Forms related to recruitment and appointment.
Includes ( ), ( ) and ( )
Academic, Academic-Related, Research and Assistant staff appointment form
31/05/2013
Acknowledgement of application template
04/07/2012
Application for Employment
22/10/2021
Apprenticeship Appointment Request
30/08/2018
Cover Sheet for CVs
22/10/21
Equal opportunities and recruitment data collection
26/07/2012
Further Information template
21/04/2022
International Working Form
01/11/2018
Interview Checklist (Chair)
18/11/2012
Interview Invitation template
18/11/2013
New Short-Term (casual) Appointment
30/01/2013
New Starter Details
16/01/2023
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14/06/2019
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08/01/2019
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10/01/2018
Recruitment Incentive Payment
01/06/2017
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19/11/2019
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01/10/2022
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04/07/2012
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Response to Job Enquiry template
05/08/2015
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01/02/2017
Selection Assessment Record
04/07/2012
Selection Assessor Notes template
04/07/2012
Selection Criteria template
04/07/2012
Selection Process Schedule
08/08/2011
Selection Results Grid
25/10/2021
Starting Salary Case
01/02/2023
Tier 4/Student visa Right to Work Checklist
20/08/2014
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Assessment of a Disclosed Criminal Conviction |
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Assessment of a Security Check Disclosure |
| 28/07/2014 |
Basic Disclosures and Security Check request form |
| 15/03/2016 |
Children and Adults at Risk Assessment form |
| 10/12/2019 |
DBS Check request form |
| 11/03/2014 |
Job Hazard Evaluation Form |
| 09/08/2018 |
On-Offer Referral Form |
| 11/08/2021 |
Safeguarding Incident Report Form |
| 28/07/2014 |
Work Health Declaration |
| 15/06/2022 |
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Induction Checklist (Employee) |
| 13/12/2023 |
Induction Checklist (Planning) |
| 28/10/2021 |
Probationary Forms | 01/10/2021 | |
COVID-19 Voluntary Impact Assesment Form | 21/08/2020 | |
Welcome Letter Templates |
| 12/04/2018 |
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Change of hours and working pattern |
| 27/04/2023 |
Extension to tenure and changes to funding |
| 20/01/2021 |
Promotion from Research Assistant to Research Associate on award of PhD Form |
| 21/12/2020 |
Record of consultation on end of open ended contract |
| 08/09/2022 |
Record of consultation on ending of fixed term contract |
| 08/09/2022 |
Request for extension or amendment of a post or office |
| 27/04/2023 |
Request to grant the titles of Affiliated Lecturer, Affiliated Assistant Professor, Affiliated Associate Professor or Affiliated Professor |
| 08/10/2021 |
Suppression of Post form |
| 06/12/2013 |
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Academic Career Pathway transfer application | 16/02/2014 | |
Application for vocational training |
| 06/09/2019 |
Career management scheme for contract research staff, self appraisal |
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Proposal for Contribution Increments (Research staff) |
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Proposal for Contribution Rewards (Academic Related and Assistant staff) |
| 16/11/2015 |
Proposal for Contribution Rewards (Academic Related Grade 12) |
| 18/09/2023 |
Staff review and development (appraisal) forms |
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Adoption Leave Application Form |
| 05/09/2022 |
Application for Leave from University Office to Undertake Research Fellowship at the University of Cambridge |
| 06/12/2013 |
Application for temporary leave to work flexibly |
| 27/04/2023 |
External Secondments |
| 12/11/2013 |
Flexible working request forms |
| 27/04/2023 |
International Working Form |
| 01/11/2018 |
Graduated Return from Maternity form |
| 05/09/2022 |
Leave of absence application form (Academic and Study Leave) |
| 05/09/2022 |
Maternity Leave Application Form |
| 05/09/2022 |
Maternity Leave Notification of Return form |
| 05/09/2022 |
Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Form | 05/09/2022 | |
Parental Leave application form |
| 05/09/2022 |
Paternity Leave application form |
| 05/04/2024 |
Rental Deposit Loan Scheme Application Form |
| 19/10/2018 |
Shared Parental Leave forms |
| 05/09/2022 |
Sickness Self Certificate |
| 23/04/2020 |
Special Leave (Paid and Unpaid) Application Form |
| 05/04/2024 |
Staff and student relationship declaration form | 18/07/2024 | |
Substitute teaching form |
| 01/10/2009 |
Temporary Workers' Sickness Self Certificate |
| 17/02/2022 |
Travel to work loan scheme application form |
| 01/02/2006 |
Working from home ('teleworking') form |
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Application for Pension Cash Supplement |
| 01/07/2017 |
Appointment form for students paid an allowance through the payroll |
| 06/10/2011 |
Case for Additional Responsibility Payments |
| 01/03/2012 |
Change of bank account details |
| 06/11/2018 |
Hourly payments input form |
| 05/04/2011 |
Guarunteed Minimum Hours Payment Input Form | 01/11/2022 | |
Intern timesheet |
| 01/07/2010 |
Non-Pensionable Additional Payment form |
| 26/09/2014 |
Non-Recurrent Payment form |
| 12/09/2023 |
Guaranteed Minimum Hours Non-Recurrent Payment Form | 01/11/2022 | |
Overtime at special rate |
| 05/04/2011 |
Overtime payments |
