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Finding work after you graduate

International students

As an international student, the process of getting work might be different to what you’re used to at home. There are additional rules and limitations that overseas students need to bear in mind to comply with the conditions of your visa while working.

The typical job application process

Applying to most jobs in the UK will work in a similar way. You can expect your job search to include the following steps. 

  1. Online job search

    Almost all job vacancies are listed online. You’ll be able to find them on the careers page of the organisation you’re applying to, as well as on job search sites.

    These listings will contain information about the role, its salary, location, what’s expected of the candidate, and what experience or qualifications are needed to apply. Make sure you meet the criteria of the job before applying to make sure you have a good chance of success. 

  2. Applying online

    Once you’ve chosen a job to apply for, you can usually apply directly through the listing. This may direct you to an application form or will provide you with an email address to submit your CV and cover letter to (you can find more information on CV and cover letters further down). 

  3. Pre-interview assessments

    This step is usually only present when applying to larger organisations or graduate schemes. This might include an online quiz or written answers to technical questions online, or they may ask you to visit an assessment centre for tests, presentations, or group activities. You’ll need to succeed at this stage to be invited to interview. 

  4. Interview

    Job interviews can be in-person, via video call or over the phone. During your interview, you’ll answer a series of questions designed to work out whether you're the best fit for the role.  

    In some cases, you’ll know the questions in advance. In any case, you should think carefully about why you’re a good choice for the job and make notes based on the job description. Consider asking a friend or family member to ask you interview-style questions so you can practice!  

  5. Offer

    If you’re successful in your interview, you’ll be contacted with your job offer – often within a couple of weeks of your interview. When accepting a job offer, you'll usually be asked to sign a contract for the position and agree on a start date. 

What you might need

Your CV 

Every job applicant in the UK needs a CV. This is a brief (one or two page) summary of your educational achievements, work history and professional skills. In general, you'll use the same CV for each of your job applications. In some cases, you may wish to include or leave out some minor details depending on whether they’re relevant to the job you’re applying to. 

Your university careers service can help you write or improve your CV. 

A cover letter 

You’ll usually need to include a cover letter along with your CV when applying to a job. While your CV is only about you, the cover letter is where you explain why you’re a good candidate for the job you’re applying for. 

As a result, you’ll have a different cover letter for each position you apply to. While your cover letters for similar roles might have some shared elements, you should make sure that the company name, address, and details of the job are accurate before you submit. 

Be specific and make it personal! Employers are much more likely to respond positively to cover letters that demonstrate you have written specifically to them, are interested in their job, and explain why you’re a great fit for that job. 

Work visas

Where to find jobs

Check in with your university careers team

The careers service at your university are the best place to start for any job search. They’re experts in helping students find suitable work experience or employment. Check out our comprehensive guide to using careers support as a student.

Talk to your lecturers and tutors

If you’re looking for opportunities to complement your academic learning and build experience in a specific area, ask your tutors for advice. They can give you recommendations that will really work with your academic programme.  

Search online

Almost every job, internship and work experience opportunity are listed online and can be applied to directly. 

Getting work experience

Volunteering 

You can find voluntary work through your students’ union, as well as through a range of charity and non-profit organisations. While this work is unpaid, it can be a great way to build experience relevant to your field and demonstrate commitment and passion for your subject. 

If you’re on a student visa, volunteering work counts towards your 20 hour per week limit. 

Internships  

Internships are structured training opportunities which may be unpaid or offer a basic wage. Unlike voluntary roles, internships can be offered by private businesses and are typically more rigid in terms of schedule, location and responsibilities. 

You can apply for full-time internships during the summer break or after you finish your studies. There are also part-time internships which you can complete during term time (these will count towards your 20 hour per week limit if on a student visa). 

Part-time jobs 

Part-time work is a popular way for students to build experience as it fits around study schedules and pays a wage. You can find part-time opportunities at your university or students’ union, or with businesses in your local area. 

Entry level jobs and graduate schemes 

Entry level roles are junior positions in a wide range of sectors, open to most people. Graduate roles are specifically for applicants with a relevant degree. Graduate schemes are paid roles that combine training and work, designed to help you build a strong foundation in your chosen career. They’re more structured than entry level roles and normally lead to full-time positions with the company offering the scheme. 

Graduate jobs and schemes can be highly competitive, so getting work experience during your studies is a great way to boost your chances of success. 

You can learn more about graduate job options in our guide to entry level jobs and graduate schemes. 

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