Many Nigerians see the UK as the next bus stop when seeking job opportunities abroad.
The UK has a solid and globalized economy, multiple career opportunities, standard health services, and an internationally recognized educational system.
Asides from this, the UK has a strong relationship with Nigeria partly because the latter was colonized by the former.
Working in the UK is a great choice, especially if you want to earn in foreign currency and build a career abroad.
Hence, in this article, I will show how you can get a job in the UK from Nigeria without hassles.
It is important to note that before you can work in the UK legally, you need to obtain a work permit or visa.
Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.
Table of contents
UK Work Permit
Nigerians who wish to work in the UK must obtain a permit to do so legally.
Several types of UK work permits or visas are available to you depending on your skills and qualifications, whether you have a job offer or sponsorship, your job type and duration, and whether you wish to bring your family to the UK.
However, our focus here is the Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2 General Visa), as it is the most common long-term visa option for individuals seeking to work in the UK.
With this visa, you can stay in the UK for up to five (5) years and extend it upon expiry.
It would help if you had secured a job offer before applying for the visa, and your job must be one of the eligible occupations on the list.
Note that the UK handles immigration via a Points Based Assessment System.
Hence, an applicant must score specific points to be eligible for a work permit.
Eligibility for UK Work Permit
To be eligible for a UK work permit or visa, you must :
- I have scored a total of 70 points on the Points-Based Assessment System.
- Have secured a job offer from a Home Office-approved employer.
- Meet the salary requirements.
- Have at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least two (2) years of work experience from the eligible occupations list.
Requirements for UK Work Permit
The following documents are required to obtain a permit and work in the UK:
- International passport
- English proficiency test result
- Job title
- Annual salary
- Job occupation code
- Name of the employer
- The sponsor licence number of the employer
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship [CoS] reference number
- Proof of financial ability
- Tuberculosis test result
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of paid UK visa fees
- UK visa application form
Getting a Job in the UK from Nigeria
The following are the steps to get a job in the United Kingdom (UK) from Nigeria;
- Meet the Requirements
- Prepare your CV
- Draft a Good Cover Letter
- Search Online
- Network
Meet the Requirements
It is the first step when you want to get a job in the UK. I have outlined the general requirements above.
However, every job has specific requirements before anyone can be employed.
For instance, some jobs require two-year work experience in that field, and others may require no experience.
Some jobs may require you to have higher educational qualifications than others.
Research what your desired job roles need for employment and prepare to meet the requirements if you don’t already.
Prepare your CV
Your CV speaks a lot about you and determines whether you will be employed for the job.
However, your CV for Nigerian job roles cannot be the same for UK job roles as the two countries have different standards.
Hence, before you apply for any job, you should create your CV in a UK style to meet the expectations of your recruiters.
The following tips would be of help to you to prepare your curriculum vitae:
- Use a chronological CV format outlining your most recent work experience first, followed by your previous work experience. It is the same for your educational background.
- Make sure your words are written in British English, as using any other form of English can displease your employer.
- Your CV should not exceed two pages.
- If it is too long, it might not be read correctly.
- Remember that you are likely not the only one applying for the job, especially if it is a competitive position.
- Do not attach a photo to your CV, as it is usually not acceptable.
- Include only your contact information, such as your phone number, full name, address and email address. Please do not include your date of birth, as it is irrelevant.
- Write a concise personal statement that captures your skills, experience and what makes you suitable for the role.
- A personal statement is not compulsory, but it may be an excellent way to get your recruiter’s attention.
Draft a Good Cover Letter
A cover letter is another way for your employers to know who you are without seeing you, so it must be well written.
Before writing your cover letter, you must research the company.
Understand their values, vision and mission, necessary staff, achievements etc.
Remember that a cover letter isn’t about you but about how much you know the company and how you can make things better there.
The letter must be short, formal and direct. Cross-check your grammar usage and sentence structure.
You need to make sure everything is on point.
Search Online
Technology has made things easier for everyone, including job seekers.
You can find a suitable job in the comfort of your home by checking job websites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, Reed etc.
These websites show you different kinds of jobs, their description, their salary range, and employer, among others.
There are thousands of jobs to choose from, and you have many options.
However, deciding on what you want before doing your research is best, as you may end up confused.
You can also make use of UK recruitment agencies to find jobs. Some of them include InterQuest Group, Blue Arrow, Morgan Hunt etc.
Network
At some point in our lives, we would need help because we don’t know it all.
Hence, most times, you need people to get you your dream job. Meet people of like minds and try to pitch to them.
Attend events, conferences, and seminars that are career based so you can make connections.
Even if you are an introvert, use online platforms such as LinkedIn.