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Student banking details |
| 13/12/2019 |
TES Timesheets for temporary staff |
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UPS forms (Finance Division) |
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Application for Flexible Retirement |
| 17/09/2019 |
Application for Partial Retirement (NHSPS members only) | 26/03/2024 | |
Leaver Arrangements Template Letter |
| 29/01/2014 |
Notification of Intention to Retire |
| 01/10/2017 |
Record of Workplace Discussions regarding Retirement Intentions |
| 01/10/2017 |
Request for University Officer to Continue Working Beyond the Retirement Age |
| 01/01/2018 |
Retirement Extension request (Details of Funding) |
| 01/01/2018 |
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The power of the cover letter in making an effective job application should never be underestimated. A good cover letter will grab the employer’s attention and make them want to read your CV. The purpose of your cover letter and CV together is to whet the employer’s appetite, to establish you as a serious contender for the post and to persuade the recruiter that you are worth an interview.
The cover letter exists to:
This article focuses on cover letters for roles in Academia and addresses:
You should always send a cover letter with your CV unless you are expressly asked not to. The only exception is if you are posting your CV on a database/with an agency where it will be seen by numerous employers, in which case a Profile on the CV itself is helpful.
Even if you have explained your motivation for applying on the application form, it is still worth sending a separate cover letter. This is because the cover letter gives you another opportunity to market yourself and can strengthen your chances.
For jobs in academia, the length of the cover letter will depend on the seniority of the post. In any event, you should ensure the letter is no longer than two pages; one and a half pages is better still. In order to make an impact, and to prove that you can explain ideas fluently and clearly, the letter needs to be succinct. This is not the place to give in-depth detail about your research and academic interests; remember that the letter may be read by non-academics too, such as staff from Human Resources. You can always give further details of your academic and research activities on your CV or in an Appendix to your CV.
Keep paragraphs short and your typeface clear (a font size of 11 or 12 is recommended) as the employer’s attention span will be brief.
It is traditional to write the cover letter in paragraph format, and this is the format we have used for our example letter, although some candidates choose to use bullet points and/or bold to highlight key points.
The order of paragraphs is not critical, but the following is recommended:
The best way to tailor your letter effectively is to:
Your cover letter needs to show what a great match you are for the job. The job and person specification will only give you so much. In order to understand the job context, how your own research interests will fit into the department’s academic offering, what the recruiters are really looking for and how the department and job might develop in future you need to make your own enquiries.
This could include:
For example: into the University and Department’s academic programmes, it’s research and student profile, the research interests of key staff and so on. There is much information available publicly (for example, the institution’s and department’s external websites, the department’s latest research ranking, academic forums and even Good University Guides). For external appointments, you may be limited to what is available publicly so do use your networks to access these.
Most recruiters are only too happy to answer questions about the job from potential applicants beforehand. This can also help you get your ‘name in the frame’ early. Just ensure that your questions are well researched and be warned that the conversation might turn into an informal interview. You should reflect on why the department should hire you, and refine your ‘elevator pitch’ before arranging the call.
You can also speak to people who previously worked there, who have worked with key staff in the department at some point in their career, as well as support staff. This will give you a better idea of the culture of the institution and the work of the department. For internal roles, you can use your internal networks to find these people. For external roles, you might ask the Head of Department to put you in touch with other staff – or use your networks to see who knows someone in the right department and institution.
The depth of your research will show in your application and can really distinguish serious applicants from the rest of the pack. It’s also great preparation for the interview stage.
The best way to tailor your letter is to pick out only the top three or four criteria for the post and focus your evidence on these. If the employer is convinced you have the right credentials, experience and skills for the areas that matter most, the chances are that they will invite you to interview. Your CV and your interview can cover the rest.
Whilst the focus of your cover letter may be about communicating the relevance and depth of your academic experience, don’t forget to give evidence of those softer skills which may also be relevant to the job. These are likely to be outlined in the person specification and may include supervising PhD students, writing funding bids, managing other staff and project planning.
