London has emerged as a hot spot for digital opportunities in recent years. Whether it’s more startups launching in the capital, major organisations such as Microsoft opening new offices in London, or huge retailers offering in-store digital experiences, digital opportunities in London have certainly increased. Although there has been an increase in the available roles in London, competition has also increased. Overcoming a crowded talent pool can be challenging and clients are always changing, thanks to new working methods.
How can you land a job in London? Here are some strategic tips:
This is always the first step in the journey of landing a new opportunity. A fresh and clean CV with a clear representation of skills and desired roles will attract potential employers and recruiters to your CV. Including your desire or aim to land a role in London in your personal summary is a good thing. This way, it narrows down your options and helps you land opportunities in that location.
Utilise LinkedIn in your job search. Update your LinkedIn with a professional photo, detailed job descriptions, and endorsements. Recruiters in London heavily use LinkedIn for hiring.
The great thing about pursuing a digital role in London is that there is an abundance of networking opportunities around the capital. These include conferences, events, and webinars. By attending such events, you will be able to meet like-minded professionals with similar goals who can give you advice as well as meet recruiters on the lookout for digital talent. For those who attended university in London, tap into alumni groups for job referrals and advice.
If you are planning to relocate to London, it is a good idea to do some research into the city and what it offers. Due to the rise in the cost of living, factors such as living arrangements, travel, and daily essentials such as food can be a concern for those residing in London. However, understanding the current climate and making plans accordingly can make the transition a bit smoother.
If you require sponsorship, prioritise companies that are licensed to hire international candidates. Check the UK Home Office Sponsor List for eligible employers and additional assistance.
London has a thriving contract and freelance market, which can be a great way to get your foot in the door at top companies and showcase your skillset. With the rise in online companies, this has meant the need for talented digital professionals in areas such as graphic design, website creation, content creation, and social media management.
A fixed-term contract or freelance role in London could be a great way to experience working in different industries and in companies of different sizes. There’s no reason why you can’t take on a freelance role alongside your permanent job.
The job market in London can differ from other parts of the UK due to the competition. Researching salary benchmarks, industry trends, and company culture can provide you with a good idea of the requirements when applying for opportunities.
London is a hot spot for opportunities in general, but it is also very competitive, so rejections are likely and normal. Keep refining your approach, learning from feedback, and staying persistent.
By taking advantage of networking opportunities, short-term work, and regular communication with recruiters, you are likely to find a breakthrough sooner rather than later.
We work with a variety of clients in London. These include Startups, Ecommerce brands, FMCG, Blue-Chip organisations, Digital Agencies, Technology Specialists, VSs, and Private Equity.
Our consultants have a wealth of industry knowledge regarding industry trends, and continuing changes in employer demands. This helps us tailor your needs to find you the best opportunities in digital; whether you’re looking for a permanent or fixed-term contract position.
Keep up with the latest opportunities on our website, sign up for our email newsletters, and follow our activity on social media for regular job postings.