Optimize your profile, use a professional picture and make relevant posts.
You never can tell who is watching!
In Demand Jobs in the UK for Nigerians
- Nurses
- Engineers
- Teachers
- Pharmacists
- Graphic designers
- IT specialists
- Product Manager
- Brokers
- Legal professionals
- Drivers, etc.
Minimum Wage in the UK
The minimum wage in the UK, also known as the National Minimum Wage, varies as it depends on the employee’s age.
The minimum wages for different age groups are given below:
- National Minimum Wage for individuals aged 23 and above: £9.50 an hour
- National Minimum Wage for individuals aged 21-22: £9.18
- National Minimum Wage for individuals aged 18-20: £6.83
- National Minimum Wage for individuals under 18: £4.81
- The Apprentice rate: £4.81
Conclusion
The UK is a good option for Nigerians seeking a career in any field.
However, the process involved in getting a job in the UK can be daunting.
This article has unveiled how you can get a job in the UK from Nigeria.
It is advisable to pick a job after you must have considered factors peculiar to you such as your qualification, the working hours, the salary range etc.
Let me know in the comment box below if you have any questions or need further clarification. I will love to help you.
Hello Sir,
I’m Olowo Charles Sunday by name. I had BA English from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. I’m working with Pz Cussons Nigeria Plc as Territory Sales Manager with over 16 years sales experience.
I’m interested in securing job opportunity in UK, and I would be grateful if you can be of assistance.
Regards
Olowo Charles and
Sure, I can help you with that. Here are some things you can do to secure a job opportunity in the UK as a sales manager:
1. Update your CV and LinkedIn profile. Make sure your CV is tailored to the UK job market and that it highlights your skills and experience as a sales manager. You should also update your LinkedIn profile and make sure it is up-to-date with your latest work experience and qualifications.
2. Research companies and job opportunities. There are many companies in the UK that are looking for sales managers. Do some research to find companies that are a good fit for your skills and experience. You can use online job boards, company websites, and LinkedIn to find job opportunities.
3. Network with people in the UK sales industry. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and reach out to people you know who are working in sales in the UK. Networking can be a great way to learn about job opportunities and get your foot in the door.
4. Apply for jobs. Once you have found some job opportunities that you are interested in, apply for them. Be sure to tailor your application to each job and highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the position.
5. Prepare for interviews. Once you have been shortlisted for an interview, be sure to prepare thoroughly. Practice answering common interview questions and research the company you are interviewing with.
my name is olatunji.my question is that,is it possible for someone with facial tribal markes to get work permit in uk. i am an Accountant ,,ACA.
Hi Olatunji,
Yes, it is possible for someone with facial tribal marks to get a work permit in the UK. The UK government does not discriminate against people based on their appearance, and facial tribal marks are not considered a reason to refuse a work permit.
However, it is important to be aware that some employers in the UK may have a negative perception of facial tribal marks. This is because they may be unfamiliar with the cultural significance of these marks, or they may be concerned about how they will be perceived by customers or clients.
If you are applying for a work permit in the UK with facial tribal marks, it is important to be prepared to answer questions about the marks and their cultural significance. You should also be prepared to explain how the marks will not affect your ability to do your job.
Good day.
What does it mean to have “right to work in the UK”?
And does a person in Nigeria have that right?
“Right to work in the UK” refers to the legal authorization for an individual to work and be employed in the United Kingdom. It means that a person has the necessary immigration status or citizenship that allows them to work and earn a living in the UK.
Whether a person in Nigeria has the right to work in the UK depends on their immigration status. In general, individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland need to obtain the appropriate visa or work permit to legally work in the UK.
There are different types of work visas available, such as Tier 2 (General) Visa for skilled workers, Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa for specific short-term employment, and other categories based on the individual’s qualifications and circumstances.
To work in the UK, a person from Nigeria would typically need to go through the visa application process and meet the specific requirements set by the UK Home Office.
These requirements may include having a job offer from a UK employer, meeting specific skill and salary thresholds, and demonstrating English language proficiency.
Do you have COS for support work UK
Yes, I can provide you with a sample COS (Certificate of Sponsorship) for Support Worker in the UK.
Good job you are doing here, God bless you sir. Please I will like to know if there are jobs offer that pays for Visa sponsorship and someone can easily apply for here in Nigeria? Thanks
Hello, Odunayo
I hope you are having a great day?
Thanks for the feedback.
Yes, there are jobs in the UK that offer visa sponsorship and can be applied for from Nigeria. However, it’s important to note that the process of obtaining a visa sponsorship for work in the UK can be competitive and time-consuming, and not all employers are willing to provide sponsorship.