Before you write your letter, you need to be clear on what your Unique Selling Points are for the role in relation to the key job criteria.
Think about what will differentiate you from the competition. Consider who else might apply, internally and externally, and what they might offer. Consider what makes you stand out from them. This might include:
Before you send off your letter, use our final checklist to ensure your letter is as strong as possible.
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Lisa Carr is a careers consultant and coach who works with a range of public and private organisations including the University of Warwick and Warwick Business School, where she coaches Executive MBAs. She began her career as an HR manager in the energy industry and spent a number of years lecturing for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. After qualifying as a Careers Guidance practitioner she has worked with a wide range of clients from undergraduates through to senior academics and company directors.
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Written by Chris Banyard
An PhD cover letter is one of the documents you may be required to submit as part of a PhD application . It should complement your academic CV and explain why you are applying. PhD cover letters offer you the chance to write with greater flexibility and personality than in other parts of the PhD application. This page will take you through what a PhD cover letter actually is and how to write one, along with some top tips on what to include (and what not to!).
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What is a cover letter for a phd application.
A PhD cover letter is a counterpart to a CV submitted as part of an application for a PhD programme. It is a short essay addressed to a specific individual and written in prose. It should explain your PhD application in your own words, demonstrating what you can offer and why you should be selected.
There are several reasons why the PhD cover letter is important for university admission. It is an opportunity to:
Many universities require an academic cover letter as part of the PhD application. It is therefore highly likely that you'll have to write at least one. If you're applying for multiple PhD projects then you will need to make sure you tailor your cover letter for each application.
Although there are similarities between a motivation or cover letter and a personal statement , they are different. A cover letter is more functional - it unites and presents your application. A personal statement is more useful for providing detail on your experience, interests and ambitions. If you are submitting both, you may need to keep this in mind and adjust the detail in each.
Although a PhD cover letter is a good place to expand on any research experience and publications you may have, as Bachelors or Masters students you will not be expected to have lots of this.
It’s more important to write with enthusiasm and show your commitment for research. Fortunately, the academic covering letter is an ideal place to show this!
The first thing you should include in your cover or motivation letter is a few introductory sentences . Outline who you are, what you are currently doing, whether it be a Masters or a job, and what PhD position you’re applying for. Make sure to include the PhD project reference number if one is provided in the description.
Next, you’re going to want to explain why you are applying for the PhD position. It’s a good idea to put your best, most compelling, or most relevant argument first. The earlier that you can make an impact, the more likely the addressee will read further.
Make sure you’re to the point and concise. An academic cover letter may be there to help illustrate your personality and passion but academics do not have the time to read elongated essays.
After detailing why you want to apply for the project, you need to explain why you’re eligible . Present you relevant skills and achievements in a brief and precise manner. Additionally, make sure to back up your claims with evidence.
An important tip is to demonstrate that you have done your research about the PhD project, supervisor and department. Be specific about why you would be a good fit for the this project in particular .
You should also detail clear understanding of the potential research impact the PhD project could have, and your enthusiasm for it. But, make sure your passion is routed in some research. Just discovering the unknown or novel may not be a compelling reason to research your subject.
Overall, the academic cover letter should show a clear identity and personality, while remaining professional. You need to demonstrate why you are a better and more interesting candidate than other applicants for a PhD.
The academic cover letter will accompany the CV , and therefore should not repeat anything on it. You should refer to information but not reiterate it.
You should also avoid listing all of your achievements, experience etc. It is better to focus on the best aspects of your PhD application.
There should be no statements presented without evidence. A PhD supervisor will see through this straight away.
Also, an ideal motivation letter should avoid offering too much information. This includes technical information, jargon and abbreviations. Focus on being clear and concise instead.
Lastly, you should avoid any vagueness, arrogance, or negativity. And make sure there are no typos or grammatical mistakes.
The formatting rules for an academic covering letter are very similar to those for a CV. Ensure there is correct spelling and grammar throughout, use consistent and clear font, and get the tone right – this should be enthusiastic and assertive without arrogance.
The cover/motivation letter for a PhD application should be approximately one A4 page in length, or around 500 words. If necessary, it can be a little longer but should not be longer than two pages.
An academic cover letter should have a beginning, middle and end.
The introduction should explain who you are, what you are applying for and how you started this application (i.e. where you heard about the PhD project, or if you have previously met the supervisor). You can also give a brief background about yourself and your research interests.
The main body should cover your skills and achievements as a counterpart to the CV. This should present your convincing argument as to why you should be accepted for a PhD position. You can also present your ideas for your future research.
