Applying for jobs
Online vacancy service
The OU Careers Advisory Service, in partnership with Graduate Prospects, has set up this facility where you can search for jobs and be alerted by email of new vacancies that match your criteria.
Note: use your OU computer username and password to access the Online vacancy service.
Regional and national vacancy sources
Look for sources of vacancies in your area.
Note: use your OU computer username and password to access the Regional and national vacancy sources.
Interview simulation
Try out this simulation to give an insight into how a panel interview operates.
- Use it as a starting point in your preparation and planning for job interviews.
- See what the panel members think about your answers as you go along, and at the end you find out whether you have been successful.
Note: use your OU computer username and password to access the Interview simulation.
CVs
The purpose of a CV is to market yourself to an employer and gain an interview.
- Creating CVs - identifying the key requirements, your relevant skills, and choosing the appropriate format
- Chronological CV - listing your details using headings, in reverse chronological order
- Skills-based or functional CV - emphasising your skills and personal qualities
- Improving a CV - giving your CV a face lift, with examples to illustrate how to improve a CV
Applications
Depending on the organisation(s) you are applying to you will come across a number of application and assessment methods.
- Analysing job advertisements - showing you how applications are prepared to match the advertised requirements
- Application letters - putting together speculative and covering letters, with examples
- Application forms - making forms convincing, interesting and well presented
- Application form questions - how best to answer these questions
- Applying online - how to make sure your online application is up to scratch
- References - who to ask, and academic references
Interviews
An interview format can be one to one, or there may be second or third interviewers in the form of a panel.
- Interviews - interview formats
- Interview Simulation - an activity you can try that gives you an insight into panel interviews.
- Preparing for an interview - knowing what the job entails, predicting what you may be asked
- Interview preparation activity - try answering practise questions to boost your confidence
- Answering questions - thinking about the best way to answer interview questions
- Body language - looking confident, being yourself
- Telephone interviews - dealing with this method in first-round interviews
Assessments
Some employers use assessment centres to interview job candidates. Various assessment methods are used to assess applicants objectively.
- Assessment centres - can include group and individual exercises, interviews and tests
- Preparing for an assessment centre - think about questions to ask, practice for assessment tests
- Assessment methods - can include aptitude, personality, and job-specific tests, presentations
- Aptitude and ability tests - types of tests and how to practise them in advance
- Personality tests - devised to identify your qualities and your preferences, or styles
- Job-specific tests - in-tray exercises, technical assessment
- Giving presentations - key tips on preparing and giving a presentation
- Group exercises - types of exercises and common group roles
PhD researchers
Take advantage of the skills and experience gained through your PhD to improve your job prospects.
- Enhance your employability - advice on how to increase your job prospects
- Finding employment after a PhD – explore opportunities in the academic sector and beyond
- CVs for PhD researchers – tailor your CV to the vacancy you are applying for
- Applying for jobs in academia – enhance your chances of securing an academic post
- Academic job interviews – how to prepare for common interview questions
- Resources for PhD researchers – useful websites for advice and vacancies
Mature graduates
Older graduates have the one thing that younger graduates dream of - experience -whether that’s from work or life.
- Tips for mature graduates - making your previous experience count
- Mature students and CVs: FAQs - practical answers to CV queries
- UCAS points and A levels - what to do if you don't have the points or A levels required by employers
What to do if you are unsuccessful
You may find you have applied for a number of jobs without success, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances.
- Are you not getting invited to interviews? - what you can do
- Are you not getting past the interview or assessment stage? - asking for feedback, reviewing your interview technique