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HR Advice

11 replies

devfire · 19/11/2025 20:32

I'm currently living abroad (UK citizen) but applying for jobs as I want to return to the UK, I had an email for an interview next week but I'm on holiday. I emailed the HR and said I'm on holiday and currently live abroad but looking to move back to UK in the New Year, could there be a possibility of a Teams meeting. Ive had no reply.
From a HR perspective am I likely to be successful getting a job whilst being abroad or should I bite the bullet and move back then apply?

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Arlanymor · 19/11/2025 20:36

There's no answer to this as there's information missing:

  • How do they not know you live abroad - wasn't this disclosed at the stage of applying?
  • Do you work currently and need to give notice where you are?
  • Are you planning on moving back before getting a job?
  • If so, have you secured accommodation?

I secured a job in the UK when working abroad, but I knew when I was coming back, I had accommodation lined up, etc.

I think I would have offered a Teams meeting during my holiday - it's only an hour - if I was really serious about the role. If they don't do remote interviews then that is one thing, but I would have offered.

No one can tell you what HR would do without knowing the company, how qualified you are for the role, whether they have other good applicants or whether they would wait for you, etc.

devfire · 19/11/2025 20:51

I put my UK address (which i dont live at) but think I put a note to say I'm abroad but can't remember as I've applied for a few. It was an in person appointment so I couldn't have been there.
I'm not currently working.
I'm a QS and apparently there's a shortage in the UK, but maybe with the budget looming and unemployment high there might be a lot of applicants.

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QuartWarmWater · 21/11/2025 09:18

Beware

Lots of jobs now ask "Do you have the right to work in the UK" ?

You have to upload a document such as a passport onto the online system

Then show the original document at interview stage in person.

Good luck

ToKittyornottoKitty · 21/11/2025 09:21

If you have no job I can’t see why you’d stop applying until back in the UK, it’s not like the jobs will wait around. I’d be transparent on your cover letter about being abroad through as it’s off putting if you say you are in the UK and then reveal the truth after they’ve gone to the effort to invite you to an interview

Shedmistress · 21/11/2025 09:41

How do you expect to attend any interviews before you move back? I think you need to give them solutions not problems.

devfire · 22/11/2025 15:35

QuartWarmWater · 21/11/2025 09:18

Beware

Lots of jobs now ask "Do you have the right to work in the UK" ?

You have to upload a document such as a passport onto the online system

Then show the original document at interview stage in person.

Good luck

I'm a British citizen

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Redflagsabounded · 24/11/2025 19:27

Everyone has to do a Right to Work check, including UK citizens. It's a legal requirement.

They don't necessarily have to be in person, we do ours in a virtual meeting.

I'd be put off that you gave a UK address then later told me you actually lived abroad. It raises a niggle about honesty/transparency.

I also wouldn't take it further unless you had a definite return date and accomodation sorted out.

Middlechild3 · 25/11/2025 08:58

devfire · 19/11/2025 20:32

I'm currently living abroad (UK citizen) but applying for jobs as I want to return to the UK, I had an email for an interview next week but I'm on holiday. I emailed the HR and said I'm on holiday and currently live abroad but looking to move back to UK in the New Year, could there be a possibility of a Teams meeting. Ive had no reply.
From a HR perspective am I likely to be successful getting a job whilst being abroad or should I bite the bullet and move back then apply?

Honestly from your reply "I'm on holiday" and mentioning you aren't even living in the UK but 'thinking' of moving back in the New Year, wouldn't have made you look very serious about the role. The UK job market is brutal right now. Unless you are a highly sought after professional I think you'll stand a much better chance of looking like your committed to any job application if you are already based in the UK. It shouldn't be like this in an ideal world but its a tough market right now.
p.s. not HR

devfire · 25/11/2025 15:47

Thanks all, small update that I do have a 2nd Teams chat next week, so see what happens.

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lilacmamacat · 28/11/2025 13:00

I lived abroad but job hunted in the UK. I was lucky enough to get one on the basis that I worked in the office (UK) 2 days a week, and from home (abroad) the other 3 days with the understanding that I'd also house hunt while in the UK. I did that for about 6 weeks, couldn't find anywhere to live (moving whole family not just me) and then got sacked because I hadn't found anywhere. So just be aware of the bigger picture.

devfire · 29/11/2025 09:22

Luckily its just me, no family to move.

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