Shortcuts to our support

Read our advice on how to approach application forms here: 

• How to complete an application form

The assessment centre generally forms one of the later stages of the recruitment process. 

Find out what to expect, and how to prepare:

• Assessment centres

You can do lots of different things! You may be keen to work in a role where you use your subject knowledge – but there are also many jobs which welcome applicants with degrees in any discipline.

Get some ideas by looking at the Options with your subject resource on our What Next with your Degree page.

• What’s next with your degree

See what some recent graduates from your School have gone on to do. 

• Graduate outcomes

If you’d like to talk about this, you’re welcome at our Drop-in. 

• Drop-in 

This isn’t unusual and it’s completely understandable. Thinking about the future can feel daunting, with an overwhelming range of possibilities ahead of you. We can support you to explore your options, develop ideas and turn them into plans. 

• Plan your approach – get started

Need more ideas? 

• What next with your degree? 

If you’d like to talk about how you’re feeling, you’re welcome at our Drop-in. 

• Information and Advice drop-in 

Thinking about your next steps can feel overwhelming, so if you have had a good look at our resources but are still feeling confused, book an apppointment with a Careers Consultant. Their role isn't to tell you what to do, but they will help you through the process of exploring options and making decisions.

Book an appointment

A cover letter is your chance to show the employer that you are motivated, well-informed about the job and and a good fit for it. Our advice outlines what to include in your letter and how to structure it. 

• How to write your cover letter 

If you have already used our resources to write your covering letter and want to talk through what you have drafted you have two options. Come along to one of our drop-ins for some quick feedback, or book an appointment with a Careers Consultant if you have a lot of questions or concerns.

• Information and Advice drop-in
• Book an appointment 

We recommend that you look at our example cover letters and structure yours in a way which is similar to one of these, instead of using a template which may not work for your content.

Access them, and other sites with examples, here:

• Example CVs and cover letters 

If you have never written a CV before, or if you haven't looked at yours for a long time, you may feel you don't know where to start. What information should you include? What sort of format works well? Our advice answers a lot of the questions you might have.

• Top Tips: CVs - short presentation by our Careers Consultants on how to write a CV
• Examples of CVs - see how you might format your CV
• Explaining your qualifications - advice on how to approach this.

When you've taken a few minutes to look at our resources you'll be in a good position to tackle your CV. 

Using a template can actually be unhelpful, as it won’t always allow you to present what you have to say in the way which works best and makes most impact. If you’re really keen to use one we suggest you find a very simple version, where the design doesn’t make it hard for the reader to focus on the content.

We recommend that you look at our example CVs and structure your CV in a way which is similar to one of these. As long as your structure is clear and not confused, and highlights the most relevant parts effectively, that will probably be fine. There is no single right way to write your CV!

Example CVs and cover letters.

When you have a draft CV you can get instant feedback by uploading it to CV360, our online CV checker. It works best when your CV is in Word. We expect you to do this before you look for feedback from us, as it will help us to make the best use of our time with you.

CV360

The CVs which work best are those which are targeted at specific roles and sectors, if you’re finding it difficult to focus your CV right now it might be wise to take a step back and take some time to think about the sort of job you’re likely to apply for with it.

Don’t worry – lots of people are undecided at this stage. Look at our ideas for getting started.

• Plan your approach – get started

Need more ideas?

• What next with your degree?

Want to talk about it? You're welcome at our Drop in or an appointment.

• Information and Advice drop-in
• Book an appointment

By following the advice in our resources and taking into account the feedback from CV360 you are likely to have written a CV which will make a good impression on an employer.

If you have further questions about your CV, or if you find you are applying to lots of jobs and not getting through to the interview stage, you can come to our Information and Advice drop-in or book an appointment with a Careers Consultant to discuss how you might adapt your CV.

Information and Advice drop-in

Book an appointment 

The great thing about studying for a degree is that it offers you many options. But that can also sometimes feel like too many options and seem overwhelming. 

In this situation we would suggest that you book an apppointment with a Careers Consultant. Our role isn't to tell you what to do, but we will help you through the process of exploring options and making decisions.

Book an appointment

We know decision making can seem daunting – it’s a lifelong skill which will crop up throughout your career journey. Don’t panic, our webpage provides some approaches to help you navigate the decision making process, no matter what stage you’re at.

• Plan your approach - make decisions

Want to talk it through? We’re here to support you. Book an appointment with any of our Careers Consultants.

• Book an appointment

Graduate recruiters are keen that you ask for relevant reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. However, whether or not you do this, and at what stage, is entirely up to you and will depend on what you feel comfortable with. There are various stages where you’ll have the opportunity to tell your employer about your disability; during the application process, before the interview, at the interview and in the job. We talk about this in more detail on the following webpage:

• Sharing your disability

We work in partnership with EmployAbility - you can access individualised advice and support about adjustments for recruitment and the workplace, information about your rights, and support with your application. We'd recommend that you register with them so you can take full advantage of the support they offer

• Register with EmployAbility

Want to talk it through? You are welcome to book an appointment with any of our Careers Consultants; we offer confidential one-to-one appointments

• Book an appointment

It's natural to worry about taking time off from your studies, but it is actually more common than you might think. The Careers Service offers a confidential space to talk about your concerns, without any judgement, so book an appointment with a Careers Consultant to discuss your own particular situation and how best to present it in your applications. 

