How to Get a Job in UK in 2025: Eligibility, Best Job Boards & Visa

The UK job market is slowly cooling down. Job vacancies fell to 718,000 between May and July 2025, with fewer openings in hospitality and retail. Even though fewer people are being hired, the unemployment rate stayed at 4.7% and wages grew by 5%.

Employers face higher costs because of the National Living Wage rise and increased National Insurance contributions. Many companies now prefer experienced workers who can start quickly. Overall, while job growth has slowed, the market is still stable and opportunities remain for skilled candidates.

To get a job in the UK, you need a UK visa, an ATAS certificate, and an amazing resume. Below, we have explained all the major and minor steps you should follow to increase your chances of landing the right role:

Step 1: Understand the UK Job Market

Research the industries and roles that are currently in demand. Focus on sectors where your skills are needed the most. This helps you target your applications effectively.

Step 2: Check Visa & Work Permit Requirements

Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for working in the UK. Some roles in science, tech, or research may require an ATAS clearance certificate. This confirms that your work does not involve sensitive technology.

Step 3: Prepare a UK-Style Resume & Cover Letter

Customise your CV and cover letter to meet UK standards. Highlight your skills, achievements, and experience clearly. Keep it concise and professional.

Step 4: Apply Through Trusted Job Portals & Agencies

Use top UK job websites and recruitment agencies to find openings. Submit applications carefully and follow instructions. Some agencies also guide for UK visas and work permits.

Step 5: Network & Leverage LinkedIn

Connect with UK professionals and recruiters online. Attend webinars, virtual events, and career fairs. Networking increases your chances of being noticed.

Step 6: Prepare for Interviews

Practice common interview questions and scenarios. Learn about UK workplace culture and etiquette. Show confidence and communicate clearly during interviews.

Step 7: Follow Up & Negotiate Salary

Send polite follow-ups after interviews to show interest. Research typical salary ranges for your role. Negotiate professionally if you receive an offer.

The top benefits of working in the UK are its world-class healthcare system (NHS) and diverse job opportunities across industries. Beyond this, there are many more reasons that make the UK a highly attractive destination for professionals worldwide.

• Diverse job opportunities across finance, IT, engineering, healthcare, marketing, and more.
• International exposure and collaboration with global companies.
• Competitive salaries paid in GBP, ensuring good living standards and financial benefits.
• Strong social security through National Insurance (NI) for unemployment, sickness, and retirement.
• Free public healthcare via the NHS.
• Legal employee rights: paid leave, maternity/paternity leave, sick pay, and workplace pensions.
• High quality of life with advanced infrastructure, cultural diversity, and excellent public services.
• A multicultural society offering exposure to different cultures and festivals.
• Easy access to Europe for travel and short trips.
• Path to permanent residency after five years of work.

Applying for high paying jobs in the UK from India is easier if you use trusted recruitment agencies. These agencies help you connect with UK employers and guide you through the application process. Below, we explain how to geb a job in the UK from India:

Step 1: Use Online Job Portals & Broad Agencies

Upload your resume on popular Indian sites like Naukri.com. Apply directly via recruiter pages or company listings. Also check broad agencies like Randstad and Michael Page, which handle roles across many industries.

Step 2: Field-Specific Recruitment Agencies

Not all recruitment agencies handle every type of job. Some focus on specific sectors and can connect you with the right employers faster. Here are a few trusted names you can explore:

• IT & Tech: Harvey Nash, Experis, Modis
• Finance & Accounting: Robert Walters, Morgan McKinley, Hays Finance
• Healthcare: Medacs, Hunter & Associates, Pulse Jobs
• Engineering: Matchtech, NES Fircroft, Fircroft Engineering
• General/Multiple Sectors: Randstad, Michael Page, Adecco

Step 3: Network with Professionals

Reach out to people working in your desired sector on LinkedIn. They often know about niche agencies or roles not publicly posted. Sometimes they can refer you, which helps a lot.

Step 4: Verify Agency Legitimacy

Make sure the agency is a registered Recruiting Agent (RA) with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Use the MEA website or the eMigrate portal to check. Legit agencies will provide their registration number and credentials.

