If you were to look for an IT job in London right now, reed.co.uk would show you 7,701 open vacancies, indeed.co.uk would feature 9,102 new jobs, and jobsite.co.uk would share a list of 4,902 openings. And that’s just the tip of an iceberg.

The IT industry in the Big Smoke is colossal. Microsoft, Apple, Google, Cisco, Ubisoft, Rockstar, Virgin Media, and IBM are all hiring and so are countless other companies as London is one of the largest tech hubs in the world. We can give the Silicon Valley a run for their money.

The combination of the above factors leads to a misleading conclusion that it’s easy to get a tech job here. Yes, qualified IT professionals are in high demand right now but the competition is jawbreaking. There were 931 thousand IT professionals working in London in 2015. The numbers must have doubled or even tripled by now. Imagine being noticed and being offered a great job in that crowd!

Fact check

What do we know about the IT industry in London other than it is huge? Well, for starters, you’ll probably get a job in one of 5 major sectors. They are:

• Software development in either traditional software companies like Apple or smaller startups of which there are countless thousands.
• The FinTech sector is one of the fastest growing ones in the UK. Professionals with experience in banking and finance are in high demand right now.
• The Public Sector is a splendid opportunity as not only does London encourage the growth of the IT industry, but the local government is trying to stay up-to-date with the solutions they release for everything from tourist apps to sophisticated commuting algorithms and Smart City elements. Experience with IoT will give you a head start in the Public Sector.
• Manufacturing is on the rise now as well. Everything from consumer goods and electronics to food to oil products is manufactured with the help of technology. Engineers with both software and hardware experience are in high demand now.
• Retail and eCommerce are the king and queen of shopping nowadays. Major brands like Amazon and Tesco are looking for professionals in the niche right now.

Ok, now we know where to work, but what is it like to work in London’s IT hub?

• You are not here for the money. According to the 2018 Graduate Market Report, the salaries in the IT industry are kicking off at 30,000 pounds, which isn’t a dime higher than the median for the city.
• You are not here to slack either. It professionals tend to work longer hours or they can even have an unlimited workday in a startup because of tight deadlines.
• The opportunities outshine the disadvantages. IT grows and scales quickly and young engineers grow with it. The road from a junior developer to a senior manager or even the CEO of an independent startup can take anything from a year to five years. Imagine becoming the president of the bank in five years since you’ve started your internship.
• It offers a lot of flexibility. A lot of young professionals are self-employed and get to be their own bosses. Those who work in the corporate sector often get the chance to travel all around the globe as the majority of London-based tech companies have a global presence.

How to get an IT job in London?

All things considered, the opportunities for It professionals in London are a serious reason for one to consider relocating here. The question isn’t the “Why”, it is the “How”.

Luckily, we’ve got a perfect step by step plan ready for you.

Step 1 (optional)

This step is optional because it might not work for anyone. Yet it is still worth a mention as it is one of the easiest routes for relocation.

If you already work for a company that has an office in London – ask your HR for relocation. No, seriously, do it. What’s the worst thing that can happen?

Step 2

Look for a job in London online. I’ve already mentioned a few of the local websites to look for a London-based job from outside the UK. Give them a shot, send out your awesome CVs and get employed.

Don’t go all in into this search though. Your chances to beat the competition are slim so I recommend you to do so only if you are currently employed and have the time to wait for the “Yes” from one of the dozens of recruiters out there.

Step 3

Be creative. Sending out yet another bland CV in hopes of success rarely does the trick in a market as competitive as IT nowadays.

Think of clever ways to deliver your message. Show your skills. Create a portfolio of works. Sell yourself through a pitch, not through the “send email” button.

Step 4

Get some patience. Rome wasn’t built in one day. Your career can’t be built that quickly either. Work hard. Play hard and remember to check your mailbox regularly. You will get a job offer sooner than later.

Step 5

If nothing else works – get professional help. There are a lot of HR agencies out there that are only paid if they are able to find the right candidate for a job. These companies will be as interested in you being hired ad you yourself.

Same can be said about the relocation process. Flat rates, local traditions and minor nuances like getting Internet or TV can be a chore. We can help you out with everything in but one day.

This sums up our overview of the London’s IT industry. Do you have anything to add, maybe? Don’t be shy. Share your experiences, thoughts, and stories in the comments section below!