend on the field and position you're going for.  Is it a position the employer needs filled ASAP?  Is it in a niche field?  Does it require a specialised skill set?  It's not easy, but it's not impossible.

I was able to get a job in the UK from the US, and I didn't even have a visa at the time.  I was clear in my covering letter that I would be applying for one on the basis of my UK spouse, and once granted, I would have permission to work in the UK and would be moving to the UK as soon as possible.  I did a telephone interview and ended up with the job offer on the condition my visa was approved.  (disclaimer though; this was a position in a relatively niche scientific field)

When applying, I would try and make it very clear that you are a UK citizen and thus already have permission to work in the UK and do not need sponsorship or a visa.  When I was applying, I provided an estimated date of arrival in the UK pending the successful visa application.  I suspect that was helpful in my employer having more of a concrete picture of when I could potentially start if they hired me.

Hi Morecoffee,

Excellent responses so far!

It'll all depend on the industry sector, your skills and experience along with if your field is one which is in high demand in the UK. Only a relative handful of employers want to hire from abroad due to all the increased workload to achieve it and the higher costs incurred to do so.

As mentioned by Aquila, it's not impossible, but it's very difficult if you wish to secure a job from the US. If you are in such an industry that often does recruit from outside the UK/EU, then look to jobs where the employer is asking for such. If your skillset/experience and industry sector is one where there's plenty of local potential candidates, then you'll find it very difficult to secure a firm job offer from the US and you'll need to re-evaluate your strategy for finding a job.

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

My husband was able to secure a UK job while in the US.  He is in the IT field and had quite a few phone/skype interviews.  The company that hired him had a US office so he was interviewed there.    He made sure he listed in his cover letter that he would be moving to the UK and had dual citizenship.  Many companies that have US/UK offices were especially interested in those with experience in the US.  He also worked mostly with recruiters.

When applying, I would try and make it very clear that you are a UK citizen and thus already have permission to work in the UK and do not need sponsorship or a visa.

Just wanted to make sure this was highlighted as I imagine that would significantly increase your liklihood.

I'm in exactly the same boat right now.  I put my UK citizenship right up front in my CV 'personal statement' and mention it first thing in my cover letters.  We'll see if it works...