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by runningaway » Tue, 10 Sep 2019 11:03 pm
Hello, DP holder here too... I am in a different field and have not lived in London (but in other parts of the UK, coming from yet another country), and I am used to putting A LOT of work in my job searches before I get anything (which is usually not what I want but at least in the right field - for example, to switch jobs once I had to do 30+ applications and about 9-10 interviews. Yes I am not very good at interviews). I do hear that IT/software types seem to basically walk into jobs any time they want... at least back in Europe.
From looking at these forums (I have read a few posts this evening), a lot seems to have to do with expectations... I came prepared to take months and months to find a job and I am deciding on plan B if I don't get anything within a year. I was surprised to be called for an interview and whichever way it goes (it hasn't happened yet) at least it shows I'm not doing things wrong as I was getting a bit paranoid about not knowing the local etiquette and perhaps doing something wrong. So it gives me strength to carry on, if I will have to. The field I am in is notoriously slow (I think some aspects are similar all over the world) so in my case I also don't expect quick turnarounds. Googling the job title for my interview made me notice that it was posted on LinkedIn 4 months ago (but I saw it on the organisation's own job page just 3 weeks ago, so I imagine it was a re-post) which makes me think it's not been filled by a local and they can now move on to considering the crazy foreigner.
When I am out and about and talk to people, they do look at me really worried when I say I have a DP... I knew it was going to be hard though the worried looks do worry me even more!
As for getting out and talking to people -as above - try Meetup? Don't know if I can put URLs, it's a website, it's for socialising but I find it very positive to meet people from all walks of life, even if it's just "for fun", as it helps me learn more about the place and I have asked for tips to either locals or people who have been here a while. Sometimes there are professional groups as well, maybe relating to a certain role or skill, so they might be more targeted than just "fun", but it all depends what's out there and what you look for, and what your interests are.
I am also looking at volunteering, and language courses (or other professional skills). These unfortunately cost money but I am determined to make the most of the freedom of not having a job, while keeping myself busy and "getting out there". I am living on my savings and of course my partner has a job here, he's not making a huge amount of money (on local contract, but obviously enough to have a DP) but in theory we could cope even without me working but I prefer to maintain my independence and keep a career going.