One way to find jobs in the UK that offer visa sponsorship is to search for job openings on UK job boards, such as Indeed.co.uk, Reed.co.uk, or Monster.co.uk. You can use keywords like “visa sponsorship” or “sponsorship available” to narrow down your search results. It’s also a good idea to research companies that are known to sponsor visas and check their job openings directly on their website.
Another way to find job opportunities in the UK is to work with recruitment agencies that specialize in helping international candidates find work in the UK. Some examples of such agencies include Hays, Reed Specialist Recruitment, and Michael Page. These agencies can help you identify suitable job openings and guide you through the visa application process.
It’s important to make sure you meet the necessary qualifications and requirements for the job and visa before applying. You’ll also need to have a valid passport and meet the UK visa requirements. Good luck in your job search!
This Is Very Impressive,i Am A SSCE Holder And I Base In Nigeria,please,kindly Indicate Jobs That Me Require SSCE In Uk Which After,i Will Further My Education.
Please Keep Me Connected
A variety of job roles may be available in the UK for SSCE holders from Nigeria. While some jobs may require additional qualifications, many entry-level positions are available for individuals with a high school education. Here are some examples:
1. Customer Service Representative – responsible for providing support to customers and resolving issues, often over the phone or online.
2. Retail Sales Associate – responsible for assisting customers with purchases in a retail store.
3. Food Service Worker – responsible for preparing and serving food in restaurants, cafes, or other food service establishments.
4. Warehouse Operative – responsible for performing tasks such as receiving and processing goods, picking and packing orders, and operating warehouse equipment.
5. Cleaner – responsible for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in public and private spaces such as offices, schools, and hospitals.
6. Security Guard – responsible for maintaining safety and security in public and private spaces such as shopping centers, museums, and hotels.
7. Caregiver – responsible for providing care and assistance to the elderly or individuals with disabilities in residential or healthcare facilities.
8. Hospitality Staff – responsible for providing services such as cleaning, cooking, and customer service in hotels, restaurants, or other hospitality establishments.
9. Personal Assistant – responsible for assisting individuals or organizations with administrative tasks such as scheduling, correspondence, and record keeping.
10. Office Administrator – responsible for managing administrative tasks such as organizing files, answering phones, and coordinating meetings.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Other job roles may be available to SSCE holders from Nigeria in the UK, depending on their level of education, experience, and expertise. It’s important to research the job market and requirements for specific roles before applying.
Good day Sir, I am graduate with BSC microbiology and I love the duty of customer service in the UK.
How can I find one please?
If you have a passion for customer service and are interested in finding opportunities in the UK, here are some steps you can take:
1. Research Job Portals: Start by exploring job portals and websites that specialize in listing customer service positions in the UK. Popular platforms include Indeed, Reed, Totaljobs, and LinkedIn. Use relevant keywords like “customer service,” “customer support,” or “customer care” along with your location preferences.
2. Company Websites: Visit the websites of companies that you are interested in working for. Many organizations have dedicated career pages where they advertise job openings. Look for positions related to customer service, client relations, or customer support.
3. Networking: Networking can be a valuable tool in finding job opportunities. Connect with professionals in the customer service industry through platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions. Inform your connections about your career interests and ask for any potential leads or referrals.
4. Recruitment Agencies: Consider reaching out to recruitment agencies that specialize in placing candidates in customer service roles. They can assist you in finding suitable positions based on your qualifications and preferences.
5. Online Job Boards: Explore online job boards and forums that specifically cater to customer service roles in the UK. These platforms often provide job listings, career advice, and resources tailored to the industry.
6. Professional Development: Enhance your skills and knowledge in customer service by pursuing relevant certifications or attending training programs. This will make you stand out as a qualified candidate and increase your chances of finding a suitable position.
7. Tailor Your Application: When applying for customer service roles, customize your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. Emphasize your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and your ability to handle customer inquiries and complaints effectively.
8. Be Open to Entry-Level Positions: Starting with entry-level positions can be a great way to gain experience and progress in your customer service career. Many companies offer training and development opportunities to help you grow within the organization.
Am Legal Practitioner desirous of securing a job in UK
Hello Ataine,
I hope you have been making progress with your application.
I need a care job in UK,am a behavioral therapist handling kids on the spectrum with 6 yrs experience.
Hello,
Are you currently based in Nigeria?
Is there a sample of uk standard way of writing cv
Yes, Lydia
See the format for writing a UK standard CV here.
Thanks for all the guidelines and pls i need a good mentor
Hello Adeoyo,
In what aspect do you need a mentor?
i will be happy if you can put me through all this pls,
Eny,
What assistance do you need?