How I landed my dream job in the UK

Jobseekers, I'm sharing insights from my job hunt success in the UK. Hopefully, it will help you. Especially if you are a recent graduate and if you are an expat here.

1. Context: I am a recent graduate from the University of Essex, fondly referred to as a mature student. I have accumulated around 15 years of award-winning experience in various cities around the world (Washington DC, NYC, Dubai, Shanghai, and Seoul) across multiple industries. I started as an Engineer and transitioned into a communicator, holding an additional Masters from Johns Hopkins University in the US. In my last role, I was heading the communications division of my firm in the UAE. Despite these qualifications, I found myself inundated with job rejections here in the UK. It's disheartening at any age and can sap one's motivation. I've lost count of the meticulously crafted applications, with rejections arriving almost instantly. There were even rejections after completing interviews, sometimes after multiple rounds, and often, I'd be let go in the final stages.
2. Recruitment Consultants: I engaged with prominent recruiters in my industry, building meaningful connections and friendships. I valued their market expertise, and some friends successfully secured jobs through them. However, my experience unfolded differently. Over approximately four months, I secured 12 interviews across various organizations solely through LinkedIn applications, while none of the recruiters offered me an interview. Despite the enthusiastic collection of my details, promised updates (which I'm still awaiting), and scheduled meetings - some of which were missed without apology - it's surprising that the computer (Applicant Tracking Software) outperformed human efforts in securing interviews. It's a reminder not to depend solely on recruiters; a mixed strategy is advisable.
3. The Impact of a Strong Resume: Speaking of ATS delivering results, never overlook the significance of a keyword-optimized resume. Consider it an investment, as it truly proved to be. My resume, crafted during the COVID-19 pandemic in Dubai, continued to yield results thanks to the keyword optimization techniques recommended by an expert. A well-crafted resume is a valuable asset that keeps on giving. A special acknowledgement to Optimus Consultants in Dubai and their owner and dear friend, Sujit Sukumaran. The importance of customizing each resume for the job posting cannot be overstated. Even if you customize just one job application a day, it will have a more significant impact than blind mass applications. Don't hesitate to reach out to a job poster or the head of that department directly via Linkedin (A simple invitation usually does the trick without a premium).
4. Networking: I found this incredibly uplifting, not primarily for its direct job-finding assistance but for the profound motivation that comes from conversing with experienced individuals. Each interaction brought forth perspectives I hadn't considered, creating a pool of mentors who inspire during challenging times. Special shoutout to Advita, Naeem, Alex, Ann, Crystle, Dan, Roberto, and Professor Rick for their continued support and to every person who as much as liked my posts to improve my visibility.
5. Beware of Misinformation: In the networking process, it's crucial to be aware of individuals who may present themselves as experts but are actually offering personal opinions. I encountered instances where I was told companies exclusively seek candidates with specific UK experience or that landing a job in my field as a person of colour was impossible. However, my experience contradicts these statements. While these opinions might seem convincing, it's crucial not to confuse them with genuine expertise and take them with a grain of salt. Even my own words should be approached with caution, as they stem from my personal experiences, mixed with my biases and limiting beliefs. Select the advice that resonates with your situation and goals. What most of these people meant were cases of improbability, not impossibility.
6. Chances: Along the line of probability, when faced with a string of rejections, it's important to remember that the likelihood of securing a job is always present. Just as getting heads on a coin toss ten times in a row is unlikely, not every job application ends in rejection. The key is to persist until you achieve the desired outcome, meaning you should continue applying until you receive an offer. Regularly evaluate and reinitiate your job search, setting a deadline based on your available resources before exploring alternative options. You need to know when to quit as well.
7. Jobseeker's Fatigue: It's a fundamental aspect of human nature that when we repeatedly engage in a task without seeing results, it can erode our self-esteem. As a natural defence mechanism, we may become reluctant to continue. I reached a point where I couldn't bear it any longer and took a full month off to return with a renewed outlook on the job search. Breaking away from the routine allowed my brain to devise innovative approaches to the situation.
8. Unconscious Biases: As an international job seeker in England, it's possible that deeply ingrained biases may come into play, which is a universal challenge. Studies indicate that subconscious judgments are often formed within the first 7 seconds of an interaction (Implicit Bias Theory). Unless individuals are well-travelled, exposed to other cultures, educated about these matters, and actively working to address these biases, decisions can be influenced by bias. I was curious to see who got hired over me in the firms that rejected me. It's disheartening to note that, despite the emphasis on diversity and inclusion, the majority of candidates who secured those positions came from the same demographic group with the least likelihood of facing discrimination, with the exception of one woman. To cope with this, I told myself, "Perhaps I didn't want to work in these places anyway. If the selection process was biased, it's unlikely my work life would have been free from challenges posed by limited perspectives."An image I recently saw encapsulates this even more vividly. It depicted the Head of Internal Communications of a world-famous accounting firm in an awards night picture, and none of the attendees represented diversity; they all came from the same slice of society. The irony? The award was for the firm with the best Diversity and Inclusion practices.
9. Convert Rejections to Resources: In England's litigious culture, there's a willingness to offer constructive feedback after the final interview round, which I found tremendously beneficial. Even in the case of a firm that initially didn't provide feedback, they eventually obliged after a few follow-ups, offering valuable insights into my interview performance and the factors that favoured the other candidate. This is an important point to remember. I also implemented a survey for interviewers to provide feedback at the end of my final rounds. Feel free to DM me if you'd like a copy. When I shared my experience of facing a barrage of rejections, only to eventually experience a positive turnaround, someone wisely remarked, "It's likely because all those interviews prepared you well for the final ones."
10. Process-Driven Culture: Feedback consistently highlighted England's preference for a process-oriented approach. Here, the emphasis often lies in how tasks are accomplished rather than just the final outcomes. This differs notably from the prevailing attitude I observed during my time in the United States. In my interviews, I noticed a strong emphasis on strict adherence to instructions, even within organizations that positioned themselves as innovative thinkers, though there were exceptions. There was a tendency to favour candidates who displayed conformity and followed established procedures. As an example, presenting a two-page strategy report with the same content in a visual format was seen as a deviation from the given task. When presenting your value proposition, ensure you articulate your thought process and the methodology behind successful campaigns. Personally, innovation holds significant importance for me, which is why I chose a position with a firm that actively embraces it. If this doesn't align with your approach, I recommend adhering closely to rules and task brief parameters, including precise timing and page numbering (Yea! Exactly like in a classroom).
11. Education: This might be a tough pill to swallow for my friends from BRIC nations. Our upbringing often places a high value on education. We've navigated competitive exams, challenged cultural norms, and faced financial constraints to earn our degrees. This resilience is what we aim to convey in an interview when we mention our Masters. However, for reasons I'm still trying to understand, this approach isn't as effective here. These qualifications don't carry the same weight as they might back home. I was advised not to lead with my education in interviews. Instead, it's better to focus on what was achieved and how you accomplished it. I would refrain from highlighting educational background unless specifically inquired about.
12. A good problem to have: Faced with a string of rejections for an extended period, being in a position to choose between equally reputable organizations is a fortunate turn of events. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your life priorities. One firm stood out due to the strong team chemistry I felt. The interview process was well-organized, marked by empathy from the interviewers, and we connected on a personal level through humour and shared values. Most notably, the interview panel exuded genuine enthusiasm for the organization's mission, and together, we generated creative ideas from the presentation. This sharply contrasted with another interview panel, where one member seemed drowsy and disengaged from a passionate discussion about the firm's future, possibly owing to their newness to the industry and lack of proper education about the organization's business.
13. Negotiation - There's a negotiation principle suggesting that readily accepting a first offer can leave both parties dissatisfied. The offering party may feel they could have proposed a lower figure, while the accepting party may wonder if they could have asked for more. Seventy percent of managers expect a salary and benefits negotiation when they make a job offer, but most don't implicitly state that the offer is flexible. In this circumstance, 46% of men take a risk and negotiate, compared to only 34% of women. The solution lies in engaging in constructive negotiation. It's not just about asking; it's about how you ask. A successful negotiation is a collaborative effort, not a confrontation. If an organization withdraws an offer due to negotiation, it may signal an unsupportive culture, provided you approached it correctly. There are resources available online, including negotiation scripts tailored for England and particularly useful for women. Research suggests that gender dynamics can introduce distinct biases, requiring a unique approach for female negotiators compared to their male counterparts.