Step 5: Protect Yourself from Scams

Don’t pay upfront fees or deposits for interviews. Legitimate international recruitment agencies usually get paid by employers, not by you (the job seeker). If something feels off, stop and verify.

Step 6: Prepare Your Application Carefully

You will be creating your CV as per the job requirements and a cover letter too. Emphasize the skills and experience relevant to the field. Research the employer and be ready to explain why you’re a good fit.

You can apply for jobs in the UK through popular websites like Indeed UK, Reed, TotalJobs, CV-Library, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Below is the table of the top 20 websites you can use to land your dream job in the UK:

No, it is not easy to land a decent job in the UK if you are applying from outside the country. The UK government has strict rules for hiring non-British and non-European workers, and this makes companies hesitant because of visa sponsorship requirements.

For international candidates, companies need to provide sponsorship, which adds time and cost, so fewer employers are open to it. Please note, graduates from top UK universities or those with highly in-demand skills (like IT, healthcare, and engineering) do stand a much better chance of being hired.

The top fields to work in the UK include Engineering, Healthcare, Finance, IT, Marketing, Education, Law, and more. These sectors not only offer high demand but also competitive salaries, ranging from around GBP 52,000 (INR 55 L) to over GBP 160,000 (INR 1.69 Cr) per year. 

Below is a table of the most popular fields and their average annual pay:

Many UK universities are renowned for their strong industry connections and impressive placement rates, ensuring students secure high-paying jobs globally:

Note: Placement rates are approximate and can vary by program and year.

If you’re from India and want to work in the UK, you will need both a UK work visa (to enter the country) and a work permit (to legally work once you’re there). Below is a step-by-step breakdown in simple words for better understanding: 

Job Offer & Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

To start, you must secure a job with an employer in the UK who is approved to hire overseas workers: 

• Get a job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office.
• Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer with a reference number.
• This CoS is proof that your employer is allowed to sponsor you.

Visa Requirements

Once you have a CoS, you need to apply for a visa by submitting some key documents:

• Valid Passport: Mandatory to prove your identity and nationality.
• English Proficiency Proof:IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent.
• Job & Salary Details: You must meet the UK’s salary threshold.
• Proof of Funds: It includes bank statements (unless your employer covers it).
• Educational Certificates: Your 10th, 12th, and graduation/postgraduation marksheets for showing your qualifications.
• Police Clearance Certificate: To confirm that you have no criminal record.
• TB Test Results: Mandatory for Indian applicants.

Work Permit Requirements

The permit decides the conditions of your stay and what you’re allowed to do:

• You can work only for the employer listed on your CoS.
• Changing jobs requires a new permit/visa application.
• The permit usually lasts as long as your visa (2-5 years).
• Some permits allow you to bring dependents (spouse/children).

Application Process

After collecting everything, the next step is to officially apply for UK student visa: 

• Apply online through the UK government website.
• Fill in the visa application form and upload documents.
• Book and attend a biometric appointment (fingerprints + photo).
• Pay the visa fee and the healthcare surcharge.
• Wait for a decision from the UK Home Office.

To work in the UK, you must meet certain conditions. The two most important ones are: having a job offer from a licensed employer and proving your English language skills. Here’s the breakdown of eligibility criteria to apply for any job in the UK: 

Job Offer from a Licensed UK Employer

The very first requirement is to get hired by a company that is approved by the UK Home Office to sponsor foreign workers. You cannot apply for most UK work visas without a job offer. Your employer must be on the list of licensed sponsors.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you secure a job, your employer provides you with a CoS, which is like a digital reference proving they’re sponsoring you. It should contain your job details (title, salary, occupation code). You’ll need the CoS reference number for your visa application.

English Language Proficiency

Since you’ll be living and working in the UK, you must show you can communicate in English. Take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) like IELTS or use proof of a degree taught in English.

Valid Passport

This is the most basic but essential requirement. Your passport proves your identity and nationality. It must be valid for your entire stay in the UK.

