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Applying for jobs

Intro

From job search strategies and tailoring your application to writing cover letters and improving your interview techniques, find out everything you need to know when applying for jobs.

Jump to each section of the page on:

Job searching strategies

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  • Start your job search early, use sector-specific mailing lists, stay persistent, network actively, keep your CV and LinkedIn profile updated, and practice your pitch to showcase your skills and experience.
  • Devote your time to producing quality job applications by spending at least an hour on each one.
  • Use general job search portals like LinkedIn and Indeed for research but apply directly on company websites. 
POC student seated outside of a cafe with a hot drink, looking at her laptop.
  • Contact small and medium-sized enterprises (companies under 500 employees) directly to find the right person to address and inquire about cover letter preferences, showing initiative and interest.
  • Attend the "Job Search Strategies for Your Future" webinar for tailored advice and effective job search strategies in various fields.

  • Careers resources and tools

    LinkedIn:

    • Follow and engage with companies to stay updated on their activities, successes and job opportunities
    • Keep your presence professional, including a suitable photo and updated details.
    • Use filters when job searching for more relevant results.
    • Connect with employers after events/fairs and engage with groups related to preferred organisations.
    • Respond promptly to direct messages, as they could be from potential employers. Use the "open to work" feature to indicate to employers your availability.
    • Utilise the alumni tool to establish connections with former University of West London graduates who are employed in companies that align with your career interests.

    Student Circus is the premier job-readiness platform for international students and offers curated job opportunities.

    The Student Hub has a designated careers support section, where you can also book 1:1 appointments.

Making and tailoring your applications

  1. Align your application to the person specification and job description, emphasise your relevant experience to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
  2. Concentrate on high-quality job applications rather than aiming for quantity.
  3. Follow the order of the bullet points in the job description's person specification. The employer likely arranged them based on priority. This order reflects what they consider most important for the role. Addressing them in sequence shows your attentiveness to their priorities and ensures you cover the key requirements effectively.
  4. Copy and paste the job description along with your previous application responses or personal statements into a Word or Google document and save a copy. This precaution ensures that in case the job listing is removed, you'll have a record of both the job requirements and your tailored responses for future reference.

  • Your CV

    Writing a professional and tailored CV is an integral part of applying for jobs. Your CV is your opportunity to showcase your skills, experience and awareness to employers and potentially secure an interview.

    There are various CV formats and layouts ranging from chronological formats to CVs tailored to a specific industry. Find out more about different CV examples (Prospects website).

    Whichever CV format you choose, it is essential to update it to help you keep a record of your career history. Your CV is your brand and should be a true reflection of your skills and experience.

    Use the CareerSet pathway to improve an existing CV or to draft your first CV. CareerSet is an AI-powered CV and cover letter review tool, offering valuable feedback to help you build a more tailored CV and increase your chances of a successful job application. 

  • Cover letters

    • Research the company and role and tailor your cover letter accordingly.
    • Highlight the company's vision, achievements, values, and relate specific examples to demonstrate your deep interest.
    • Aim to address the key points from the person specification in full, providing five relevant examples that point to your experience.
    • Tell your story with genuine motivation, and share the impacts, outcomes, and achievements you’ve experienced.
    • Focus on key achievements, even if unrelated to the career, to showcase your transferable skills.
    • Proofread for spelling and grammar and contact the company if necessary for preferred cover letter length. 

  • Key resources

    • CareerSet helps studentsand graduates enhance their CVs and cover letters with personalised feedback.
    • Prospects offers tips on how to write a winning CV.

Interviews and assessments

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Psychometric assessments

When preparing for personality/culture-fit tests, take the time to explore the company's website, particularly focusing on its vision and values section. Consider scenarios where certain values or cultural questions may appear contradictory. For instance, values like integrity and tackling challenges directly could potentially conflict with values promoting social harmony and collaboration within the company. Based on your research, determine which value the company prioritises in such situations.

