How to refer to EEA FP eligibility on resume?

Hi all,

I am applying for an internal position that came up at my employer for a posting out of the UK offices, though we are currently in the US.  My partner is an EEA citizen and we have been considering a move, although obviously a move with a job would be preferable!  I have yet to file the paperwork as I am waiting to see what pans out with some other options locally, but we more than qualify for the EEA permit.

I want to indicate that I do not require a UK work permit on my resume and in cover letter - is there a good way to do this?  Fortunately the hiring manager appears to be EEA herself, so she may potentially understand the situation.

I want to indicate that I do not require a UK work permit on my resume and in cover letter - is there a good way to do this?

CVs instead of résumés are used in the UK.  Directgov website gives advice on writing a CV and cover letter:  https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/cvs/Pages/default.aspx

Your nationality which is American should be indicated on the CV.  You can write a brief personal summary statement at the beginning of your CV that you're eligible for an EEA family permit.

Hope this helps!   

I thought it was technically, illegal for an employer to ask someone what their nationality is?

I wouldn't list nationality on my CV but I might state that I have a legal right to work in the UK if I thought it would be of concern to an employer and insert it towrds the bottom.

In your case, I would briefly explain the situation to whoever is doing the hiring in the cover letter.

Your right to work wholly depends on your partner's intent to settle in the UK and 'exercise his EEA treaty rights' so although you don't technically need a work permit. You do need confirmation from UKBA that you have a legal right to work in the UK (i.e. the family permit).

I agree with jayvee about addressing the issue in the cover letter -- particularly as the position is within the company, so the hiring manager will likely read what you have to say.

As for nationality and the like, I'd advise against leaving it off if you're already here. On the first couple covering letters I sent to potential jobs, I included something to the effect of, "I am present and settled in London, with full entry clearance to work on a spousal visa." Didn't even get a "ta, have a nice day" (and I wasn't applying above my station). Once I cut that, I got an email or phone call back on six jobs.

The first question out of agents' mouths was about my residency/work status (due to exclusively U.S. jobs on the CV), but none were put off when they heard it directly from me. The same factor also came up in the three first-round interviews I pursued and, again, no issue. In general (though not in this specific case), it might be best to apply in a way that demonstrates you have the confidence you're legal to work, and that doesn't apologise for/call attention to your "unusual" status.

I fully acknowledge my experience might have been coincidence, but I'm not exactly an unhireable candidate -- in the end, I had one offer, one company beg me to not drop out of the process, and another discuss creating a new position for me -- and I don't see another variable that would have turned off the initial round of companies.

it might be best to apply in a way that demonstrates you have the confidence you're legal to work, and that doesn't apologise for/call attention to your "unusual" status.

Agree on this. Well stated.

Also agreed. There's no good reason why your nationality should be listed on your CV. I think I put my nationality on my CV for about a month or 2, and when I took it off is when I started getting responses. Get the interview first and inform them about your status then.