Experience Sharing: My Job Search in the UK

Recently, many people have asked me about finding a job overseas, especially students who haven’t gone abroad yet and are curious about which majors have better job prospects.

To be honest, compared to “which major leads to good jobs,” a more important question is:
Do you genuinely like the field you choose?

When I was studying at Cranfield, two of my classmates had almost no background in aviation or mechanics. They previously worked in other industries, but after gaining some financial stability, they quit their jobs to study what truly interested them. The learning process was tough, but it’s still better than regretting your choice and changing fields many years later.

Choosing a major shouldn’t be based only on trends, salary, or popularity. Hot industries always change.
IT used to be in high demand, then business majors were popular, and when aerospace became trendy many people rushed into it. But those who truly persist and build long-term careers in these fields are always the minority.

👉 Interest and long-term commitment matter more than short-term trends.

Is It Really That Hard to Find a Job in the UK?

Many Chinese students eventually return home, and relatively few stay to work in the UK. This gives the impression that it’s extremely difficult.

However, I believe the key factor is simple:
👉 Do you truly want to work in the UK?

Ask yourself three questions:

Do you often think, “If I can’t find a job, I’ll just go back home”?
Have you never visited your university’s career office?
Do you spend weekends doing little or nothing for your job search?

If your goal is to stay in the UK, you need to reduce the “backup plan” mindset. Job hunting requires consistent effort and mental commitment.

From some perspectives, job hunting in the UK has advantages:

More transparent recruitment processes
Less reliance on personal connections
Fewer competitors per position compared to some markets

So opportunities do exist.

Start Early — The Earlier, The Better

For a typical master’s program starting in October, I began sending CVs shortly after attending a career fair in November. I sent out 2–5 applications per day and continued for nearly a year before securing a job.

Remember:
We look for jobs — jobs don’t look for us.
Don’t wait until three months before graduation to start preparing your CV.

CV and Cover Letter Are Crucial

A CV and a cover letter are both essential. Applications without a cover letter usually have low success rates.

Basic principles:

Keep your CV within two pages
Be concise and avoid grammar mistakes
Ask a native speaker to proofread
Templates are less important than clarity and relevance

Three Main Ways to Apply

1️⃣ In-person applications (career fairs & industry events)

This is one of the most effective methods. Career fairs are not just for submitting CVs but for making impressions.

Suggestions:

Bring multiple CV copies
Talk to recruiters instead of leaving immediately
Try to speak with senior engineers or decision-makers

A good first impression can lead directly to an interview.

2️⃣ University Career Office

Many students overlook this resource, but it’s very helpful:

Free workshops and guidance
Visa and policy information
Campus recruitment channels

Applications through university systems sometimes have higher success rates, though choices may be limited.

3️⃣ Online Applications

Job boards and recruitment agencies are the most common route.

Tips:

Call recruiters if contact numbers are available
Send your CV after calling
Following up is more effective than waiting passively

Important Tips for Online Applications

❗Stay Calm

Seeing many vacancies doesn’t mean many real opportunities. Avoid mass-applying with the same CV and cover letter.

For each job:

Read requirements carefully
Tailor your CV
Customize your cover letter
Use specific greetings when possible instead of “Dear Sir/Madam”

Understanding Job Requirements

Two main types:

🚫 Not suitable for fresh graduates

Examples:

High-level security clearance
Many years of experience
These are usually not worth applying for.

✅ Worth trying

Skill or software requirements:
If you don’t have the exact skill but have similar experience, explain your transferable skills and learning ability in the cover letter.

Screening and Tracking

Many jobs are reposted because suitable candidates weren’t found the first time.

Practical strategies:

Update your CV regularly
Keep old versions to track improvement
Pay attention to posting dates (first three weeks are critical)

For example:
If a job requires C++ and you didn’t know it at first but learned later, reapplying with updated skills can significantly increase your chances.