Before your interview or assessment centre, it's beneficial to:

  • Review feedback from previous interviewees or assessment centre participants about the company.
  • Connect with current participants in their graduate programme on LinkedIn to gain insights into potential discussion topics or challenges you might encounter.
A woman shaking someone's hand

Interviews

  • Use the CAR technique (Circumstances, Actions, Result) or the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to prepare and present your skills.
  • Book an appointment with your School Career Consultant for your interview preparation to gain confidence and receive constructive feedback.
  • Dress professionally and arrive early, first impressions matter.
  • Prepare questions to ask at the end of the interview to show engagement.
Two computing professionals working together around a laptop

Assessment centres

Before attending:

  • Prepare by revisiting and knowing the job role.
  • Revisit the company website.
  • Prepare examples demonstrating key skills such as teamwork, presentations, effective communication and timekeeping.

During the assessment:

  • Dress professionally and arrive on time.
  • Pay attention to all tasks communicating confidently.

After attending:

  • Prepare for a follow-up interview - ie book a mock interview with a career consultant.
  • Connect with those you met at the assessment centre, build your professional network.

Tips for our schools and colleges

  • The London College of Music

    Musicians 

    Performers 

    General advice for both musicians and performers 

    • Use social media and LinkedIn to connect with professionals in industry.
    • Portfolio careers are common, tailor your CVs for various roles.
    • Continue to develop your craft by attending courses, webinars, and industry panel events.
    • Freelancing/self-employed creatives: know the business and legal essentials ie setting up as self-employed, keeping business records (eg accounts) and intellectual property.
    • Be informed about relevant initiatives supporting people working in the arts sector ie the Arts Council England's Developing your Creative Practice and PRS Foundation.
    •  Book careers appointments with the careers team to talk through your career ideas.

    Useful links:

  • School of Computing and Engineering

    Computer Science 

    • Learn an in-demand programming language - there are lots of free courses online.  
    • Stay up to date with developments in the industry through journals like Computer Weekly and Computing.
    • Work on real-life IT projects in your spare time.
    • Create your own website.
    • Include a Technical Skills section in your CV.
    • Use Prospects to understand the skills and knowledge required for different roles in IT.
    • Take part in Open Sources software projects and competitions. 
    • Become a student member of the Chartered Institute for IT.
    • Develop a strong LinkedIn profile and connect with IT alumni.
    • Volunteer in an IT-related role eg teaching coding at after school clubs.  
    • Attend industry jobs fairs to learn about opportunities and to network.

    Engineering 

    • Become a student member of your professional body, such as the Institution of Civil Engineers or Chartered Institute of Building.
    • Attend networking events organised by your professional body. 
    • Develop a strong LinkedIn profile and connect with Engineering and Built Environment alumni.
    • Identify and follow relevant organisations on LinkedIn.
    • Attend employer-hosted events and guest lectures relating to the built environment.
    • Include a Technical Skills section in your CV. 
    • Practice psychometric tests, especially numerical, inductive reasoning and situational judgement tests to prepare for applications.
    • Apply to large construction and civil engineering consultancies in the first term of your final year.
    • Apply early, do not wait until the published deadline. Early applications have a greater chance of success. 
    • Keep up to date with developments in your industry through journals like Construction News and New Civil Engineer.

  • School of Human and Social Sciences

    • Choose your dissertation topic and optional modules wisely to match your career interests.  
    • Get involved in paid or volunteer work experience to demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility, or to provide practical experience.  
    • Look out for opportunities to assist with research projects undertaken by your lecturers or external organisations that are advertised through Blackboard.
    • Connect with former graduates (alumni) from your course through LinkedIn or networking events, employer talks, and careers fairs.
    • Familiarise yourself with relevant digital tools, software, and technologies such as statistical analysis software, data visualisation tools, and social media platforms.
    • Keep abreast of latest developments in topics that interest you through reading relevant journals, joining professional groups and free online learning (eg LinkedIn Learning).
    • Engage in research projects with faculty members or research centres within your school. 
    • Develop strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as proficiency in a second language if relevant to your career goals. 
    • Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on career development topics.