Salary Threshold & Occupation Code

Not every job qualifies for a visa; you must meet the UK’s set conditions. Your job must have an approved occupation code. You must earn at least the minimum salary threshold for your role.

Employer Details

When applying, you need to provide clear information about your employer. Include their name and sponsor licence number. This confirms they are allowed to hire overseas workers.

Financial Proof

The UK wants to ensure you can support yourself once you arrive. Provide bank statements or payslips. Sometimes, your employer may certify that they will cover your costs.

Tuberculosis (TB) Test

If you’re applying from India for a visa longer than six months, a TB test is mandatory. Take the test at an approved UK clinic. Submit the certificate with your application.

Biometric Information

As part of security checks, you must give biometric data. Attend a Visa Application Centre for fingerprints and a photo. This becomes part of your official UK records.

The top tips when making a resume for UK jobs are to keep it short (not more than 2 pages) and write only what matches the job you are applying for. Along with this, here are other simple points to follow when you prepare your CV for the UK.

Keep It Short

Employers in the UK do not want long CVs. Two pages are enough to show your skills and work experience.

Follow the UK Style

Start with your name and contact details, then write a short summary, work experience ceritifcate, education, and skills. Do not add a photo or personal details like age or marital status.

Match with the Job

Every job is different, so change your CV slightly for each role. Put more focus on the skills and experience the company is asking for.

Show Results

Instead of writing what you did, write what you achieved. For example, write 'Helped increase sales by 20%' instead of 'Handled sales work.'

Write a Short Personal Statement

For the Personal Statement and not an SOP, write 3 to 4 lines about who you are and why you are a good fit for the role. Keep it clear and simple.

Add Important Skills

Mention both general skills like teamwork and communication, and job-specific skills like coding, design, or finance tools.

Education Details

List your education starting from the most recent. If your degree is from India, you can write its UK equivalent to make it easy to understand.

Use British English

In the UK, words are written differently. For example, use 'organise' instead of 'organize.' Always check spelling.

Add References

You can write 'References available on request' at the end of your CV. If you have one or two references ready, you can include them.

Check Before Sending

Always read your CV again before sending. Correct spelling mistakes and check the format so it looks neat and clear.

London is known for finance and tech jobs, while Manchester is great for creative industries and lower living costs compared to the capital. Below are some of the most popular cities in the UK where you can apply for jobs:

London

London is the UK’s biggest job hub with leading industries in finance, technology, and media. The typical salaries range from GBP 45,000 to GBP 85,000 annually, which is around INR 47 lakh to INR 89 lakh.

Manchester

Manchester is a fast-growing city known for its tech, creative, and engineering industries. Average salaries for professionals range from GBP 35,700 to GBP 57,100 per year, about INR 37.5 lakh to INR 60 lakh. The city offers lower living costs than London.

Birmingham

Birmingham has a strong presence in manufacturing, finance, and logistics. Salaries usually fall between GBP 24,000 and GBP 33,000 annually, which equals INR 25.2 lakh to INR 34.6 lakh. Birmingham is a good balance between affordability and career opportunities.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s financial hub, with thriving industries in banking, IT, and law. Professionals typically earn between GBP 40,000 and GBP 65,000 yearly, around INR 42 lakh to INR 68 lakh. The city is also valued for its quality of life and historic culture.

Glasgow

Glasgow has major opportunities in healthcare, education, and public services. The average salaries range from GBP 30,000 to GBP 50,000 per year, about INR 31.5 lakh to INR 52.5 lakh. Its lower cost of living and growing service economy make it attractive.

An important thing you should avoid is applying without understanding visa rules, and one of the best things you can do is build a strong CV and apply through trusted platforms. 

Below is a table of dos and don'ts you can follow to improve your chances of landing a high-paying job in the UK:

Looking for jobs in the UK can feel overwhelming when you are also managing visa rules, financial documents, and countless application deadlines. Many students often worry about whether their CV matches UK standards or if they are even applying to the right employers who can sponsor visas.

That’s where Yocket Premium can make a difference. With expert guidance on clarity about visa clarity, you can move ahead with confidence. Yocket Premium helps you at every step of the journey.