Job Seeking

Back to International Students page

How do I find work?

In the UK:

UKCOSA have funded a survey of graduate employers to help identify recruiters who will be interested in applications from international students
Click here for a list of links to websites of companies that recruit international graduates, most of which can be found in the UKCOSA survey.
International Graduate Jobs on Prospects.ac.uk
Our vacancy lists - These are updated regularly and include part-time jobs, placements and graduate vacancies.
See our online occupation files for details of:
- Employer directories
- Local/national/specialist press
- Online bulletin boards
- Recruitment agencies
- Job centres
- Sources of international opportunities

Outside the UK:

If you are looking for work outside the UK, perhaps in your home country, a good source of International graduate jobs can be found on the University of London Careers Group International jobs page and on the prospects job search facility The NASES country guides also contain useful information about where to look for vacancies and how to apply for jobs by country.

How do I apply?

Check the application procedure wherever you have seen the vacancy advertised. You will usually be asked to send in either a CV and covering letter or a completed application form. Check out Applications for advice on how best to prepare these.

What happens next?

If you are successful you will be invited to an interview. Check out Going for Interviews.

What else can I do to improve my chances of finding work?

Be creative! Less than 30% of jobs are advertised through graduate schemes and in the press. Access the hidden job market in two ways:

Speculative Applications

Go direct to employers by enquiring about jobs with a company even when one hasn't been advertised. Send in a CV and covering letter.

Networking

Evaluate any personal contacts you have made either through any work experience you have undertaken or through any friends you have (possibly from university) who are now working. These contacts may let you know about opportunities you wouldn't otherwise hear about.

For more information on Speculative Applications and Networking, check out Hidden Jobs.

Finally

Take a varied approach to finding work. Try to identify as many job leads as you can and ensure you use as many as possible to ensure your jobseeking strategy covers the whole spectrum of recruitment.

For more help with any of the above contact us. We will be happy to provide you with personal help finding work.