Turkey: Applying for jobs

How do I apply for a job?

Networking is essential to finding work. The country operates very much on 'who you know'. While outwardly the recruitment process can be seen as similar to the UK, with applications and interviews, this can often be a formality if you already know the right person. With this in mind, it is very useful to make contacts in both the expatriate and Turkish communities.

You do not necessarily need to be in the country before looking for work, though for some positions, such as English teaching, it is advisable. Being able to visit a language school in person will enable you to get a clearer idea of how they operate, including how they treat their employees - making it easier to find one that suits you.

Turkish employers are increasingly using websites to advertise their job vacancies, which makes applying from outside the country much easier.

Covering letters should be no more than three to four paragraphs and should be used to 'hook' the employer into inviting you for interview. It is becoming increasingly common for vacancy advertisements to require you to submit your CV electronically rather than in person or via the postal service.

What kind of CV do I need?

A Turkish CV should be between one and two pages and is similar to a CV written in the UK, though there are some differences. You are generally expected to state your nationality, your date and place of birth and whether you are single or married. Often an employer will request a photograph of the person applying for a job, which you will be expected to provide.

What will the interview process be like?

Interview selections range in formality depending on the type of work and also who you know already in the company. In general, you should presume interviews will be very similar to those you would expect to experience in the UK.

Will my UK qualifications be recognised?

To compare professional, vocational or technical qualifications with Turkish qualifications, consult the Turkish representative of ENIC-NARIC . Turkey is also part of the Europass  scheme, which was established in order to make skills and experience easily understood between European Union, EFTA/EEA and candidate countries. You may wish to visit the UK National Europass Centre (UK NEC)  for more information about presenting your skills and qualifications in Turkey.

Do I still need to pay UK tax and National Insurance?

If you are planning to live and work in Turkey, check your UK tax and National Insurance position with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)  to ensure that you are not losing any UK pension rights.