Got A Marketing Job Offer but No Sponsorship? Do This
Two job applications. One offer. A visa sponsorship from a company that had never sponsored before.
Sounds unreal? That’s exactly what Kira achieved.
But how did she do it? What set her apart in an incredibly competitive job market? And most importantly, what can you learn from her journey to increase your chances of landing a job with visa sponsorship in the UK?
In Episode 6 of Landed, Kira shares the smart job search approach that helped her stand out, the key learnings on increasing the chances of getting through the process and getting "the call," and the proactive steps she took to make herself an ideal candidate—not only for the job itself but also as the first-ever sponsored employee at her company.
But let’s get one thing straight—it wasn’t straightforward.
Kira had to navigate the uncertainty of sponsorship, convince the company board to apply for a license, and even deal with salary threshold changes—a challenge that’s especially tough for a marketing job.
How did she position herself strategically?
How did she turn uncertainty into an opportunity?
And what can you learn from her journey?
As I shared my journey in the UK, many people reached out for job search advice—and I can usually tell who will succeed. Here’s a hint: it’s not just about skills or qualifications.
Back in 2023, I had an idea for a podcast, but I wasn’t quite sure what it would become. Around that time, I connected with Kira, an international student from Vietnam who came to the UK to pursue her Master’s degree.
We had a call, and afterward, she promptly sent me a long, thoughtful message detailing her experiences, strengths, and how she could help me.
At that moment, I knew she was going to land a job.
So how could I tell?
If it’s not just about skills or qualifications, what makes the difference?
It’s in thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and communication skills. And I was right about Kira.
Her story is nothing short of impressive. She applied for just two jobs after graduation, got one, and then convinced the company—who didn’t have a sponsorship license—to get one just for her. This was despite the salary threshold increasing at the time.
While I was surprised by how quickly it happened, I wasn’t surprised that she made it work.
What Made Kira Stand Out?
Kira’s journey is a lesson in persistence and strategy. She:
Came prepared: Before coming to the UK, she had years of experience in Vietnam, ranging from full-time jobs to entrepreneurship and freelance work. She wasn’t starting from scratch. Her preparation made the job search process much more strategic.
Showed initiative: She didn’t wait for things to happen. She took charge, researched sponsorship requirements, and presented a business case to her employer.
Communicated effectively: Thoughtfulness and attention to detail set her apart in a competitive market.
How Did Kira Convince a Company to Sponsor Her?
Getting a visa-sponsored job in the UK is already challenging. But convincing a company without a sponsorship license to go through the process just for you? That’s another level.
Kira did it by positioning herself as a valuable, irreplaceable asset. Here’s how:
Met with the CEO to reflect on her achievements before even mentioning sponsorship.
Wrote a concise business case outlining exactly why the company should sponsor her.
Researched the entire visa process, breaking it down so the company didn’t have to.
Stayed persistent, leading the process step by step until they said yes.
Most people just ask, “Can you sponsor me?” Kira showed them why they couldn’t afford to lose her.
What Did She Include in Her Email?
Context and research: Followed up on a past discussion and attached a summary of the sponsorship process.
Commitment to the company: Expressed gratitude and her desire to stay long-term.
Unique value: Highlighted her full-stack marketing skills.
Cost savings: Demonstrated how she reduced outsourcing costs by handling projects in-house.
Work ethic: Emphasised being organised, detail-oriented, and highly reliable.
Future plans: Stated her commitment to staying for at least five years if sponsored.
Clear decision: Framed sponsorship as a win-win for both her and the company.
How Kira Narrowed Down Her Job Search
Kira was very selective about the companies and roles she applied for, focusing only on those that truly aligned with her interests and strengths.
Both companies were community-focused, aligning with her previous experience.
She targeted roles that valued a full-stack marketer rather than a specialist, leveraging her diverse skill set.
How She Increased Her Chances of Getting an Interview
Matching keywords: She tailored her CV to include the same keywords as the job description.
Customised cover letters: She wrote tailored cover letters for each company, highlighting her direct relevance to the role and her understanding of the target audience.
Applying directly on company websites: She applied directly via email, including a brief, engaging summary of her cover letter and work samples.
What She Did During Her Interview
Brought her portfolio: Showing her work in person made a stronger impact.
Prepared a Marketing Plan pitch: For the final round, she created a detailed marketing plan, significantly more thorough than other applicants’.
How She Earned Her Sponsorship Offer Before Even Asking
Going beyond expectations: Maximised efficiency, using extra time to research improvements and pitch ideas.
Stepping up when her manager left: Took on more responsibilities, showing she was indispensable.
Making sponsorship easy for her company: Prepared everything in advance to make the process as smooth as possible.
Tracking her contributions: Kept a detailed record of her impact on the company, including cost savings and productivity improvements.
Timing it right: Asked for sponsorship after proving her worth but before it was too late in the process.
Top Three Qualities That Helped Her Succeed
Persistence: Consistently delivered her best every day, not just in bursts.
Understanding and empathy: Supported management goals instead of just making demands.
Proactivity: Identified and solved problems beyond her assigned tasks, creating impact and making herself invaluable.
