Getting a job

As a student or graduate of the University of Huddersfield you are eligible to register with Jobshop - the universities online vacancy database advertising part-time, vacation and graduate opportunities.

See also the Vacancy sources and top tips section on this website for more resources to help you find a job.

Advice on applications, CVs and covering letters

All students will need to ensure that they produce high quality CVs, applications and covering letters for part-time / casual / work experience / temporary jobs.

See our Application process section for further advice including examples of CVs, coverinng letters and applications or pick up a booklet from one of our Careers Information Libraries on one of the main three University campuses, see our contacts page for  location details.

You may get invited to a job interview or assessment centre as a part of the recruitment process, see our Interviews and Assessment centres sections for further advice.

Where to get more help?

If you wish to get your CV checked, or get further advice on applying for jobs, UK recruitment practices, interviews or assessment centres then you can come along and speak to a careers adviser at one of our quick-query drop-in sessions or book a careers guidance appointment.

National Insurance Numbers for International and EU Students

See the Employment advice page for further advice on getting a national insurance number to work in the UK.

Yellow cards for Romanian and Bulgarian students

See the Employment advice page for further advice on working in the UK.

The current Tier 1 PSW visa will finish in April 2012

This will be replaced by the Tier 2 visa with concessions for recent graduates from a UK university

To gain a Tier 2 visa you must:

• Have recently graduated or be about to graduate from a UK university
• Have a secure job offer for a graduate job paying at least £20k
• The employer will be committing to employ you to UKBA this will give you greater job security
• If you remain employed you will be able to extend this visa beyond the two years that are given for Tier 1 PSW
• Keep updated with any news, UKBA have not finalised the rules that will apply to this so keep checking their website

Further information is available on the Home Office UK Border Agency

International Students - Post Study Work Visa presentation

• International JobOnline - the UK’s first online vacancies and careers information site which aims to bring together UK educated International Students (European & Overseas) and Graduate Employers. International JobOnline is a one-stop-shop where you can search graduate vacancies, find information on working in the UK and look through country specific careers information.
• Don't forget the Finding a Job section of this website for further details on vacancies in the UK.
• Graduate Prospects comprehensive website of careers information and advice  provides information and advice to International students on coming to the UK, advice if you are already in the UK and advice on searching for international graduate jobs.

Job hunting abroad

Job hunting in your home country
A series of practical booklets which provide advice to international students who have chosen to return to their home country, placements students or simply want to work in another country then take at the country guides available from the More Than Work website.

• If you are seeking employment in a country other than the UK then further information is also available from the Work and study abroad section.
• International Graduate Jobs  from Graduate Prospects
  Advertising vacancies in a variety of countries worldwide and in different sectors. See also International Students section including  information and advice to International students on coming to the UK, advice if you are already in the UK and advice on searching for international graduate jobs.

• Official career guide for UK alumni in China - from the Cultural Education Section of the British Embassy. The Guide has been designed exclusively for Chinese graduates from the UK as a useful and first step guide to help the graduates navigate within the China employment market.
• British High Commission based in countries abroad may advertise vacancies. Type in to an online search engine - British High Commission and the country you wish to work in, they may advertise vacancies in their 'About us' section. See the vacancies advertised on the British High Commission for Delhi website.
• Country guides for International Students - NASES and Education UK
  Starting your career in Australia
  Starting your career in Brazil
  Starting your career in Canada
  Starting your career in China
  Starting your career in Hong Kong
  Starting your career in India
  Starting your career in Japan
  Starting your career in Malaysia
  Starting your career in Nigeria
  Starting your career in Russia
  Starting your career in Singapore
  Starting your career in Taiwan
  Starting your career in Thailand
  Starting your career in United Arab Emirates
  Starting your career in USA

How to overcome some of the obstacles you may face when looking for work in the UK

Visa Restrictions

Many employers are looking for candidates who they can train for the long term, if your visa restricts you to a maximum of two years this may put some employers off. It may be advisable to apply for shorter term contracts; these could still lead to permanent work. Having thorough knowledge of your visa restrictions and other schemes will help in persuading employers to consider your application.

Communication Skills

Communication skills, written and spoken, are vital in any graduate level job. Whilst at University try to gain as much practice as possible to improve your communication style and skills. Part-time, paid or volunteer, work, membership of clubs and societies or debating groups are all ways to help improve your skills. See the Jobs and work experience section for details of part-time and vacation employment opportunities.

Overseas Qualifications

If your overseas qualifications are not familiar to a UK employer this could be an issue. On your CV and applications it is advisable to explain the UK equivalent of your qualification. Visit the NARIC website for further details on how to find out what the UK equivalent of what your qualifications are?

Quality of Applications

It is essential that you familiarise yourself with UK recruitment practices in order to meet employers requirements when applying for jobs.  For your application to be seriously considered you must submit well written, comprehensive and targeted applications. Completing any application form is a lengthy process and needs time and consideration.

There is no point in submitting a poor or, even average application, competition for graduate jobs means that it will not be considered. Applications should be, high quality and well thought-out.

Although we do not offer an English language correction service we can give your further information and advice on the content and style of your CV, applications and covering letters. See the Application process section for further information and advice on compiling CVs and applications. Staff in the Careers and Employability Service can give advice on your application form or CV, but you must allow sufficient time to make the improvements suggested. Further details on our quick query sessions

Competition

Competition for all graduate vacancies is very tough, employers are looking for the best possible applicant, whether they are  from the UK or overseas. It is important for you to focus on the most desirable skills you can offer and learn how to market these.