Concerns about Finding a Job in the UK on a YMV

Ive been reading through the forums, and to my dismay I am hearing a lot of accounts from people having difficulties finding work in the UK on any type of working visa, due to the fact that they are simply not British, or their education or work experience is seen as inferior to that of UK education and work experience.

While I do have a university degree, I wasn't really expecting to land a career type job in the UK due to the current economy and lack of local networking. I was however hoping that my 13 years of restaurant experience would at least be able to get me a job at a pub or restaurant. Does anyone know if this is more reasonable of an expectation or will finding a pub job still be challenging?

The reason I am applying for my Youth Mobility Visa is because I am more so looking to use the UK as a jump off point towards exploring Europe as a whole. I wanted to get a pub job so I can supplement my funds so they don't get drained so quickly.

Am I just a dreamer or is this actually possible?

Hey,

Where in the UK are you looking to live? This will greatly affect your likelihood of landing a job.

Ang

I'm wondering the same thing as the original poster. I have 10+ years of bar/restaurant experience in Canada and Australia. My fiance is british and he's applying for uni right now, so we're not sure where he'll get accepted yet. But it'll probably be Manchester, Leeds, Porstmouth or Birmingham. Interesting choices eh??! Anyways, does anyone know which might be better or worse for pub work, or even just work in general?

Pam x

I am in London and looking for a job for almost 2 months. Went for 2 interviews and having strong knowledge and extensive experience didn't help. I was so surprised when they hired a french girl over me who couldn't even speak proper english, not even complete a sentence and she didn't have as much experience as me. Anyways thats life!

I want to go back home!

Hi Guys,

For Canadians with hospitality experience you can get a pretty good job in the UK.

"10+ years of bar/restaurant experience in Canada and Australia" - Absolutely no problem at all.

"I am in London and looking for a job for almost 2 months. Went for 2 interviews and having strong knowledge and extensive experience didn't help." - Hard to know what relevant experience you have, and what jobs you applied to but here are some guidelines:

- There are many more opportuinites outside of London
- Check out Live in Jobs UK - if you want to live and work in the UK many pubs outside of London have trouble finding people with experience to work in pubs. Generally you live in the pub and get subsidised meals, so its not a bad way to go.
- Bank on doing 5 interviews to get one job
- Be really proactive. Just applying to jobs online may not do it.
- Use recruitment agencies (the UK is full of them) Recruitment in the UK is done very differently to Canada. So you have to hustle a little bit more. By that I mean treat it like a job, follow up with calls, develop a relationship with recruiters and walk the streets. (I got 1 job in London just from a sign on a door)

Hope this helps. There is no doubt its a bit harder to find work than a few years ago, but Canadians with hospitality experience are highly regarded and you will be the top of many lists.