Finally, the conclusion should explain why you want to study the PhD project and why you are a perfect fit. It should summarise your application as a whole. It can end with a respectful request to take the application further, such as an interview.
A cover letter should be addressed to a named person i.e. “Dear Professor Smith”. For a PhD application, this will usually be the PhD supervisor, but may be a specific person in charge of recruitment.
If you are still unsure who to address the cover letter to, it should be directed to the Head of Department.
Check that you have the correct title for the addressee.
Because the cover letter should be addressed to a named individual, it should be signed off with either “Yours sincerely” or “Kind regards”. Prior to this, it may be worth adding a polite prompt to reply, such as “I look forward to hearing from you”.
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We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about PhDs, covering course types, applications, funding and the benefits of further study.
Getting ready to apply for a PhD? Our guides explain research proposals, references and entry tests for doctoral programmes.
Understand what a successful PhD research proposal needs to include and how to go about writing one for your project application.
Our guide explains how to contact a potential PhD supervisor to discuss your proposal or ideas with them before applying.
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Cover Letters
A cover letter tells your story by highlighting your relevant strengths and motivation for the person and organisation you are writing to, rather than listing all the things that can already be seen on your CV.
Always take the opportunity to submit a cover letter if you are given the chance.
The cover letter gives you scope to showcase what interests and drives you, and your enthusiasm for an organisation and the role. You can use it to align yourself with the organisation’s strengths, values and culture, and highlight in a targeted way your knowledge and strongest, most relevant skills for the position.
The content and style are up to you, but a logical and engaging structure is key. Below are some guidelines.
Aim for a professional tone that conveys your message to the reader succinctly - remember it's not an essay or dissertation! Write in clear, concise English – take care not to drown the reader with your detail and avoid jargon they may not understand. The Plain English Campaign has some good guidance on improving your writing style.
Structure it like a business letter, brevity adds power and aim for no longer than 1 side of A4 in length. However, if the organisation gives you very specific instructions about the structure. length and content, follow their guidance.
Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing. If you are responding to an advertisement, state where you saw it. This tells the recruiter why they are reading the letter, and it gives them feedback on which of their advertising sources are working. You need to think about how you would like to introduce yourself; it could be that you mention the course you are studying and when you plan to finish it along with your place of study.
Explain why you are interested in the job and the organisation. Tailor the letter to the organisation and job description to make it clear that you haven't sent out multiple copies of the same letter to different employers.
Draw on your research, especially what you have learnt from speaking with their staff (e.g. while meeting them at a fair or event, or during work shadowing/experience) as this will demonstrate an awareness and understanding of them that goes beyond the corporate website. Be specific about why the position is particularly attractive for you, and back this up with evidence from your past, or by linking this to your overall career plans, and what you find exciting about this sector, don’t just repeat the text from their publicity material.
Explain why you are well-suited to the position. Refer to the most relevant skills (c.3-5), experience and knowledge you have and match what you say to the requirements outlined in the job description. Tell your story and highlight key evidence so that you are building on your CV, but not using exactly the same phrases. Make sure you read our guidance on demonstrating you fit the job criteria for more advice.
As your aim is to convince the recruiter that you are a suitable candidate for the job, focus on your accomplishments and the transferable skills that are relevant to the role. State explicitly how you match the job criteria – don’t expect the person reading your letter to infer your skills or experiences for themselves.
Support your claims by referring to examples that are already detailed in your CV. You can make a stronger, more credible case by linking different experiences that highlight similar skills or competences. For example:
Reiterate your desire to join the organisation and end on a ‘look forward to hearing from you’ statement, followed by ‘Yours sincerely’ if writing to a named individual and ‘Yours faithfully’ if you have not been able to find a named contact.
Academic cover letters.
Academic cover letters vary in length, purpose, content and tone. Each job application requires a new, distinct letter.
For applications that require additional research or teaching statements, there is no point repeating these points in a cover letter – here, one page is enough (brief personal introduction, delighted to apply, please find enclosed X, Y, Z documents).
Other applications ask for a CV and a cover letter only, in which case the letter will need to be longer and require more detail. Others ask explicitly for this detail in the form of a supporting statement that sets out how you fulfil the job criteria. Aim for a maximum length of two pages, though for roles at associate professor level and above it may extend to 3-5 pages. In all cases it is important to use the space effectively and show that you can prioritise according to what they are looking for.
In all cases:
What is a teaching statement and why do you need one.
When making an academic job application, you may be asked for a teaching statement (sometimes referred to as a ‘philosophy of teaching statement’). These statements may also be requested of candidates for grant applications or teaching awards.
