United Kingdom · Jobs
Where to find jobs in United Kingdom — major job boards, in-demand sectors, and how to apply.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
The UK's official job-search service is Find a job, run by the DWP, though much hiring happens on commercial boards and company sites. For non-UK/Irish nationals the real gate is not the job board but the sponsor: most roles require a work visa with a licensed sponsor issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship, so an employer without a licence cannot hire you however good the fit. Employers must also check your right to work, and you may need to provide a share code.
The UK's official job-search service is Find a job, run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP); much hiring also happens on commercial boards and company sites. Non-UK/Irish nationals usually need a work visa with a licensed sponsor before starting a job.
- Find a job (GOV.UK) is the official DWP job-search service.
- Most roles for non-UK/Irish nationals require a work visa, usually with a licensed sponsor (Certificate of Sponsorship).
- Employers must check your right to work; you may need to provide a share code.
- GOV.UK and ACAS set out employment rights and pay rules.
- 1
Filter for licensed sponsors first
Most roles for non-UK/Irish nationals require a work visa with a licensed sponsor. Applying to employers without a licence wastes effort no matter how well you match the role.
- 2
Understand the Certificate of Sponsorship
A licensed sponsor issues a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is what makes the visa application possible. The document comes from the employer, so it is not something you can arrange yourself.
- 3
Use Find a job as the official service
Find a job on GOV.UK is the official DWP job-search service. It sits alongside commercial boards rather than replacing them, so use both.
- 4
Have your share code ready
Employers must check your right to work, and you may need to provide a share code. Knowing this in advance turns a potential hold-up into a routine step at offer stage.
- 5
Check rights on GOV.UK and ACAS
GOV.UK and ACAS set out employment rights and pay rules. Having two official reference points means you can check a claim about your terms rather than taking it on trust.
- Target employers confirmed as licensed sponsors
- Certificate of Sponsorship understood as employer-issued
- Visa route identified for the role
- Find a job searched alongside commercial boards
- Right-to-work evidence prepared
- Share code obtained if required
- Employment rights checked on GOV.UK or ACAS
- Find a job (GOV.UK)
Official UK job-search service.
- Skilled Worker visa (GOV.UK)
Main sponsored work-visa route.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a UK employer need a sponsor licence?
Because most roles for non-UK/Irish nationals require a work visa with a licensed sponsor, who issues the Certificate of Sponsorship that makes the visa application possible. An employer without a licence cannot hire you however well you match the role.
What is a share code in the UK?
Something you may need to provide so an employer can check your right to work, which they are required to do. Having it ready in advance turns a potential hold-up at offer stage into a routine step.
Is Find a job the only place to search in the UK?
No — it is the official DWP service, but much hiring also happens on commercial boards and company sites. Use it alongside those rather than instead of them, and filter for licensed sponsors if you need a visa.
Government portals
- UK Government (GOV.UK) — UK's unified government services portal — visas, taxes, driving licences, benefits and more
- UK Visas and Immigration — UK visa applications, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and work authorization
- HM Revenue & Customs — Self Assessment tax returns, National Insurance, VAT registration and payment