Your bags aren’t quite unpacked and you’ve barely had time to tell your mum you’ve landed safely – but already your pockets are light. This is London after all. Gone are dreams of frolicking in Hyde Park and washing down fish and chips with pint after pint. It’s time to get a job. But it’s not all doom and gloom. We happen to know which industries hire Antipodeans like they’re dying out, and we’re sharing our insider info with you. In no time you’ll be exchanging Europiss fizz for a shaken Martini. It’s what James Bond drinks; and you’re on his home turf after all.
Hospitality
Hospitality jobs abound in London with its busy bar and restaurant scene. From pulling pints in old-fashioned boozers to serving up delicacies in upmarket venues, there are many openings and experience requirements are broad. If you’ve got a background in hospitality there’s scope for moving into the hotel industry. Concierge and receptionists require a winning smile and a good sense of humour; management jobs are busier but with so many hotels in the city, you’ll find a good fit.
Suits you if: You’re sociable and energetic, happy to have a job that keeps you on your feet and enjoy a stiff drink with the team now and again.
Got the skills? Bar and restaurant jobs don’t always require experience, although it can help. And if you’re a trained cocktail mixologist? Well, you’re in. No other city in the world appreciates a good Sex on the Beach more. Ironic, given the weather.
Money and hours: If you have bar tending qualifications – this could be an IBA certificate or a WSET in bar work in the UK – you can earn up to £16,000pa. Otherwise you’ll be closer to minimum wage. But you can bank on getting extra tips for that accent. Part-time hours are offered but shifts can be late. A hotel salary ranges from £20,000-£40,000 depending on experience.
Care work
Nannying is a British tradition (think Mary Poppins) so London is awash with agencies that can set you up with a family and many of the options are live-in. Great if you’re currently homeless. Housekeeping jobs are also set up this way. If screaming children scare you off you could work with the elderly or disabled, though experience is needed.
Suits you if: You’re patient, compassionate and you own a flying umbrella (not really).
Got the skills? For full-time nannying jobs, Cache level 1,2,3, BTEC, NNEB or a degree in early childhood is required and background checks will be carried out. Carers are vetted and interviewed by specialists before they’re hired.
Money and hours: Live-in hours can be demanding (10-12 hours a day) but the pay is good: £400-500 a week for a nannying job and up to £750 as a home-carer, though this requires being on call 24 hours a day. With rent and food often covered, the savings here are easily an extra plane ticket home.
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Teaching
You don’t have to be a stern Victorian school ma’am who speaks the Queen’s English to teach in London. In fact Antipodeans are particularly in demand here, known for their enthusiasm and people skills. Short-term contracts are the best way to start. If your background isn’t in the classroom you can pick up some cash by tutoring or bandying language skills you may have across a room of keen adult learners.
Suits you if: You’re confident and calm.
Got the skills? You must have UK recognised teaching qualifications and be registered here as an OTT. Tutoring requirements are more lax.
Money and hours: Great holiday and £120 a day for contract work, £150 for long-term. Tutoring offers flexible hours and great pay.
Trades and labour
This is for the burly men (and women) out there. The need for plumbers, builders, carpenters and electricians will never go away, especially in a city as leaky as London, so jobs are plentiful. There are websites devoted to this sector so the job hunt needn’t detract from other manly pursuits.
Suits you if: Did we say you should be burly? And steady with a saw.
Got the skills? Most construction qualifications you’ve earned at home will translate, but many jobs require that you hold industry standards cards such as the ECS. Apply for this online.
Leisure and tourism
This covers everything from fitness instructor to city-tour guide, to festival crew. Probably the most happy-go-lucky jobs of the bunch, they fit well with other work and will guarantee new mates and novel experiences.
Suits you if: You’re happy to grin for hours and can answer the question,“where is the loo?” all day long. Got the skills? The main criteria here are enthusiasm and friendliness. Experience isn’t required to lead tours or jack-up tents for gigs – but knowing your right from your left does help.
Money and hours: These jobs can be short-term, such as crewing weekends before festivals, or evening only, such as fitness training. There’s usually some full-time work on offer too. Pay will vary but it’s not going to be top dollar. Here, it’s the fun that counts.