A teaching statement is a narrative that describes:
The rationale behind a teaching statement is to:
There is no required content or format for a teaching statement because they are personal in nature, but they are generally 1-2 pages, and written in the first person. The statement will include teaching strategies and methods to help readers ‘see’ you in a lab, lecture hall, or other teaching setting. The teaching statement is, in essence, a writing sample, and should be written with the audience in mind (i.e. the search committee for the institution(s) to which you are applying). This means that, like a cover letter, your teaching statement should be tailored for presentation to different audiences.
Consider your experiences as both teacher and learner, and always keep your subject at the forefront. Consider all opportunities that you have previously had to teach, mentor, or guide, and determine instances that were both successful and perhaps not so successful. Understanding why and how learning happens is an important part of your teaching philosophy.
Here are some general areas to focus on in your teaching statement:
Goals : Convey your teaching goals. What would you like students to get out of your courses? What matters most to you in teaching and why?
Strategies : List effective teaching strategies. How will you realise your goals? What obstacles exist to student learning and how do you help students overcome them?
Evidence : Specific examples of your teaching experience are powerful in a teaching statement. Provide evidence that your students have learned (or not) in the past.
Some applications ask for a short research statement. This is your opportunity to showcase your vision for your research, propose a research plan and show how this builds on your current expertise and achievements. It forms the basis for discussions and your presentation if you are invited for interview.
Remember to:
Read the job description carefully to understand what is prioritised by the recruiting College or institution(s) beyond furthering your research. If there are additional responsibilities such as outreach, mentoring, expanding or fostering academic networks, you will need to provide evidence of your interest and experience in these areas, as well as statements about how you would fulfil these roles when in post.
Try to meet current junior research fellowship (JRF) holders to gain further insight into what the role entails on a daily basis and what is expected by senior colleagues.
Show how your research contributes to, extends and/or maximises the impact of other work going on in the university. Then state why the JRF would enable you to further these in specific ways.
Think about how to demonstrate your experience in the following areas:
Look at Vitae’s Research Developer Framework to identify any other academic-related competencies that you could demonstrate in your application (particularly project-management, leadership, developing innovative partnerships/strategic thinking).
Have your application reviewed by a careers adviser by booking a short discussion appointment on CareerConnect .
Example cover letters.
External websites with guidance and examples.
A growing number of websites offer AI-generated cover letters, either for free or for a fee. There are also numerous organisations offering to write your cover letters for a fee. We believe that if you follow the advice above and come for a (free) cover letter review at the Careers Service as part of a 20-minute 1:1 appointment, you will get the best service for you.
Check the CareerConnect platform for all our upcoming events and opportunities, book appointments, find jobs and internships, and more.
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To clinch that all-important job interview, you need to sell yourself and stand out from the crowd
Putting together a curriculum vitae (CV) is arguably one of the most daunting tasks for job-seeking graduates. Today’s job market is highly competitive, so applicants need to present their skills and suitability for any position in the best-possible way. A concise, well-designed and impressive CV is therefore key to clinching a job interview.
The average recruiter spends just 20 to 30 seconds looking at a candidate’s CV, which means they merely glance at its most important aspects. With this in mind, you should aim to keep the information on your CV to two A4 pages at the most. These need to be clear and easy to read, using a classic black typeface – do not try to impress employers with your artistic flair or hope to stand out from the crowd through coloured paper or odd typefaces.
This is your first chance to make a good impression. Recruiters will read this section to figure out what benefits you would bring to the company, so use it to explain why you would be a suitable employee. Highlight any relevant work experience and skills you have that fit the job description, but don’t describe what you want from the job and your career – there will be scope to discuss this at the interview stage.
Although your education history is a very important aspect of your CV, there’s no need to list every single qualification and grade you have ever gained. State your A-level subjects and results, but just mention your number of GCSEs plus the results in a few selected subjects, such as English, maths and those that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
For your university degree, give the name of the institution, your area of study and your grade or predicted grade, depending on whether you have already graduated or not. Add any relevant information about postgraduate study, qualifications that you are working towards or courses for which you have enrolled.
For employers, this is generally the most important section of a CV and should therefore come before the education history. However, recent graduates without any significant work experience should highlight their academic achievements first.
The career history needs to convince employers of the applicant’s suitability for the post, so you should make time to tailor your CV to each individual job you apply for rather than sending out the same one with all your applications. Your employment history should always start with the most recent position and work backwards in reverse chronological order.
A CV that makes no reference to any kind of work (not even part-time or holiday jobs) will suggest a lack of drive and initiative – not to mention laziness – to potential employers. But if you’ve got nothing to offer here, don’t panic – the National Council for Work Experience (www.work-experience.org), part of graduate careers website Prospects, offers quality work experience “for the benefit of students, organisations and the economy”. The type of work may be irrelevant to the jobs that you want to apply for, but it still reveals your personal development and confirms that you are prepared to work.
