You will require a valid passport or European National Identity Card to enter the United Kingdom. Before you start looking for work, check with a local British Consulate to ensure you meet all requirements.

If you are coming from a country outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), a work visa is also required. This involves a potential employer demonstrating that they cannot find a better candidate within the EU or EEA. A university degree, several years experience in a senior position, or directly relevant experience will be a minimum requirement.

In line with higher costs of living, salaries in London are the highest in the country, yet lower than some comparative positions in Europe or the United States. Large companies may offer benefits such as health insurance, a car or travel allowance, a mobile phone, or shares or options, and tax rates are lower than in Europe or the US. All full-time employees receive a minimum 20 working days paid leave per year in addition to public holidays.

You will find a large selection of employment opportunities through career portals, London newspaper websites, and online recruitment agencies. Four of the most popular career portals, where both companies and recruitment agencies place jobs, are www.jobserve.co.uk, www.monster.co.uk, www.totaljobs.com and www.jobsite.co.uk

Senior management and top graduate positions are advertised in The Times (www.timesonline.co.uk), whilst the Job sections in The Guardian (www.jobs.guardian.co.uk) and Daily Telegraph (www.jobs.telegraph.co.uk), list positions across all levels of management by industry.

There are several companies that specialise in recruitment and placement of qualified international staff including Michael Page International (www.michaelpage.co.uk), NetExpat (www.netexpat.com), Reed (www.reed.co.uk), and Robert Walters (www.robertwalters.co.uk). Try looking in industry related magazines for specialist roles and recruitment companies.

Consider contacting multinational companies based in your country about positions in their London offices, and ask friends or contacts currently working in the UK to make enquiries through their local network of associates or send you any helpful information. Kompass (www.kompass.com) can provide you with a list of London company names, addresses and the services provided.

When applying for a job you should include copies of any degree certificates, references from previous employers, and any experience that qualifies you for the position. Job application formats and techniques in the UK may differ to those in your own country. Read through the tips and articles available on career portals and recruitment sites relating to application requirements, CV presentations and interview techniques, to ensure your first impression is memorable for all the right reasons.

If you are in London you may want to contact FOCUS (www.focus-info.org), a non-profit membership organisation for expatriates. They offer a range of programmes on subjects such as career development, adapting your CV and cover letter to local standards, interviewing techniques, and working with the British in Britain. It also provides an opportunity to meet people with similar aspirations, network on a social and business level, and learn from current international London residents.

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