Relocating to London can be both thrilling and daunting for French nationals. While the UK capital offers abundant opportunities, navigating the British job market requires understanding its unique requirements, particularly when it comes to your CV. Unlike in France, British employers have specific expectations that might differ significantly from what you're accustomed to. This guide will help you transform your French-style CV into a document that resonates with British recruiters, maximising your chances of landing that perfect job in London.
Understanding the british cv format
Key differences between french and uk cvs
The British CV differs significantly from its French counterpart in several important ways. While French CVs typically include personal details such as age, nationality, and marital status, British CVs deliberately omit these. In the UK, employers are focused on your skills and experience rather than personal characteristics. Additionally, photos that are common on French CVs are generally not included on British ones, as they could potentially lead to unconscious bias in the recruitment process. British employers also expect a more achievement-oriented approach rather than simply listing job responsibilities.
Length, Structure and Presentation Expectations in London
British CVs should be concise, typically spanning 1-2 pages, unlike some European formats that might be longer. The structure should follow a clear, logical order with well-defined sections. Use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana in sizes 10-12 for the main text and 14-16 for headings. Maintain consistent margins of approximately 2.5 cm and use line spacing of 1.15 or 1.5 to enhance readability. Organize your information in reverse chronological order, with your most recent experience first. Save your document as a PDF to preserve formatting, unless the employer specifically requests a Word file.
Translating your experience for british employers
Converting qualifications and educational achievements
British employers may not be familiar with French qualifications, so it's essential to provide UK equivalents. For instance, a French 'Baccalauréat' is roughly equivalent to A-levels in the UK, while a 'Licence' corresponds to a Bachelor's degree. Master's degrees (BAC+5) are widely recognised, but you should still clarify the specific field of study. When listing your education, include the institution name, qualification earned, dates attended, and location. If you've earned any professional certifications, include these in a separate section, especially if they're internationally recognised or relevant to your target role in London.
Highlighting Transferable Skills Valued in the UK Market
British employers particularly value certain transferable skills that you should emphasise on your CV. These include problem-solving abilities, teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Rather than simply stating these skills, demonstrate them through concrete examples from your professional experience. For technical or hard skills, create a dedicated section listing 5-10 relevant competencies that match the job requirements. If you're a native French speaker with strong English language skills, highlight this as a valuable asset, using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels to indicate your proficiency. Digital literacy and specific software knowledge should also be prominently featured, especially for roles in technology-driven sectors.
Mastering the language nuances
Professional terminology specific to british industries
Understanding and correctly using British professional terminology can significantly strengthen your CV. British English often differs from both American English and translated French terms. For example, in British English, you would use 'CV' rather than 'résumé,' 'holiday' instead of 'vacation,' and 'notice period' rather than 'resignation period.' Industry-specific terminology is equally important. Finance professionals should know terms like 'chartered accountant' rather than using French equivalents. Healthcare workers should be familiar with NHS-specific language. Take time to research the common phrases and keywords in your industry by examining job descriptions and professional publications in your field. This attention to linguistic detail demonstrates your commitment to integrating into the British workplace.
Avoiding common french language patterns in your english cv
When writing your CV in English, be mindful of common French language patterns that might inadvertently creep into your text. French sentence structures tend to be longer and more complex than their English counterparts. Aim for clarity with shorter, more direct sentences. Avoid direct translations of French idioms or expressions that might not make sense to British readers. Another common mistake is overusing passive voice, which is more prevalent in French formal writing but less favoured in British professional communication. English prefers active constructions that emphasize your direct involvement in achievements. Have a native English speaker review your CV if possible, as they can spot subtle linguistic issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Practical CV Submission Tactics for the London Job Hunt
Digital Platforms and Recruitment Agencies for French Expats
The UK job market relies heavily on digital platforms for recruitment. Websites like Guardian Jobs, Indeed, Reed, TotalJobs, and Monster are popular for job searching. Create profiles on these platforms with your British-style CV uploaded and ready to send. LinkedIn is particularly important in the UK, so ensure your profile is complete and complements your CV. For French nationals, specialised recruitment agencies like French Connection or Euro London can provide tailored support. Be aware that many UK employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs before human review. To pass these digital gatekeepers, incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into your CV without compromising readability.
Networking Strategies to Complement Your CV in London
While a strong CV is essential, networking can significantly enhance your job prospects in London. Join French expat groups like 'Les francais a Londres' on Facebook to connect with compatriots who may share job opportunities or advice. Professional networking events, industry conferences, and meetups are excellent venues to distribute your CV personally and make valuable connections. Consider joining professional associations relevant to your field, as they often host events and maintain job boards for members. When networking, prepare a concise verbal summary of your experience and career goals that complements your written CV. After making connections, follow up with a personalised message and your tailored CV to reinforce the relationship and keep yourself in consideration for future opportunities.
Navigating employment legalities for French nationals in the UK
Starting a new job hunt in the UK requires understanding both CV formatting expectations and employment regulations. For French nationals looking to work in London, getting to grips with the British job application process and legal requirements is essential for a smooth transition.
Understanding work permits and post-Brexit requirements
Since October 2021, French citizens need a passport and possibly a visa to work in the UK due to Brexit changes. The UK job market has seen significant shifts over recent years, with 1.3 million job openings currently available despite economic challenges. When applying for jobs, you'll need to tailor your UK CV differently from the French version. Unlike a French CV, a UK curriculum vitae should not include your date of birth, nationality, marital status or photo. Your UK CV should be 1-2 pages long, use professional fonts like Arial or Calibri (size 10-12 for text, 14-16 for headings), and follow a reverse chronological order. Save your document as a PDF to preserve formatting when submitting applications.
Structure your CV with clear sections: contact information (name, phone, email, city and LinkedIn profile), a professional profile summarising your key skills in 3-5 lines, work experience with quantifiable achievements, education including UK equivalents for French qualifications, and a skills section highlighting 5-10 relevant hard skills. Many UK employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs for keywords, so incorporate terms from the job description to increase your chances of getting past this first screening stage.
National Insurance contributions and tax considerations
Everyone working in the UK must have a National Insurance number, which you'll need to apply for online. Without this, you'll be taxed at the highest rate until your status is regularised. National Insurance contributions are mandatory for anyone earning above the minimum wage. As of April 2022, the National Minimum Wage for workers over 23 (known as the National Living Wage) stands at £9.50 per hour before tax, while the median monthly salary in the UK was approximately £2,041 before tax as of February 2022.
The standard UK working week is capped at 48 hours, and employees typically receive 28 days of paid holiday annually, which may include the country's 10 bank holidays. When you start a job, your employer must provide a written statement within two months detailing your job title, start date, pay, and holiday allowance. Trial periods generally last between three to six months. For banking, consider starting with a Revolut account while you establish yourself, as traditional banks like HSBC will require proof of address. Once settled, register with a local GP to access free NHS healthcare services. Job hunting resources include Guardian Jobs, Indeed, Reed, TotalJobs and Monster. For French nationals specifically, joining Facebook groups like 'Les francais a Londres' can provide valuable connections and advice from fellow expats who have already navigated the UK employment system.
