I wish to return to the UK from Nigeria — how should I approach my job search?

The next problem

I work in a leadership role at a start-up in Nigeria and have worked for a decade in small and medium-sized businesses in west Africa, from technology to solar energy. I want to return to the UK but I’m struggling to secure interviews. I joined a Big Four firm straight out of school without a degree, and my experience in Africa has left me with a generalist skill set. How should I adjust my strategy and what sorts of roles might be the best place to start? Anonymous, 30s

Jonathan’s answer

Ten years working in another continent will have given you unparalleled experiences and a wonderful perspective, as well as the knowledge of another culture’s working style. Your life will have been enhanced by this period but employers in another country may not value these experiences the way you do.

Generally, recruiters are risk averse: depending on the role and industry, experience from outside their culture and geographic region may not be valued highly. They may be concerned about how well you would be able to fit into the UK working culture, which has changed significantly in the past 10 years (think Brexit and hybrid working), and will be different from what you have practised in Nigeria.

According to the ONS, about 90,000 British nationals, (or 8 per cent of all immigrants) return to the UK each year (which approximately matches the annual number of British nationals who emigrate long-term). So, there will be a number of “repats” with whom you could find it helpful to connect once you are in the UK, not least for support on any reverse culture shock you feel after the first few months of distracting logistical activity.

Not getting interviews is a useful signal that employers don’t see your skills as appropriate for the role, that your application itself needs to be changed, or that you may need to explore other ways of finding and applying for roles. Your challenge is to find those particular roles where your international experiences will be valued (export organisations, consulting, trading); it will also be important to demonstrate that, after 10 years away, you can operate in the UK.

It will probably be more productive to apply for roles once you are back in the country; face-to-face meetings (as part of any networking you do) will demonstrate your commitment, uncover new opportunities and rebuild your network. As you begin to plot your return, trawl your contacts list to explore who could introduce you to UK organisations. If you’re not already connected, contact the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and similar bilateral organisations. Consider who in the UK would value someone with knowledge of Nigerian business.

Think about changing your immediate aim from securing a permanent ideal job to getting a foothold so you can demonstrate your ability to succeed in the local environment. You could consider some volunteering, charity work or short-term roles. A first step would be to review your CV and short introductory personal summary to focus on your achievements and responsibilities that such organisations would value.

Readers’ advice

Get a pay-as-you-go sim with a UK number, and find a UK address — even if it’s a friend’s house — to put on your CV. Make it clear you’re available, and have the right, to work in the UK. Think about what it is you are applying for, don’t just spray and pray. If you’re unsure, ask a few recruiters for advice. Me

Most of the Big Four audit firms are in Lagos. Join one for a year or so, then use that as a springboard back to the UK. Guffer

An MBA in the UK provides a bridge and gives you time to network, familiarise yourself with the jobs market and get a qualification employers will recognise. Having no degree may be a roadblock to applications despite your entrepreneurial experience. George Horsington

Jonathan Black is director of the Careers Service at the University of Oxford. Every fortnight he answers your questions on personal and career development and working life. Do you have a question for him? Email: dear.jonathan@ft.com.