Venting - jobs are impossible to find.

could it just be discrimination?

In this economy, anyone would be hard pressed to prove discrimination.  I know plenty of American women that have come over because of their DH's jobs that have been able to find fabulous jobs in all sorts of sectors.  But that was 2-3-5 years ago.  I think it is just a crap economy and for every job that is being advertised is getting loads of applicants, many that are very qualified and willing to work for less than they used to. 

To the OP:  Keep doing what you are doing.  Network, meet people, talk to everyone.  Things are hopefully turning around and you will soon find a job.  Good luck!

Example, if you work in IT, are a Programmer, Project Manager, Business Analyst, how is that so different regardless of whether your past experience is from the US, Canada, India, Germany, etc? It's not. That is just an example of a field, I am sure there are plenty of others.

The next time someone says that you lack UK experience ask them how that would possibly impact your performance in the position that you are applying for?

I think they are concerned that you wouldn't fit in with your workmates.

I think they are concerned that you wouldn't fit in with your workmates.

Why would an employer assume that?  Based upon what?  If you have work experience in any country shouldn't that be proof enough that you can work well with others? 

I've lived in the UK for 2 years now.  I have a Masters degree and 15 years of working experience back home.  I've been temping for a year and half at a low paying job, just to get experience.  The assumptions I have heard is that as an American I don't know anything and that my degrees are inferior.   Do all foriegners get treated this way in the UK or is it simply a stereotype leveled at Americans?   
 

Why would an employer assume that?  Based upon what?  If you have work experience in any country shouldn't that be proof enough that you can work well with others?  

 

Because different countries have different work cultures. Although in your case, if they can see that you have been working in the UK for the past 2 years,then I don't see why that would be an issue.

Because different countries have different work cultures.

But different *jobs* have different work cultures.  What does that even mean anyway?  (not reproaching you sweetpeach, just curious...)

Folks, that's a crock. An employer would be a lot more hesitant to tell an Indian, "oh sorry, I can't hire you because you have no UK work experience and I don't think you'll fit in." I'm sure it's a lot more acceptable to discriminate against Americans. I'm not saying that's always the case and I think the state of the economy is the main reason why so many are having trouble finding work. But let's not kid ourselves.

Folks, that's a crock. An employer would be a lot more hesitant to tell an Indian, "oh sorry, I can't hire you because you have no UK work experience and I don't think you'll fit in."

What an employer says is different than what an employer is thinking. I don't know of any employer who would say that out loud to an American or an Indian. It doesn't mean they aren't thinking it.

Because different countries have different work cultures. Although in your case, if they can see that you have been working in the UK for the past 2 years,then I don't see why that would be an issue.

It was an issue before I got my temping job.  See below.  I fear its still playing a role in why I can't seem to land a job in my chosen profession, government. 

Do you honestly believe the UK work environment is that much different than an American one?   So much of American culture and business practices have made its way to the UK and vice versa.  There has been a cross cultural bridge between the US and UK for centries now.  The American way of doing things is not so foriegner for the average Brit to understand and vice versa.

I'm sorry if this sounds like I'm picking on you, or harping on this issue, but this is the venting section after all.    I fear the deep resentments behind the assumptions will be difficult to overcome.   

What an employer says is different than what an employer is thinking. I don't know of any employer who would say that out loud to an American or an Indian. It doesn't mean they aren't thinking it.

It happened to me directly on several occassions with the Temp/Recuritment agencies that I attempted to apply with in person.  They told me straight out we can't hire you, you don't have UK experience.   Thankfully Reed decided to take a chance on me. 

Their intentions were pretty straight forward.

I've already been told that by an employer and by recruitment agencies as well so yeah, it does happen. Unfortunately. I'm not trying to sound bitchy or anything, but it's damn frustrating to be turned away for such a bullshit reason when you know very well you can do the job, which until recently, is what I was under the impression was the most important thing.