Volunteering experience also demonstrates that you are motivated, committed and willing to undertake any task in order to further develop your skills and improve your chances of long-term employment. At www.vinspired.com you can source placements by location or by focusing on the benefits you want to gain, the project you want to join or the charity you want to help.
If you haven’t gained any substantial work experience yet, holiday jobs, internships and volunteer positions will not only show that you are motivated and willing to work, but also give you general abilities that can be used across a number of positions and industries.
For instance, you might be able to include on your CV such employment exhortations as “teamwork”, “flexibility”, “motivated” and “interpersonal and organisational skills”, plus any above-average numeracy and literacy abilities. Such capabilities can also conceivably be acquired from hobbies and home life, while the professed possession of all or most of them demonstrates to recruiters that you are well equipped to change or extend your role within the prospective company, as required.
Most job applicants are expected to possess basic IT skills, especially with commonly used word-processing and spreadsheet software. However, any additional skills in this area should be highlighted for the recruiter’s attention because people with a demonstrably advanced knowledge of IT stand a far better chance of securing certain posts.
Listing any experience in graphics programs, web design and programming will definitely make your CV stand out. If you don’t yet boast such skills, why not book a short training course during a holiday period? See nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk, www.learndirect.co.uk or www.creativeskillset.org for information on free or part-funded IT and digital media courses.
Employers increasingly favour applicants who can speak and understand languages other than their mother tongue, so jobseekers who are fluent in two or more languages will find that they have enhanced employment options open to them, especially with multinational companies. Some universities provide intense “crammer” foreign-language courses (sometimes for free) during the summer holidays, so check with your careers service to see what’s on offer. You can also visit the Learning Space website (www.openlearn.open.ac.uk), which features Open University course materials, including numerous modern-language units.
Don’t feel tempted to reel off every hobby or sport in which you have participated since you were a child. Only include the interests that you have now and keep the list short and relevant – volunteering at a local community centre will impress most employers, whereas your love of tropical fish probably won’t. If any of your interests could significantly assist your job application, such as fluency in a second language when applying to a company with offices worldwide, list this first.
Make sure that you have included basic information such as your email address and phone number. It is wise to check with your referee that they are happy to be contacted and tell them what job you are applying for, so that they will be ready if contacted by telephone to give you a reference “on the spot”.
Don’t risk spoiling a good application by overlooking a spelling mistake. If possible, ask someone else to check your CV and covering letter for spelling and grammatical errors, too, as a fresh pair of eyes may pick up something you have missed. Relying solely on a computer’s spellcheck facility may lead to incorrect meanings or Americanisations.
Learn to be objective about your CV – get a second opinion and be prepared to make changes until both the covering letter and the CV do the best-possible job of selling you to a prospective employer. And don’t be discouraged by brief rejection letters that do not even ask you to attend an interview – or, worse, no reply at all. Employers are often inundated with applications and therefore don’t have time to respond to each applicant individually. Simply remain patient and positive in your approach to job-hunting – the right opportunity might come along sooner than you think.
There are fistfuls of expedient, expert and, importantly, free resources out there offering hands-on help with compiling or improving your CV. For instance, graduate careers website Prospects features specific examples of alternative approaches to compiling a CV, such as traditional, skills-based and academic.
Elsewhere, the Student Room (www.thestudentroom.co.uk) is staffed by “CV Helpers” to whom you may send your CV for authoritative advice on how to improve it. Likewise, the government’s careers advice site (www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk) has a CV builder on its website and offers feedback via email, telephone or face-to-face appraisal. Online recruitment colossus Reed not only offers a range of employer-approved sample CVs, but also provides a free CV review service, undertaken by an HR expert.
Take full advantage of your university’s careers service. Careers advisers at Cambridge, for example, have compiled two useful guides: CVs and Cover Letters and CVs and Cover Letters for PhDs and Postdocs . Both books, which are free to Cambridge students and graduates, feature sample CVs and covering letters – see www.careers.cam.ac.uk/library. You should also plunder your local library to source tried-and-tested titles such as You’re Hired! CV: How to Write a Brilliant CV by Corinne Mills.
Every CV you send out should be accompanied by a covering letter demonstrating why your skills and expertise make you the ideal candidate for the job you’re applying for, with reference to the job description and specifications. Like the CV, the covering letter should be short, sharp and to the point – it should be no longer than one page.
Use the opening paragraph to explain why you are applying for the post and the closing paragraph to say when you would be available for an interview. The phrase “at your earliest convenience” is a useful way of saying that you would be willing to come along at any time.