Book an appointment

We recognise that sometimes things at university don't go as students hope. If you may be changing or leaving your degree, please come to see us as soon as possible. Appointments are confidential and non-judgemental - they are an opportunity for an honest conversation about navigating your options and planning for the future.

Book an appointment

If no appointments are available, please go to our information drop-in in the first instance.

Information and Advice drop-in

We would also strongly recommend that you speak to your Student Adviser as soon as possible, if you haven't done so already.

We recognise that sometimes things at university don't go as students hope. If you may be changing or leaving your degree, please come to see us as soon as possible. Appointments are confidential and non-judgemental - they are an opportunity for an honest conversation about navigating your options and planning for the future.

• Book an appointment

If no appointments are available, please go to our daily information drop-in in the first instance.

• Information and Advice drop-in

We would also strongly recommend that you speak to your Student Adviser as soon as possible, if you haven't done so already.

For links to sites which list courses, and links to information about funding, see this webpage: 

• Find out about further study

Our advice on writing a personal statement covers what you need to know. Find it here:

• Applications and CVs for further study

Make sure you have used our resources about writing a personal statement. If you have done this and would like feedback on your draft statement, either book an appointment with a Careers Consultant or, for brief feedback, attend one of our drop-in sessions.

• Book an appointment
• Information and Advice drop-ins

Our website provides a great starting point to help you look for graduate jobs: 

• Where to find jobs for after you graduate

Read more about the differences between graduate schemes and other graduate jobs, and get an overview of a typical recruitment process, here:

• Understand the recruitment process

Internships are particularly valuable for certain types of job and certain sectors, and feature less strongly in other sectors; so your approach to finding internships will be influenced by what you want to do. Most large graduate employers have an internship programme aimed at 2nd, 3rd and penultimate year students.

Our website points you to some of the main places to look for advertised internships - we recommend you start with the adverts on MyCareerHub. We also suggest ways to create your own opportunity. 

• Where to look for internships

If you’d like to talk about your approach to finding internships you’re welcome at our drop-in.

• Information and Advice drop-in

Some internships (usually outside the UK) require an internship agreement - find out about this on our website:

• Internship agreements

By doing a virtual internship, you are demonstrating your interest in a particular type of work, and increasing your understanding of what it involves. As with any type of experience, it’s not simply that you’ve done it that is so important; it’s the learning and skills you will have developed during the internship that will be of interest to employers. This is what makes it worth mentioning in your CV or cover letter when applying for future opportunities.

On the Forage platform you can access virtual internships which introduce you to tasks similar to those you would undertake during an internship with that company. The Forage activities can also be a great way of starting a relationship with an individual company. The platform includes advice on how to include these programmes in your CV. Programmes typically take between 6-8 hours to complete. They are unpaid.

•  Forage

Our advice answers a lot of the questions you might have when considering virtual internships.

• Top tips when considering virtual work experience

Read our advice about preparing for interviews; find out about the different types including competency, strengths-based and case study interviews, what you can do to prepare and the range of ways we can support you.

• Interview types; how to prepare

Read about the different formats, including recorded video interviews, online 'live' interviews and in-person interviews.

• Interview formats; how to prepare and practise

Many employers use recorded interviews as part of their recruitment process. Feedback from our students is that this is the least appealing element. Familiarise yourself with the experience of taking an online, recorded, interview by using Interview360. You'll get insight into why employers ask certain questions, and what they are looking for - and this is useful for all kinds of interview, recorded or "live".

• Interview360

Do you need a quiet space to record an interview? You can book our Online Interview Booth – you’ll find it in the Careers Service on the 3rd floor of the Main Library. Please reserve this booth by booking a slot(s). Make your booking in the same way you would book a careers appointment.

• Booking (choose the Online Interview Booth option from the list)

It's great that you want to do well. In many respects, interviews are like oral exams, so apply the same strategy that you might to a university exam: Firstly, revise the topic - so take a good look at our resources on preparing for interviews:

• Interviews and assessment centres

Then practise on 'past papers' - so use the Interview360 software to similarly practise questions. 

• Interview360

Finally, you may be able to book a 45-minute practice interview.

• Book an appointment

Try not to worry. It is surprisingly common not to succeed at interviews in your first few attempts. Firstly, take a few moments to reflect and jot down your impressions of your interview(s). In particular, ask yourself where do you think you fell short, or went wrong? Were there any particular questions you found difficult? Have you asked for or received any feedback from the recruiter which might be useful? 

Then book an appointment with a Careers Consultant to discuss your reflections and how you might improve.

Book an appointment

Working hours and conditions vary according to the type of role, so have a think about which roles you’re interested in. Some job descriptions specify whether they offer flexible/hybrid working. If not, have a look on the employer’s “About us” or careers webpages.

