Finding Jobs

BN(O) visa holders have the right to work in Scotland. We know, however, that it can be difficult to find a new job when moving to a new country. In this section, we’ll cover different ways that you can find jobs in Scotland, along with some strategies for securing positions. 

Below are a few platforms you can use to search for jobs in Scotland:

• MyjobScotland: a website with jobs for the public and third sector in Scotland. It is one of the biggest recruitment platforms in Scotland and allows you to search for jobs by keywords and postcodes/towns. When creating an account, you will be asked to set up a profile which makes it easier to apply for other roles. 
• Indeed: one of the biggest job websites in Scotland. You can set up email alerts to ensure you receive updates about the latest vacancies. 
• S1 Jobs: a website specifically focused on job vacancies in Scotland. It allows you to filter jobs by the core skills used in the job (i.e. driving, education, accountancy, financial services, marketing, etc.).  
• Total Jobs: another good website to look for vacancies in Scotland. The portal offers many filtering options when searching for jobs – you can even set your commute time from your home address by your travel mode (i.e. walking, cycling, driving, or public transport). 
• Goodmoves:  a career hub for jobs in the Scottish civil society, charity, and voluntary sectors. Run by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, it also includes resources on working in the voluntary sector and volunteering opportunities across Scotland.
• LinkedIn: some organisations recruit exclusively on LinkedIn. Maintaining an up-to-date profile and building a network of relevant contacts may help attract recruiters and potential employers. 
• Agency Central: a portal for searching employment agencies in Scotland. The portal enables you to search by Industry, Industry Sub Sector, Location, and Employment Type. 

Tips for finding and applying for jobs:

• Set up alerts for jobs in your preferred location and professional area. Most of the above portals and websites will allow you to save searches to receive daily or weekly updates with relevant jobs in your preferred location. 
• Apply as soon as possible. Certain sectors (such as healthcare) may close once a certain number of applicants has been reached. 
• If you hold any non-UK professional qualifications and are applying to a profession that is regulated in Scotland, visit our page on getting you professional qualifications recognised in the UK.

Applying for Jobs

Once you find a job, the next step is to submit an application. Below you will find some advice on applying for jobs in Scotland and the UK. 

• Look for the job specification or profile to see what the essential and desirable criteria are. These are the skills, qualifications, and experiences that the employer expects you to have. Normally, an employer will expect you to meet all (or nearly all) of the essential criteria. Your application should highlight examples that show that you meet the essential criteria, drawing from examples in your career.
• Most applications include two things: a cover letter and a CV. Your CV includes your academic qualifications, professional experience, achievements, and any relevant training you have undertaken that might be relevant to the role. Your CV should normally not be longer than 2 pages and should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for. This means you may have several versions of your CV. You may also include some basic contact details on your CV but should not include a photo. 
• Your cover letter should highlight, which is often 1 or 2 pages long. Oftentimes, the recruiter may state what they would like you to include in your cover letter. It is best practice to introduce yourself, explain why you are the right person for the job, and the address the key essential criteria using relevant examples. If you have space, you should also try to show examples that show you meet the desirable criteria. 
• Some larger employment agencies or jobs portals, such as MyJobsscotland, use an online application form where you fill in your details and address the criteria. These online forms often contain the same information as a cover letter or CV.
• It is common in Scotland to have a one-stage interview process, although some employers use a two-stage process. You should thoroughly research the employer and their website, paying particular attention to their values and/or ethos. Most interviews are 30 minutes to an hour long. 
• There are several different types of interview questions, such as competency-based questions, technical questions, or motivational questions. The most common types of questions are competency-based questions, which is where you are asked to provide examples of how you have the skills needed for the job. You can find more information on interviews and interview questions here. 
• At the end of the interview, you will normally be given the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. This is a good opportunity to ask key questions about the role, such as flexible working arrangements or management structures.
• Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is not uncommon for interviews to take place remotely. This depends on the type of job you are applying for, however. 
• If you are offered the job, you will normally have to undergo a few final checks before you sign the contract and can begin. One of these is providing references. It is common for employers to ask for 2 references when you start a new job. Usually, they will expect two employment references – these can be from a previous job in Hong Kong, as long as the reference is in English. 
• Your employer may also conduct a ‘right to work’ check to ensure that you legally allowed to work in the UK. This may be done in person or remotely via a share code. Find out more about your rights, including the right to work here. 
• Find out more about applying for basic disclosure here. 

Find out more about applying for jobs in Scotland here. 

FAQS:

I have moved to Scotland but I am still working remotely for a company/organisation in Hong Kong. What do I need to consider?

You can continue to work for your Hong Kong employer after you move to the UK. However, you will need to pay UK income tax on your foreign income once you become a resident in the UK. This normally means you will need to fill out a Self Assessment tax return. More information can be found here. We advise that you seek professional advice from a taxation expert.