Feeling spooked this application season?

Avoid a fright, apply right!

Autumn is a busy time within the recruitment cycle with many larger companies already advertising summer internships and graduate schemes for 2027 and beyond. For those of you considering further study, some of the more competitive master’s programmes and funded PhDs are also recruiting.

At the Careers Service, we know how overwhelming and even intimidating applying to jobs can feel which is why we offer a wide variety of support and guidance.

"If you're not progressing within application processes, reassess your approach. Use our resources to redevelop application documents, get them checked via our services or rethink how you find opportunities. Don't just keep doing what isn't working until it's too late." - Careers Consultant Katie Dallison

CV-specific support

Over the autumn term, we run 15-minute Quick CV or Cover Letter Checks. These appointments are available Monday to Friday in person and can be booked via JobsLive.

Alternatively, you can upload your CV to receive written feedback within three working days. Simply sign into JobsLive, click on Me in the top right-hand corner and then select CVs.

Additional resources

• Explore our Applications and interviews webpages to find detailed guidance on everything from CVs, cover letters, speculative applications, online tests and more.
• Check out our CVs, Cover Letters and Personal Statements guide for clear explanations, examples and top tips.
• Attend one of our Career Essentials seminars or Career Labs workshops which cover everything from application forms to psychometric tests.
• Practice for online or recorded interviews with Shortlist.Me, an exclusive online resource.
• Showing you are knowledgeable about the employer and understand the industry they are in is essential for a successful application; employers cite it as a requirement they look for in candidates. Careers Consultant Nicky Smith recommends reading through targetjobs' What is commercial awareness? webpage for more information.

Applying for postgraduate study?

Here's what Careers Consultant Madelaine Chapman advises,

Improve your application to a postgraduate course by spelling out how it links to your future career plans. If you can show that you have thought about your next steps after the postgraduate course and how the course will prepare you, it will help them to see your motivation.

Support for disabled and neurodivergent students

Students often choose to share a disability or neurodivergent condition with an employer to arrange adjustments for during recruitment or in the workplace. If you're unsure which approach is right for you, Careers Consultant Mark Allen recommends visiting our Disability and neurodiversity webpages for "practical guidance and resources on sharing a disability, requesting adjustments, and identifying inclusive employers".

Tailored advice

As always, if you would like to discuss anything about your professional journey in more detail, our careers consultants are here to help! Our 25-minute discussion appointments are available Monday to Friday, online or in-person, and bookable via JobsLive.