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Few tips for French people looking for a job in London!

by  Francois Lebrun

Working in London when you are French!
Not that easy but not "Mission Impossible"!
You will find below some advice that France In London's members have experienced in the past.

Before finding a job:

Advice nb 1: Start ASAP your job hunting from France using one of your friend's address here in London. Your chances to bet a call from recruiters will dramatically improve!
Advice nb 2: Check out the following websites specialized :

And obviously, www.franceinlondon.com where you can find many jobs available placed by French restaurants, French shops and many others. And it's FREE!

Advice nb 3: Put the stress on your language skills. This is worths a lot whether you are looking for a job in a bar or in the business worl. But do not overestimate them either! You'll be caught very fast!

Advice nb 4: Do not hesitate to call back the recruiters to get an interview! It is extremely beneficial above all if you seek a marketing job or a sales job. Do not hesitate to introduce yourself directly to the firm at the front door.
Generally, interviews in the UK are less formal than in France, so don't be surprised if the recruiter asks you to have a coffee in the Starbucks' corner.

After finding a job:
Congratulations! You have found a job in London! Now you'll have to worry about boring formalities such as the National Insurance Number or Bank Account.

What about The National Insurance Number?

 It is like the French "numéro de sécurité sociale". It will allow you to pay less tax when you have a job.

This « Insurance Number » will also enable you to go to see a doctor or to go to the hospital for free.


 National Insurance Card

What you've got to do is:

1. To find your closest "jobcentre" agency from your home

Please click on the following link
On the phone, you will have to inform them of:

  • Your identity, situation, how long have you been in the UK for
  • Your adress in London, so that they can give you an apoointement next to your house
  • The name and address of your boss if you have a job
2- Following this phone call, you will get an appointement and you will receive by post a confirmation's letter with the list of the documents to provide on the D day

3-On the day of your appointment, give your name at the reception and wait until you are called

4-After checking your documents and a few words exchanged, you will receive your National Insurance Number by post within 6 weeks. So be patient!!!

If you want to read more information about the NIN, please click on the following link:

Job Centre Plus

Department of Work and Pension :

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/ni_number.asp


What about the opening of a bank account in the UK?

Contrary to France, current accounts are totally free. Nevertheless, note that you might be charged for a Visa and Mastercard's credit cards in some famous English banks such as HSBC or Nawest, but free in others such as Fish.

To open an account, you must provide a proof of address such as utility bills. (gas, electricity, council tax) or a letter from your estate agent.

If you are an Erasmus student, it will be much easier because you certainly filled out some forms prior to your departure.

Most famous banks:Natwest, HSBC, Lloyds TSB, Virgin

One of the best benefits in working in the UK is that your income tax is directly deducted from your salary each month. So no surprises at the end of the year like in France :)

Good luck!

The France in London's team
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