Getting a Job on Spousal Visa in London

Hello! So, I am super happy to finally be re-united with my husband in the UK after all the fun Immigration put me through, but now it is time to look for a job.

I have only been here 2 weeks or so, but have already applied for around 15 jobs. I have about 15 years of customer service experience and 3 years of library experience, which is what i really want to get back into. I am a work-a-holic- and the fact I haven't been working since August is really killing me. So, my question is, how realistic is it that I am actually going to get a job here in London in the near future? I am a US citizen with great references from the US, but obviously none from the UK. My husband is really optimistic about it, but I keep reading threads on here about how some people have been unemployed for 2 years and still can't find work! I really don't know how I will be able to handle that physically, mentally, and financially. Does anyone have any success stories on find a job in the Uk/London area or any advice? Thank you!

It's difficult to say how easy it might be to find a job. Some people find one immediately and for others it takes ages. It really seems to be a crap shoot sometimes, but it certainly helps that you're in London where there are more opportunities than perhaps a rural village. Generally, the best thing to do for both your CV and your sanity is to volunteer. It gives you something to do and it gets you UK experience, references and connections. If you want to get back into libraries, maybe see if you can volunteer for one locally.

Yes, as NOT says, one of the things that really seems to work for folks around here is to volunteer.

Good luck with the job hunt!

Brent Council are hiring a customer services assistant for Brent libraries. Might be right up your alley: http://ig2.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_LondonBrent01.asp?s=4A515F4E5A565B1A&jobid=83780,8725029941&key=100441701&c=72232369782325&pagestamp=sewsyfmrzqtclshmnv

Good luck!

thank you hms_seahorse, I have already applied for that one..lol I search the web two to three times a day looking for jobs I can apply for, its exhausting really. I suppose I can look into the volunteering thing, it just kinds sucks considering all the ways to get in touch with people now a days, that the UK wont acknowledge my past references. I've worked really hard on my CV and it basically means nothing here.

thank you hms_seahorse, I have already applied for that one..lol I search the web two to three times a day looking for jobs I can apply for, its exhausting really. I suppose I can look into the volunteering thing, it just kinds sucks considering all the ways to get in touch with people now a days, that the UK wont acknowledge my past references. I've worked really hard on my CV and it basically means nothing here.

Sorry to hear you're having that experience. I think it's really industry-dependent, but hang in there -- something's sure to break for you! (Plus, councils won't start contacting until after the application period closes. I doubt they'd move as fast as private industry.)

thank you hms_seahorse, I have already applied for that one..lol I search the web two to three times a day looking for jobs I can apply for, its exhausting really. I suppose I can look into the volunteering thing, it just kinds sucks considering all the ways to get in touch with people now a days, that the UK wont acknowledge my past references. I've worked really hard on my CV and it basically means nothing here.

I don't think your CV means nothing. Plenty of people move from the US and get jobs in the UK without volunteering first. You might want to consider having your CV redone so it matches the look and tone of a UK CV. 

I don't think your CV means nothing. Plenty of people move from the US and get jobs in the UK without volunteering first. You might want to consider having your CV redone so it matches the look and tone of a UK CV.  

CharmCityGirl makes a good point -- if you're not at least getting some calls or emails to discuss further, it might be worth getting an expert overhaul on the CV and/or covering letter. I gave myself a month to work in the pub (sometimes, you're just minding your own business, happily getting trollied, and someone offers you a job, so you take it), do freelance for my former company and catch up on some sleep, but once I started applying, I was through various interview rounds and had an offer in my career in under three weeks. Again, though, this probably has a lot to do with the industry I work in.