I'm always a little hesitant to post about things like job interviews, just in case it doesn't go well and I feel like I have to do some kind of follow-up lamenting that I didn't get the position. But, of course, here is an expat quandary that I feel I must write about and I've thought about it leading up to this job interview, so I'll jump in.
I think this is going to be better as a series, since there's a lot about working abroad to talk about. It's good to know right off the bat that, since my visa is Tier 4 Student, I can't speak with experience about securing a work visa. I have researched these kinds of visas a bit, but, honestly, all my attempts to get one prior to becoming a student (again) were NOT fruitful. That's because there's a kind of catch-22 relating to work visas: you need a work visa to get a position, you need a position to get a work visa. The company you're applying to has to show that you, and not a similarly qualified UK citizen, are the only one who can do that job (so any kind of non-skilled job is out). Along with that, the company also has to have a sponsorship license, and smaller companies may not be able to afford these. I would venture to say most universities have one, and most larger corporations, but I personally ran into an issue when a small publishing house offered me a position. They did not have a license, and couldn't really afford the time and money to get one, and so I had to seek elsewhere.
There are some varying conditions for highly skilled workers (doctors, scientists, etc.) that would allow for the grant of a visa, but I'm not at that skill level and, again, just don't have the experience to confidently write advice about that.
So who can I help with my experience? Tier 4 students, like me, who are looking for part-time work.
The first time I studied abroad, it was basically a year's holiday. I didn't work, because my savings were substantial enough that I didn't have to supplement in order to live. But my second time around, my savings had been depleted and I was basically living off a loan and needed some extra money.
The first thing you need to do is get an NIS (National Insurance) number. This will allow you to get paid! I phoned up Jobcentre Plus and was sent a packet of forms to fill out, which proved my right to work in the UK as detailed on my visa. More information on how to do that can be found
here. I always, always forget my NIS number, especially as I did a bad thing and lost my original letter granting me one. But lucky me, it's always found on my past pay stubs, so I've been able to provide it to new employers this year.
On a Tier 4 student visa, you are permitted to work 20 hours per week during term time. Obviously, this is going to limit you to part-time work. I believe there is some leeway for students who are doing work as an agreed part of their course (say, someone on a bursary who is teaching while doing a postgraduate degree, or someone doing paid research through the university which contributes to their final marks). But generally, most international students will need to find a flexible work situation where they will be scheduled 20 hours or less.
Where to find a job that can provide that? Well, the university is ALWAYS a good place to start. Most UK universities have union shops, bars, book shops, etc. which need part-time employees, and, as part of the uni, they will understand that you may need to work around classes, exams, dissertation deadlines, and whatever else school throws at you. They may also have work that is relevant to your degree - for example, I have just applied to an assistant position at my research centre. Perhaps there is a project underway at your university which you are qualified for, and will bulk up your academic/career CV as well as provide you with a bit of cash. These can usually be found advertised on your university's HR or careers page.
Next, retail/bar/cafe work. I know for some postgrad students that might be a major step down from whatever it is you were doing before, but the flexibility of jobs like this can't really be beat. However, unlike the university, you may need to really emphasize to your employer the legal issues surrounding your hours. I worked at an amazing retail job that I loved (and actually continued with that company in the States after I came back!), but sometimes I was scheduled over 20 hours during term time. During holidays, I admittedly worked more hours, but I was also not working on a heavy school load or taking classes, either and we were on official university Christmas/Easter break during that time. Make sure your boss is aware of your restrictions, and be honest about them up front. Just because they are managing a store doesn't mean they know about the limitations of student work visas, and it's your job to educate them so that you don't get in trouble.
Finally, you could look for a position advertised in the area just as you would in your home country. Use newspapers, online job listings, etc. The caveat here is that most of the jobs advertised for long-term positions are going to full-time, and they may have more rigid hours than your school schedule can accommodate. You can't perform a 9-5 on a student visa. But someone looking for a part-time employee might only need you two to three days a week, and that could easily fit around your classes and schoolwork (which is, of course, a first priority on a student visa). Again, it is your job to inform your employer about your visa restrictions. They will not be punished for employing you outside your allowed hours, but you might experience repercussions.
It is possible to work and go to school, and for some students, might be necessary. But as you can see, it's really important to understand the restrictions you're under on Tier 4! If you're knowledgeable, you can teach your employer, and work out a position which fulfills both your employment needs and your visa restrictions.
Look out for Part 2 in this series in the upcoming week.
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