Creative Skillset www.creativeskillset.org
learndirect www.learndirect.co.uk
Learning Space www.openlearn.open.ac.uk
National Careers Service www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
National Council for Work Experience www.work-experience.org
The Student Room www.thestudentroom.co.uk
vinspired www.vinspired.com
cvtemplate www.cvtemplate.co.uk
The Guardian www.careers.guardian.co.uk/cv
Reed www.reed.co.uk/cvbuilder
University of Cambridge Careers Service www.careers.cam.ac.uk/library
The Guardian www.careers.guardian.co.uk/covering-letter-mistakes
Prospects www.prospects.ac.uk/covering_letters.htm
Useful job apps, start me up, recruitment resources.
A resume is a marketing tool and an extension of your professional brand. An effective resume showcases your experience, achievements and strengths, relating them to a specific position by using key words and highlighting relevant experiences. Remember, there is not one “correct” resume for you to use—the best resume is the one that clearly and effectively communicates your skills, abilities and future potential.
Resume samples by industry.
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About the university, research at cambridge.
Watch this video Getting Started: Resources for Undergraduate Students to ensure you get information on briefings, employer presentations, careers fairs, graduate schemes and jobs that interest you.
The Careers Service is here for you in your first year, helping you make the most of Cambridge. We can also assist with finding and applying for internships and work experience.
Contrary to popular opinion you don’t need to know what you want to do before using the Careers Service. See our Career Essentials session, How to pick a career. You can attend any of our events and sessions and receive information tailored to your career interests. You can even receive information specifically for you if you " haven’t a clue what you want to do ".
Remember to set up your profile on Handshake , our careers platform where you'll find resources, careers events, appointments with careers consultants and more.
In the Michaelmas term we prioritise final year students in terms of getting an appointment with a Careers Consultant. However, if you have a query do message our experienced enquiries team [email protected] and they will try their best to help.
Follow our blog and see this post especially for first years .
Your penultimate year at Cambridge is an excellent time to start engaging properly with the Careers Service.
We can help you whether you have no idea what to do after Cambridge, a few ideas or a clear idea . It’s easy to get overwhelmed by trying to think about career options, alongside academic work. So make sure you use Handshake and tell us what stage you are at and what you are interested in and we will tailor our information for you. This includes helping you find and apply for suitable internships and work experience.
The Careers Service understands how stressful it can be to be trying to figure out what to do after Cambridge, alongside your final year at Cambridge.
We know that you are short of time. Our approach is to try and save you time and maximise your chances of success.
We can help you whether you have no idea what to do after Cambridge, a few ideas or a clear idea .
Make sure you use Handshake and tell what stage you are at and what you are interested in and we will tailor our information for you.
See also our Career Essentials sessions to build your job-hunting skills.
Over 30% of Cambridge finalists go on to further study - we can help with that too.
In the Michaelmas term we prioritise final year students in terms of getting an appointment with a Careers Consultant. If you struggle to get an appointment do message our experienced enquiries team [email protected] and they will try their best to help with your query.
Remember that you can use the Careers Service after you graduate .
Read our blog to get inspiration about your career choices. It brings together news, opinions, advice, and perspectives from Cambridge students and graduates.
Use Handshake - join today to explore career options, book an appointment, find jobs and internships, connect with employers, and enhance your network.
Our YouTube channel features videos on topics including finding internships, writing successful CVs, graduate schemes, and virtual careers fairs.
LinkedIn Learning is a resource available to all students and staff - use it to explore courses and start learning creative, business and technology skills.
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A good application, whether a CV and cover letter or an application form, is critical in getting to the interview stage. Our CVs & Applications books are packed full of examples, so whether you're preparing for the annual graduate recruitment cycle, or an academic researcher looking for your first lectureship position, you'll find something inside to help you.
Advisers at Cambridge University Careers Service to help you prepare your CVs and cover letters, whether you are applying for an academic position or a non-academic ... CVS AND COVER LETTERS FOR PHDS AND POSTDOCS 10 11 Layout, evidence and impact Dec 2002- April 2003 Digital Green, India Web researcher & writer February 2000-
A good CV, cover letter, and application form is critical in getting to the interview stage. Our CVs & Applications books are packed full of examples, so whether you're preparing for the annual graduate recruitment cycle, or an academic researcher looking for your first lectureship position, you'll find something inside to help you. We have put together two videos to help you
I've reviewed over 1,000 cover letters professionally.I work as a Careers Consultant at Cambridge University.There are 3 elements that the *best* cover lette...
