Nice article from Brunel University -
http://brunelbusinessschool.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/international-students-guide-to-improving-chances-of-uk-employment/

Some really good information here.

The blog post basically gives reasons why some international students struggle in their job searches in the UK. I'd break down what these reasons into three main categories:

Language difficulties
Culture differences
Lack of or misapplied skills

For language skills, it suggests watching English-language films and TV shows and taking language courses, among other things. I'd add to this that just hanging out and networking with native speakers, or "cultural immersion," can help substantially. And even better is if you can find a native speaking language partner on Craigslist or the like to just sit and talk once a week. Sometimes you can find people who want to improve their skills in your own language as well - so it's a win-win.

In terms of culture (especially workplace etiquette and procedures,) again, a little interaction goes a long way. Also, I'd add that an internship can help, because there is often less pressure in internships than in a real job (not to say they're easy, it's just that if you mess up it's not as big of a deal.) The blog post mentions seeking volunteer opportunities as well, and I think that this is a good idea.

Mismatched or poor skills are challenging issues for many international students, but the blog post points out that in many cases, this may actually be an inability to articulate skills. Again, cultural immersion and language improvement can help with this - but there's also seeking out help from career services for your CV and related job seeking procedures. In this case, going to a school with strong support services is key.

One more thing to back this up: this evening I've just arrived at the MBA Refresher weekend being organised by Ashridge Business School. One thing I picked up from their careers director is that one thing which is not an obstacle is getting a work permit; the concerns about that seem to be really overblown for many international students. There are real obstacles for many international students, but language difficulties and accent are certainly important ones.

So in terms of language, whats the minimum accepted level by employers, lets say IELTS criteria?

As i know, work permit cannot be issued to non-EU/UK citizen unless the employer proves that the candidate cannot be replaced by EU/UK citizen. correct me if i am wrong.

I don't know any employers who use IELTS.

The employer 'proves' that no European is available by advertising the job and saying you're the only qualified candidate. Very simple.

So in terms of language, whats the minimum accepted level by employers, lets say IELTS criteria?

As i know, work permit cannot be issued to non-EU/UK citizen unless the employer proves that the candidate cannot be replaced by EU/UK citizen. correct me if i am wrong.

This is true - one of the concessions that the Border Agency made alongside the new visa laws is that employers do not need to prove that they have already tried to find a local or a European national for the position they're hiring for.

However, this really shifts the burden to those international students seeking work - now they have to research the job market and figure out where their skills line up. And it makes it that much important to hone your language and cultural skills.

Under the new Tier 2 system, employer is not required to undergo labour test, which means that they dont need to proof that they are not able to find candidate with similar skills in the UK or EU.
Mamit

So Ralph, you mean employers will not have to show the UKBA that the 28 days of job announcement has passed without finding local/EU candidate to fit the job and international student can compete with local/EU students.

This is not what is indicated under UKBA site: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/business-sponsors/points/sponsoringmigrants/employingmigrants/residentlabourmarkettest/

labour test will not be applicable to candidates switching from Tier 4 to tier 2.
Mamit

Indeed, if you are on a tier 4 visa (students often are,) and want to move to a tier 2 visa, your potential employer is exempted from completing the labour market test. Your potential job has to pay at least £20k, but if you just completed an MBA I would hope that that wouldn't be a problem.

labour test will not be applicable to candidates switching from Tier 4 to tier 2.
Mamit

The thing is im not sure what is the % of job vacancies that do not have something like: "All applicants must be residents in the UK and eligible to work without permit" in the job description.

This means the employer will not sponsor international candidate or does not have license of sponsorship.

That was helpful, at least in some ways, thank you.

But how can a student graduate with poor English skills from a school at MBA level in the UK?
Do UK schools allow students to graduate even if they can't write and speak in English well?
That doesn't make any sense to me.

I think the best schools, like LBS; or even Oxford/Said or Cambridge/Judge, will ensure that international students are fully prepared, in terms of language and culture, for the UK work environment. But many of the lower ranked schools might not make as much of an effort, because there's no incentive for them to do so. Which makes it even more important for international students to take the initiative to immerse themselves in the culture and language.

That was helpful, at least in some ways, thank you.

But how can a student graduate with poor English skills from a school at MBA level in the UK?
Do UK schools allow students to graduate even if they can't write and speak in English well?
That doesn't make any sense to me.

so how do you think the situation is now in the job market in UK? n hw will it be in about n year's time??

No change. Still hard. Next year will be the same.

labour test will not be applicable to candidates switching from Tier 4 to tier 2.
Mamit

What are the chances of finding a job in the UK following an MBA (top UK school, such as LBS or Oxbridge) for an international student with a EU passport (and therefore no need for visa)? Is it possible to have something lined up by graduation or is it most likely that a job will only turn up in 2 or 3 months' time?

I would say that pretty much EU students at those schools who look for a job in the UK will get at least one job offer before they graduate.

I would say that pretty much EU students at those schools who look for a job in the UK will get at least one job offer before they graduate.

Yes, I would image that also at those schools 95+% of EU students who look for work in the UK will find it before graduation. Ask the schools directly.