I did not expect it!!!

[taiwookunade]

People - It was an interesting day in my life. I had been in UK for almost three months searching for a job relentlessly. I even applied for the lowest paying jobs just to break into the UK job market. Alas!! no one wanted anything to do with me becasue of the lack of UK experience even though I've had almost 4.5 years experience with a big accountacy firm in my home country.

I was always getting calls from recruitment agencies (obviously the fake ones) but none was able to schedule me for any interview. Then, on this particular day, someone from a company I applied to about one month earlier called me and asked if I would like to work as a voluntary accountant. My initial reaction was to tell him off. I could not imagine someone asking me to work for free when I have family to take care of and bills to settle. Anyway, on discussing with my wife, we concluded that I should take up the role to at least gain some UK experience.

After working with the company for three weeks, they asked if I would like to take up the role permanently with a starting salary of 30k. I could not believe my ears. Apart from this wonderful surprise, the work environment is one out of this world. Everyone in the company is so friendly. They will never allow you to go for lunch alone, etc.

I have started getting paid for my service. The reason why I posted this topic is to encourage the people that are still in the situation I was then. You can take up any voluntary job in your area of discipline and use to gain some UK experience. The UK job market is biased towards experience gained within it. Just do what you need to do to get what you want. You may continue to stay at home for months without gaining any experience. Why not use that period to do som voluntary works that will add value to your CV.

Also, do not put in "payless effort". Work as if you are being paid for what you are doing. Who knows, someone may be watching and assessing you.

If I could do it, I bet you can also do it.

That is my story.

[tral_hsmp]

Hi,

Congrats...
That is really a surprise, but also a very good news for HSMP guys like me.

Wish you all the best for your new job.

[vnvijay]

Hi,

Congrats,!!!

Wat was ur qualification, had u done some professional course. I would like to know job market for finance field. Which country are you from, I am from India.

VJ

People - It was an interesting day in my life. I had been in UK for almost three months searching for a job relentlessly. I even applied for the lowest paying jobs just to break into the UK job market. Alas!! no one wanted anything to do with me becasue of the lack of UK experience even though I've had almost 4.5 years experience with a big accountacy firm in my home country.

I was always getting calls from recruitment agencies (obviously the fake ones) but none was able to schedule me for any interview. Then, on this particular day, someone from a company I applied to about one month earlier called me and asked if I would like to work as a voluntary accountant. My initial reaction was to tell him off. I could not imagine someone asking me to work for free when I have family to take care of and bills to settle. Anyway, on discussing with my wife, we concluded that I should take up the role to at least gain some UK experience.

After working with the company for three weeks, they asked if I would like to take up the role permanently with a starting salary of 30k. I could not believe my ears. Apart from this wonderful surprise, the work environment is one out of this world. Everyone in the company is so friendly. They will never allow you to go for lunch alone, etc.

I have started getting paid for my service. The reason why I posted this topic is to encourage the people that are still in the situation I was then. You can take up any voluntary job in your area of discipline and use to gain some UK experience. The UK job market is biased towards experience gained within it. Just do what you need to do to get what you want. You may continue to stay at home for months without gaining any experience. Why not use that period to do som voluntary works that will add value to your CV.

Also, do not put in "payless effort". Work as if you are being paid for what you are doing. Who knows, someone may be watching and assessing you.

If I could do it, I bet you can also do it.

That is my story.

[taiwookunade]

I registered for ACCA exams immediately I got to the UK and included it in my CV. I am from Nigeria.

[hm]

congrats,

I think you have done right thing at right time. But actually in my case I wanted to be volunteer myself. I registered and applied for volunteer positions only.

But to my surprise, no luck yet!! My background is from voluntary sector, but I was paid employee in my home country.

[crusador0408]

Hearty Congratulations... I am also hunting job, its just been a month. I think 2 months is a normal time.

Thanks for your good post.

[vnvijay]

hey dude,

are you from Finance background!!

Wat is your qualification, which place are you from ?
VJ

congrats,

I think you have done right thing at right time. But actually in my case I wanted to be volunteer myself. I registered and applied for volunteer positions only.

But to my surprise, no luck yet!! My background is from voluntary sector, but I was paid employee in my home country.

[hm]

I am not from finance background, from env. engineering field but working in voluntary sector.[/quote]

[taiwookunade]

I have a degree in accounting. I also have a professional qualification from my home country. However, I had to register for ACCA before I was even able to get any interview.

[chakde23]

Hi,

What kind of experience you have in IT

Hearty Congratulations... I am also hunting job, its just been a month. I think 2 months is a normal time.

Thanks for your good post.