Preferred working pattern/hours are sometimes discussed during the interview process but before you get to that stage, it’s completely fine to contact the employer to find out before you apply for the role.

Want to talk it through? Come along to our drop-in.

• Information and Advice drop-in

Many people feel anxious about networking, and reluctant to try it. In fact, you're probably doing it already without giving it that label. Read the advice on our website - and have a go! You will most likely feel more at ease after a short time.

• Develop your network and build your profile

Looking for part-time work to fit around your studies? We advertise hundreds of part-time jobs on MyCareerHub. We add new vacancies daily – check them regularly so you don’t miss out on a great opportunity.

• MyCareerHub - jobs

Being open to a wide variety of options will be helpful as any job is useful, even if it isn't directly related to your degree; it will give you the chance to develop valuable skills such as team work and time management.

Our website links to other sites which are also good sources of part-time jobs.

• Where to look for part-time jobs

Part-time work can cover a huge range of roles. Some will require previous experience and specific skills whilst others may require more general skills. How much you will be paid will depend on the type of work and employer, and sometimes on your age. All jobs based in the UK must pay at least the National Minimum Wage.

• National Minimum Wage rates

If you would like to discuss this, you're welcome to come to our drop-in.

• Information and Advice drop-in

The University offers advice on managing your finances:

• Cost of living help

Most job applications in the UK ask you to provide the names and contact details of one or two referees at some point in the recruitment process.  

When you apply for a Masters degree or other course of further study you will be asked to provide an academic reference. 

Our webpage includes advice on who you might ask to be your referee(s). 

• Referees and References

You can get ideas and develop your understanding by using the links on our sector information webpages to start your research. For many different sectors, discover:

Our sector information webpages pull together key information about different sectors and the roles within those sectors. They include advice on how to build experience in that particular sector and where to find job vacancies.

• Sector information

We also recommend that you browse the adverts in the Jobs section of MyCareerHub. We post many vacancies there, on behalf of a wide range of employers. You can use a filter to search for jobs by opportunity type and if you choose "More search options", you can then filter by the industry or occupation type. You can "favourite" specific employers and you'll then receive a notification in MyCareerHub when they post a new advert.

• MyCareerHub - jobs

We link to vacancies sites for specific sectors and industry from many of our sector pages, so take a look at these first. 

• Sector pages

Then if you’d like to talk about your approach you’re welcome to come to our drop-in.

• Information and Advice drop-in

If you're looking for jobs in other countries follow the advice on our webpage. 

• Finding jobs outside the UK 

If you’d like to talk about your approach you’re welcome at our drop-in.

• Information and Advice drop-in

A recruiter is more likely to think you're a strong candidate if your application, and interview, show that you are aware of, and interested in, what they do. Looking at their job description and website are important first steps. Our advice on building commercial awareness will give you more ideas of how to do this. 

• Build your commercial awareness

There are a number of approaches you can take. Sites such as Glassdoor (you need to register for this) have reviews of companies, although keep in mind these have been submitted by current and past employees who may have a particular viewpoint. 

• Glassdoor

Some employers visit Edinburgh to give presentations or attend careers fairs, giving you the chance to chat informally. 

• MyCareerHub - Events listing

LinkedIn and Platform One both provide a powerful way to identify Edinburgh alumni who currently work, or have worked, for a particular employer and who may be willing to connect with you and chat informally about their experiences.

• Platform One

It is frustrating when you have applied for multiple jobs but are not progressing to an interview or job offer. Discussing your job search strategy with a Careers Consultant can help you identify what you might need to do differently.

• Book an appointment

In brief, we provide a wide and comprehensive range of information and support on career choice, employers, further study and funding, applying for jobs, interview techniques, and so much more. We encourage and support you to develop skills and experience during your time at university. From part-time jobs to internships and graduate positions; from careers fairs to alumni events, we’re all about inspiring futures.

Our vision is to make a meaningful contribution to the experience of every University of Edinburgh student, inspiring and empowering them to be the best they can be, to fully develop their potential and to achieve satisfying and rewarding futures. 

What we do

Employability means having a set of skills, personal attributes, and understandings or mindsets, which make you more likely to gain employment and to progress in your chosen occupation. Building experience of all kinds while you are at university is a good way to develop your employability.

Throughout your time at university you can dip in and out of our five Careers Service Toolkits to find tips on how you can expand your understanding and develop yourself. 

There's a toolkit for each section of our Career Compass: Understand Yourself, Build Experience, Discover What's Out There, Make it Happen and Become Professional. 

• Careers Service Toolkits 
• Introduction to the Careers Compass

As an international student planning to stay and work in the UK after your studies, it is important that you understand how the recruitment process works in the UK, as this may differ from what you are familiar with. Alongside this, undertaking research into the sector you wish to work in will help you make appropriate and tailored applications. Crucially, you should also be clear about your visa options - and be ready to explain these to an employer. 

Start by using our resources for international students who want to work in the UK: 

• Find jobs for after graduation 

If you want to find out about something we haven't covered here, please send your question in to us and we'll be happy to help. Use the Ask a Question function on MyCareerHub and we'll get back to you soon.

• Ask a Question