Finding a job

As one of the biggest cities in the world, London offers a large variety of job opportunities for travellers, both temporary and permanent. With everything from bar and retail jobs to high-flying managerial and finance positions on the cards, you're sure to find your niche somewhere.

"There's no reason why you can't have a job or at least some interviews sorted before you touch down"

Job-seekers on working holiday visas are popular candidates for short-term contract work, which is ideal for those who want the flexibility to work and travel. Temping is also a good way to get your foot in the door of your chosen career — work hard, impress the bosses and it may not be long before you land yourself a permanent job.

The employment market remains relatively buoyant compared with a few years ago but, depending on your field, it might still take a week or two to find work, so be prepared. That said, if you do your homework, make contact with agencies and send them your CV before you leave home, there's no reason why you can't have a job or at least some interviews sorted before you touch down.

Your CV
This is the most important piece of paper you will need in London bar your passport so make sure it is on target. The first thing you have to realise is that the UK format is different to that at home and if you don't even bother re-formatting your CV, there's a fair chance it will be thrown in the bin no matter how good you are.

If you are not sure what you want to do in London then do up two or three CVs tailored to each sector to maximise your chances of getting a job. There is no point telling someone how well you can pour a beer if you want to work as a receptionist. Use a bit of common sense. And don't get too creative on your CV hoping that because an agency or employer is on the other side of the world, they won't contact the referees you have named in your papers back home. They will.
CV tips - Download CV template

Recruitment agencies
For many new arrivals to the UK, dealing with an employment agency is a new experience. Depending on who you see and what skills you have to offer, they can be either your best friend or an endless source of frustration. Nevertheless, they're most likely your best bet at finding work. Here's how to go about it:

* Get the contact details of agencies from TNT Magazine, the phonebook or the web. Phone first to explain that you would like to forward your CV for consideration, then confirm it has been received and arrange an appointment.
* Take a hard copy of your CV, references, passport with your working visa and your National Insurance number or, in Ireland, your PPS number. If you don't have a number, explain that you're in the process of getting it.
* In addition to a one-to-one interview, you may also be asked to take a range of aptitude tests on the software packages you are most proficient in.
* It's best to join more than one agency to increase your chances of a quick result and a variety of job options. Once you're registered with an agency, call regularly to keep them on your case.
* Two major advantages of using agencies is that they can help you get a bank account sorted and some offer free training on their computers to get you up to speed.
* Stay on good terms with your agency as they'll be more willing to help you find work again when you return from your travels. If you let them down, you could find yourself blacklisted.

If you get a job right away, the agency will issue you with an emergency National Insurance (NI) number until you sort a permanent one (see our NI section)

Do it yourself
If you can't find an agency that caters to your specific skills or would rather just take the matter into your own hands, there are plenty of newspapers, magazines and websites which advertise vacancies. For work in a variety of industries, check the adverts in TNT Magazine.

* Most local and national papers carry job advertisements daily. Check out the London Evening Standard, The Guardian, The Independent, The Times, Metro and local newspapers. Several papers publish specific industry job supplements (media, education, finance etc) weekly.

* If you're looking for work in a specialised industry, it's worth getting your hands on the relevant trade publication. And don't underestimate the value of contacting potential employers directly and using any industry contacts you have. Sometimes it can just be a matter of your CV being in the right place at the right time.

* On the internet, check out TNT's Jobs section, www.monster.co.uk, www.fish4jobs.co.uk, and www.totaljobs.com. See www.recruit-online.co.uk or www.londonjobsguide.co.uk for links to other relevant UK job- hunting sites.