A transatlantic move: CV v. resume — does it really matter?

Former USA TODAY College editor McKenna Grant started a new chapter in her life when she moved to the UK this year. She’s going to be chronicling the challenges and highlights of moving to a new country. 

Wow, I’ve been in the UK for a little over two weeks now. Where has the time gone?

Let me give you a quick update on my to-do list from last week. If you’re thinking about dropping everything to move abroad… there's probably a good chance you'll have to come across the equivalent of one of these scenarios:

1. Job applications.

I wish I could say I’m employed, but I am sadly not...YET. Friends say patience pays … they’ve got to be right, right?! Like I said I’m a go-getter and I know I’m getting close. I’ve been interviewing, networking, learning new skills and constantly tweaking my resume (well, it’s referred to as a CV over here!) — it’s been busy.

My interviews (some second and third interviews so far!) have been going great — I’m actually falling in love with certain roles and companies. This may sound dramatic, but when I get excited about a project there’s no turning back.

But the interview process hasn’t been without its mishaps.

Moving to another country changes the game. Have an interview at a particular hotel? Yes, that sounds great. What one might not realize is that there are two under the same name in London. And yes, I showed up to the wrong one. Botched that potential opportunity immediately — navigating a new city can be tricky.

Not sure if you’re on the right train? Well, you better hope so!

Alternate spellings and terminology? Yes, that exists too.

“Organise” not “organize”, “favourite” not “favorite”, “CV” not “resume”, “kind regards” instead of “best” … all things to keep in mind when transitioning into a different culture.

An employer is not going to want to teach you what comes naturally to other candidates. Needless to say the answer to the question above is YES. I’m going to tweak a Parks and Rec reference here – “Teach Yo’ Self!”

2.  iPhone.

I’m still not using my UK number on a smart phone yet, but it’s not really an issue anymore. I know where I’m going now (for the most part), I know how much certain things cost and that most employers have been calling instead of emailing me.

Move over email, traditional phone calls are back in action.

The iPhone I plan to use for my UK number has been unlocked and is ready to go. The hold-up? Apparently I have to have a bank account to set up a cell phone plan (to avoid doing pay-as-you-go).

My application is still pending.

3.  Taxes and finances.

I needed a National Insurance number for tax purposes and guess what, I finally had my in-person interview today! They asked me why I moved here and what I plan on doing. The process was more simple than I had ever imagined!

I definitely had minor freak-outs over that meeting for no reason.

4.  Familiar spaces.

I’m now completely comfortable in the town I’m currently living, taking trains into London and exploring the city.

I probably go into London at least every other day for interviews, to see friends or to sightsee. Within the Central London, I for the most part know where I’m going and what neighborhoods border each other.

Outskirts … not so much. That will come eventually.

5.  Health care.

Honestly this hasn’t been on my radar, but that’s OK. At my National Insurance interview today I was told if I come down with a cold (knock on wood!), the office should be able to treat me since I have applied for my National Insurance number and have British citizenship.

Other things on my mind:

Trains are EXPENSIVE: The cost of a month’s rent is actually somewhat comparable to what you spend on trains commuting into work five days a week from where I am located. Once I do land a job I believe I’m going to have to move into the city almost immediately. Bring on flat hunting and roomie locating!

Reach out to all contacts: Reach out to those who are in the area — I almost promise you they will be willing to help answer any questions. I have even reached out to those I had not yet even met. Friend-to-friend or friend-of-a-friend-to-a-friend guidance is beyond valuable.

You still have to embrace the fun: Yes, I admit, I’ve been stressed about jobs, interviews, flats, budgeting and more since I moved here. But this weekend I had an amazing time away from my LinkedIn profile and computer in the cute seaside town of Brighton with my family.

When I returned Monday morning I felt motivated and eager to take on the London work world. Giving yourself a break is key — do not underestimate that!

On my last day at USA TODAY, our intern Kristin Musulin gave me a meaningful bracelet that I find myself reading all the time. The silver cuff has “She believed she could so she did” engraved on the inside.

This time next week, maybe I will be a company’s newest employee. Maybe not.

It’s tough, scary and unpredictable. But the excitement outweighs any fear or concern that may temporarily float into my mind.

Stay tuned for next update! It might possibly include Thanksgiving FOMO…

McKenna Grant is a former editor at USA TODAY College. Follow her on Twitter @McKGrant

This story originally appeared on the USA TODAY College blog, a news source produced for college students by student journalists. The blog closed in September of 2017.