Final Takeaway

Despite my extensive experience, I encountered countless rejections before ultimately landing my dream job and being in a position to choose between organizations to work for. It's crucial to perceive rejections as opportunities for redirection. World-renowned figures like Walt Disney, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, Oprah Winfrey, Albert Einstein, Michael Jordan, Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, Jimi Hendrix, and Colonel Sanders all grappled with rejection before attaining remarkable success. The greater the rejection, the more compelling the success story. Who's to say these rejections won't become a crucial part of your own success story in the future? In a way, the more rejections, the merrier. Look into its eyes and say, "Bring it on".

If you're an expat in a foreign land, you might find yourself feeling isolated, without the support of family, dealing with homesickness, financial challenges, working in jobs that don't align with your qualifications, or perhaps facing both. Please understand that these challenges are actually shaping you into a stronger, more resilient individual. Rejections should never be seen as a reflection of your worth or abilities.

When self-doubt starts to creep in, remember one thing: you've taken a courageous step by leaving the comfort of your home and venturing into an unknown land. You've navigated through culture shocks, discrimination, xenophobia, demanding exams, and tight assignment deadlines, all while adapting to a new country on a budget and forming connections with people you've recently met. Not to mention, the English weather can be quite a surprise, affecting our mental health in unexpected ways. However, with time, we learn to conquer that challenge as well.

While it might not be immediately obvious, these challenges you've overcome will shape you into a resilient individual ready to face any obstacle. A practical tip I received from a psychology expert was incredibly helpful: Make a list of all your achievements, including your courageous move to a new country and everything leading up to it. Remember how you have overcome every challenge thrown at you till now. You don't even remember them now. The current job hunt saga will soon be one of those forgotten challenges you overcame.

Surround yourself with supporters, and distance yourself from those who doubt you. Your sole mission now is to stand tall and face the daunting task of the job hunt head-on. Wear your rejections as badges of honour! The battle cry has been sounded! You've got this!

A strange video that soothed me a lot was seeing this kid's expression at the end when the person says, "OK, Kid. You got the job!"