The first contact. Your job application, whether an application form, a letter or a CV (curriculum vitae), is your first contact with a prospective employer (internal or external). Make sure that you read the job details thoroughly and complete your application carefully. If your application is accurate, well presented and interesting you are ...
Cover Sheet for CVs. CHRIS/6. 22/10/21. COVID-19 Voluntary Impact Assessment Form ... Application for Leave from University Office to Undertake Research Fellowship at the University of Cambridge. CHRIS/69. 06/12/2013. Application for temporary leave to work flexibly. CHRIS/74 ... Leaver Arrangements Template Letter. HR32 and HR32A. 29/01/2014 ...
Picking your strategy. CVs and cover letters. Interviews. Essential etiquette guide. Industrial Placement recording process. Working overseas. Migrants from other Cambridge University Departments. Non-UK students. Current Undergraduate Resources.
Cambridge University CV and Cover Letter Guide 1690127645 - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. The document provides advice on preparing CVs and applications for undergraduate and masters students. It discusses getting ready to apply, understanding recruitment from the employer's perspective, how employers will evaluate applicants, tips for organizing ...
A cover letter can emphasise why you are perfect for the job. It gives you an opportunity to match your skills, knowledge and experience to the person requirements. ... Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge. Location: Cambridge. Salary: £28,000 p.a. Assistant Professor in Humanities/Social Sciences. College of Humanities, Arts, and ...
Craft your academic CV using three key principles (AHSS) Make your faculty application stand out - CVs (STEM) to make sure you have included all your relevant experience. You can record your experiences and reflect on them using the. if you prefer to learn by reading we have a dedicated section on lectureship and faculty applications in our.
Harvard University • Harvard College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences 54 Dunster Street • Cambridge, MA 02138 Telephone: (617) 495-2595 • www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu GSAS: CVs and Cover Letters CVs and Cover Letters GSAS: Graduate Student Information www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu
Address and salutation: Address the letter to a named person i.e. the Head of Department. First paragraph: An introduction, explaining which post you are applying for, how you heard about it, and some brief background on who you are e.g. in terms of your research interests and academic background. Middle section: Evidence of your academic ...
More. Login to your account. Improve your CV. Receive expert feedback in an instant. Target your CV. Address employer needs and increase your chances of success. Enhance your cover letter. Learn how to optimise and personalise your cover letter. Login with your University of Cambridge email address.
A PhD cover letter is a counterpart to a CV submitted as part of an application for a PhD programme. It is a short essay addressed to a specific individual and written in prose. It should explain your PhD application in your own words, demonstrating what you can offer and why you should be selected.
Science fiction. This reading and writing activity practises understanding text structure through referencing words and various types of linkers and discourse markers. C1-C2. 5-10 minutes. Proficient.
Academic Cover Letters. Academic cover letters vary in length, purpose, content and tone. Each job application requires a new, distinct letter. For applications that require additional research or teaching statements, there is no point repeating these points in a cover letter - here, one page is enough (brief personal introduction, delighted to apply, please find enclosed X, Y, Z documents).
The process and steps encountered when applying for jobs can vary greatly according to the sector to which you are applying. It may involve submitting additional information with your CV, cover letter and/or application form. Often there follows a variety of preliminary psychometric tests and assessments before an assessment day of individual ...
All work must be original and not re-written or corrected for Cambridge. All written work must be in English (except where required for Modern Languages and joint courses including a Modern Language). Please keep a copy of what you send, as reference may be made to it at interview. To be completed by the applicant and attached to the front of ...
For your university degree, give the name of the institution, your area of study and your grade or predicted grade, depending on whether you have already graduated or not. ... Careers advisers at Cambridge, for example, have compiled two useful guides: CVs and Cover Letters and CVs and Cover Letters for PhDs and Postdocs. Both books, which are ...
An innovative career development platform. The careers office will not be constantly staffed over the summer, so please email [email protected] before making a special journey to visit us. Online appointments will be available every day as normal - book via Handshake.
The aim of Cambridge English for Job-hunting is to develop the English language and communication skills you need to get the job you want. Specifically designed for both working professionals and those new to the world of work, the book comprises six stand-alone units which cover all of the following areas and more: Researching the market.
Find instructions for building a resume and cover letter, a sample guide and easy-to-use templates to get started. Everything you need to know for creating a stellar resume and cover letter. ... I discovered the position posted on the University of Delaware's Handshake recruiting system. Tipton Communications is a company in which I can ...
Special advice for first year undergraduates. The Careers Service is here for you in your first year, helping you make the most of Cambridge. We can also assist with finding and applying for internships and work experience. Contrary to popular opinion you don't need to know what you want to do before using the Careers Service.