Work and career support for your move to the UK

Job search, recruitment, training, networking and business set-up — vetted and reviewed for anyone building a career or starting a business in the UK. Browse by service type or explore featured providers across the full Working section.

Browse sub-categories ↓
5
Sub-categories
25+
Vetted providers
Free
Always free to use
Free newsletter

The expat guide to settling in the UK

Practical guides on schools, visas, healthcare and housing — written for people actually making the move.

275,000+ subscribers 24% open rate Free, always

No spam. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy policy.

Questions & answers

Common questions about working in the UK

Practical answers covering job hunting, recruitment, training, networking and setting up a business for people moving to the UK.

Start by building a CV in the UK format and registering on the main job boards and a professional network such as LinkedIn. Upload your CV so recruiters can find you, set alerts for your target roles, and apply directly. Recruitment agencies can also match you to vacancies, including ones never advertised. Be ready to confirm your right to work, which UK employers check early.
No. Reputable UK recruitment agencies are paid by the employer when they place a candidate, so registering is free for job seekers. Be cautious of any agency asking for upfront fees to find you work, as charging candidates for finding employment is generally not permitted under UK rules. Legitimate optional services, such as CV writing, should always be clearly explained.
A job board is a platform where you search and apply to advertised vacancies yourself, and where agencies and employers can find your uploaded CV. A recruitment agency is a firm whose consultants actively match you to roles and represent you to employers. Boards give you reach and control; agencies give you an advocate. Many job seekers use both together.
It depends on the qualification and profession. Some regulated careers require UK-specific registration or a recognised equivalent, while many roles value relevant experience. UK ENIC is the official body that compares overseas qualifications to UK standards. Before retraining, check how your existing qualifications translate, as you may need less additional study than expected.
Each UK nation runs a free careers service that can point you toward funded or free training: the National Careers Service in England, My World of Work in Scotland and Careers Wales in Wales. Local colleges, libraries and Jobcentres also advertise free or subsidised courses, and some employers fund staff training. Eligibility for funded courses depends on your circumstances, so check with the relevant service.
Increasingly, yes — what matters to employers is the credibility of the credential, not whether it was earned online. Courses from recognised universities, employer-built certificates and CPD-certified programmes are generally well regarded. For skills-based courses, demonstrable ability and a portfolio often matter as much as the certificate. Research how your specific field views a given qualification before committing.
Begin with a few well-chosen events rather than trying to do everything. Chambers of commerce and listings platforms show a wide range of professional gatherings, while sector communities are friendlier if you want a specific field. Set a modest goal, follow up within a day or two, and return to the same recurring events so familiar faces start to become a network.
You can usually register a UK business regardless of nationality, but your immigration status determines whether you can actively run or work in it, so check your visa conditions first. The steps are choosing a structure, registering with Companies House and HMRC where required, and setting up for tax. A business consultant or accountant experienced with international founders can make sure the set-up is right.
You can search and apply at any stage, but employers and agencies will check your right to work before hiring, as they are legally required to verify it. If your right to work depends on a visa, be upfront about your status and any restrictions so you are matched only to roles you can legally take. Having your documentation ready speeds the process up.
Yes. Browsing the Working directory and its listings is completely free. Some provider links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you sign up or purchase at no extra cost to you, and some providers may pay a listing fee — but neither affects who appears or how we describe them. Our recommendations are made independently.

Are you a provider?

We're actively reviewing new applications in this category.

Apply for a listing →

This page was last updated on 30 May 2026.