ticklish question

[emmala]

Here's one for you. I'm an American citizen (no commonwealth or eu citizenship in addition) and I am about to start applying for jobs in the UK (yes I've lived there before, and I'm also applying for jobs in the US and Canada, this is not some weird anglophile post, just looking for a job anywhere I would be willing to live

Comments

[mybdog]

I NEVER put my nationality on CV or cover letter unless they ask specifically. I also say "yes" to driver's license even though it's US... just because I'd rather get to the interview before they turn me away.

That said, even though my MSc is from a UK institution and a lot of my work is abroad they always seem to know I'm American ahead of time, asking for passport before hearing my accent, etc.

[sascha]

Many employers will request a passport from everybody. At one of my previous jobs, they had hired 30 people in one go, and we all had to bring in our passports and wait for them to be photocopied. As far as I know, I was the only American.

[eofs]

Yeah, I'm British and have often been asked to bring a passport to show proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

[magicalsibylle]

I don't see why you should. I never thought about it - are you thinking about a case where they would be reluctant to interview you because of worries related to getting a visa in time, stuff like that?

[emmala]

yeah that's the gist. the UK is cracking down so hard on non UK residents (never mind non EU ones) that there is a big disincentive to even consider someone whose american. I would like them to bother to consider me.

[mrs_ralph]

Since, as far as I know, your potential employer has to apply for a visa/work permit for you and you have to have unique qualifications that can't be found in the UK or EU I suspect it would be a good idea to let them know up front so they can decide if they want to wade through the red tape or not.

[myfirstkitchen]

That and we (UK) have an immigration cap right now, so on pure numbers they might not be able to do it.

[eee_eph]

I agree with this, and, besides, most application forms include it as a standard question, worded something like 'do you have the right to work in the UK?'.

[eastertheatre]

That's what I was thinking -- why waste their time if they aren't actually willing to do what it takes to bring you into the country?However, I suspect that those who aren't willing to do so will just trash your CV as soon as they see a foreign address and no indication that you have the right to work there.

[timill]

As a Brit living in the US, I always state up front that I already have a green card so any employer knows they won't have visa hassles with me.

But if you don't already have a visa, I'm less sure that I'd disclose it initially.

[goose_entity]

Same situation.

On the one hand, potential employers are not allowed to ask those questions.

On the other hand, you want the job :)

Quick correction

[dionysia]

In the US, it is legal to ask: "Are you authorized to work in the United States?" What you cannot ask is "are you a citizen?" "where were you born?" etc.

Re: Quick correction

[goose_entity]

er. Yeah. That's totally what I meant to say.

*cough*

Whaaat?!!? :)

[carolinesestate]

I think most of the time you will be asked outright on the application form what your nationality is.

If you aren't asked though, or there isn't a form, I suppose I wouldn't say anything.

They will ask at interview.