  • London School of Film, Media and Design

    • Create a showcase for your work via a portfolio or showreel - see Creative Lives in progress website.
    • Keep up to date with industry news.
    • Tailor your CV to highlight your skills and abilities. 
    • Join industry groups and professional bodies. 
    • Submit your work for competitions. 
    • Update your LinkedIn profile and network with industry professionals. 
    • Be flexible. There are a diverse range of roles available across a variety of sectors, speak to the careers team to learn more. 
    • Stay in touch with people you undertook work experience with. You never know what projects you could be involved in. 
    • Keep on learning through industry courses and personal projects.
    • Book a meeting with the careers team to talk though your career ideas.

  • The Claude Littner Business School

    • When applying, you need to provide deeper and unique reasons for why you want to work in business or finance. It shouldn’t be superficial eg ‘I want to work for you because you have good career progression’ or ‘good salary’ or ‘is a famous, well-respected company’. Your reasons need to be something more about you as a person and what you want to contribute.
    • Be adaptable and open-minded when considering job opportunities, as the business landscape is constantly evolving.
    • Research companies thoroughly to understand their values, culture, and business strategies, and tailor your job applications accordingly. Use CareerSet to help you tailor your CV and cover letter.
    • Continue to develop your commercial awareness by staying informed about industry trends, market developments, and emerging technologies.
    • Gain practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work to build your CV and demonstrate your readiness for the business world.
    • Network actively by attending careers fairs, industry events, and alumni gatherings to expand your connections and uncover job opportunities.
    • Stay persistent and resilient in your job search, remaining proactive and optimistic even in the face of setbacks or rejections.

  • School of Medicine and Biosciences

    • Start to think about your career plans early and Join a professional body such as the Institute of Biomedical Science.
    • Stay up to date with developments within the sector Follow publications like New Scientist and Scientific American.
    • Find as many work experience opportunities as you can through internships and placements.
    • Update your LinkedIn profile and request recommendations.
    • Reflect on the range of topics you enjoy, eg infection, blood, cell sciences or genetics.
    • Be flexible as there are a range of roles you can apply for. 

  • School of Law

    • Gain practical experience in law through internships or summer jobs during university.
    • Conduct thorough research on your chosen law course and focus on specific areas.
    • Participate in extracurricular activities to develop valuable skills.
    • Practice public speaking and writing to enhance communication skills.
    • Establish an online profile on LinkedIn for working with Legal professionals.
    • Practice public speaking and writing to enhance communication skills 

  • College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare

    Nursing

    • Prepare to secure your placement early, explore the different trusts and learn more about them.
    • Attend career fairs to hear directly from any trusts you want to undertake your placement with to make informed choices.
    • Keep your placement logs up to date, and write down the skills, knowledge, behaviours and attributes you have demonstrated. Use this evidence in your CV, cover letters, application forms and in interviews.
    • In each placement, build your professional network, be curious to learn more about their roles and how it contributes to patient care.
    • Each trust can be slightly different, aim to get a broad range of experience to find your specific area of interest or where you’d like to specialise.

    Public Health

    • Start gaining a wide range of volunteering experience with public-health related charities.
    • Build your leadership and confidence by taking part in a range of UWL programmes, including LinkedIn Learning and the Leadership Programme.
    • Think about how you want to demonstrate specific knowledge by including your academic studies in your CV, cover letter, application form and interviews.
    • Explore early the different areas of public health, and the different job roles within the field.
    • Focus your job search on a wide range of employers, from private to public sectors.

    Useful links:

Get in touch and book an appointment

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You can book or come along to one of the following:

  • Drop-Ins: a quick and immediate face-to-face 15-minute support drop-in, providing information and general advice.
  • Career appointments: 30 minutes to 1 hour one-to-one, online or face-to-face booked meetings with your school careers consultant for help with CVs, cover letters, applications and anything careers related.

Book an appointment through the Student Hub or email careers@uwl.ac.uk for more information.

Find out more