Experts advice on all things careers. With help on applications, interviews, CV’s and much more!
Meet the Leeds Alum on the Network Rail graduate scheme
Three ex-university of Leeds students, Lily, Matt and Annabel, have joined the Network Rail graduate scheme since completing their degree. Wondering if this is an option for you? Keep reading to find out more about their experiences. Lily – Graduate Project Manager: It can be so hard to make decisions when it comes to leaving…
Read More
Careers staff and their career journeys: Steve Carter
I have to say that this job was not something I had considered pursuing when I was leaving school; in fact, my only thought was just to leave school. There was nothing wrong with school, it was just something you had to do until you left, which I did without any GCSEs, or O levels…
Read More
Careers staff and their career journeys: Jason Law
When I was at school, I always wanted to be a doctor. I had considered engineering but decided to follow the medical route because I wanted a challenge and to help others. I focused on my studies at school and got the grades needed to enter medical school. However, I always struggled at university and…
Read More
The Value of Workplace Experience: How a Year in Industry Complements Your Degree
Transitioning from the second year of an undergraduate degree to the third (and potentially final) year can be a daunting one. The prospect of graduation and employment being a matter of months away can leave a sense of panic and anxiety, and we often think that we need to have it all figured out before…
Read More
Make your next career move squiggly!
What is a squiggly career? There are ups and downs when you go about finding your “dream job”, and ‘squiggly career’ means exactly that’ a career journey which doesn’t follow a linear route like a line on a graph. Instead, your line fluctuates and won’t consistently be straight. Like a graph, the obstacles you face…
Read MoreHear from current Careers Service Interns
Tanpreet, Amaani and Alex are current placement year students at the Careers Service. Our interns answered a few questions regarding their experience so far. Alex: My role is varied, so I’m always up to something different! I will often be responding to emails from a wide range of people such as students; local schools…
Read More
Class of 2023: A sneak preview of what you can access as a graduate
We’ve said it before, and it’s worth saying again (because we really do mean it), our Careers Service is here for you for life! That means that even after you’ve graduated, you can keep on chatting to our wonderful career advisors in 1:1 appointments that can be booked on MyCareer, and that you have continued…
Read MoreFinding work when you have a disability
Finding work when you have a disability can seem like a daunting prospect. From wondering how employers will react, to knowing what adjustments to ask for during the application and interview stage, it can all add to what can already be quite a stressful experience. However, things are not as daunting as you think. The…
Read More
The beginner’s go-to-guide for finding a job
With thousands of different vacancies, from hundreds of different employers, in dozens of different industries, it can be difficult to know where to begin in your search for a job. Whether you are a first year looking for some work, a second year searching for an internship or placement year, or a finalist hoping to…
Read More
Take your next steps towards volunteering with Student Volunteering Week!
Student Volunteering Week is here and we can’t wait for you to be a part of it! Keep reading to find out why you should make volunteering a part of your student experience and how to get involved in our events.
Read More
A Day in the Life of a PSA
Peer Support Assistant and History student Etta breaks down a day in her life on shift at the Careers Centre!
Read More
How to make connections and boost your employability
The ability to make connections effectively is one of the most useful career skills to have, whether you are in work or seeking work. Making connections can help you: Success in three steps Success in making connections depends on you being prepared, clear about your objectives and willing to nurture relationships. Following these steps will help you…
Read More
Swerve those interview nerves with careers adviser and former student / graduate recruiter Pablo Costa
Interviews and presentations, presentations and interviews…these two activities cause more anxiety and stress to your typical student than pretty much anything else. Tell me if I am wrong, but what other academic activity keeps you from sleeping normally, or is an incessant thought in your head? You might say to me, Pablo…err, hello!… have you ever heard of assignment deadlines or exams?…and…
Read More
How the Careers Service can help you!
The Careers Service is here to help you make decisions and plan the steps to a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations – we can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need. It doesn’t matter if you are stuck for ideas…
Read More
Kickstart 2023 with LinkedIn Learning’s ‘Career Goals’
It’s January – and we all know that a new year means new resolutions – time to reset and rethink your goals. Whether you’re a student and looking to gain experience in your chosen field alongside your studies, or a graduate, on the path to carving out the perfect career for you, we think 2023…
Read More
Working Internationally: How to turn your dreams of working overseas into a reality!
Working abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience that appeals to many students after graduation. Being in a new environment is a great way develop new skills and to learn and grow in ways that you wouldn’t think of at home. But getting employment in different countries varies depending on where you want to…
Read More
Make the Most of your Careers Appointment
So, you’re thinking about booking an appointment with a member of the Careers Service? Good decision! If you are at that stage, here are some resources we’ve curated to get you thinking about possible directions to take and to help you get the most out of your appointment. Help with Career Planning If you’re uncertain…
Read More
Everything you need to know about our CV Checker
Are you applying for jobs right now? Or maybe you’d like to perfect your CV in preparation? Use our CV Checker to improve your chances of getting hired! What is it? Our CV Checker is a useful career platform that provides detailed, personalised feedback on your CV. Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the CV Checker…
Read More
Becoming a Leeds Graduate – All the support you need
Are you graduating this year? Nervous about life after July? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We offer support and resources, all tailored to help you through graduation, finding a job and beyond. Resources Read up on Becoming a Leeds Graduate by accessing our Sway. There are sections on starting your career, further study, travel and…
Read More
Class of 2021: How I got my graduate role in recruitment
Find out from 2021 Psychology graduate Hodon Sheikh how she got her job in recruitment, including tips on using LinkedIn, researching a company and changing career plans
Read More
LinkedIn Learning Champions
The LinkedIn Learning Champion programme encourages the development of employability skills by participating in the programme and actively using the LinkedIn Learning platform. LinkedIn Learning Champions share their insights and encourage you to try the LinkedIn Learning platform which is free for University of Leeds students and staff. Here, LinkedIn Learning Champions from the University…
Read More
Careers by the book: A guide to Skills@Library’s employability resources
The library is the starting point for your studies. It is a fountain of knowledge and resources that will flow throughout your work. But it also can offer something else: skills and experiences that will be beneficial beyond your university course. Housed in the Laidlaw Library, Skills@Library runs a busy calendar of events and workshops all currently available online, aimed at giving you study skills that will support your dissertations, group presentations and more. Importantly, these tools can be transferred into your working…
Read MoreHow to include LinkedIn Learning on your CV
One of the most common questions students ask about LinkedIn Learning is: ‘should I put it on my CV?’ In this post Alex Noble, one of the Careers Centre’s Employability and Progression Assistants, will look at how and where to include a LinkedIn Learning course on your CV. Why should I use LinkedIn Learning? LinkedIn…
Read MoreEffective remote working during the Covid-19 global pandemic
Matt Wheeler and Sam Taylor University of Leeds Graphic & Communication Design graduates founded madeby.studio in 2019, a creative and digital design studio based in Leeds city centre- with the help of Spark, the University’s business start up support team. Under lockdown we hear how Matt and Sam made the change to working effectively…
Read MoreHow to survive and succeed in a new online role
Just as you got used to and mastered studying remotely online, many of you will be embarking on new careers and roles from home. In this blog, Kate Wortley, Frontline Careers Team member, and Suzie Bullock, Frontline Careers Team Leader, outline how to survive and succeed when joining an organisation virtually. Working from home can…
Read MoreResilience and adaptability in changing times
In these constantly changing times how are we adapting? Marc Steward, Careers Consultant gives his thoughts on the challenges faced by students for personal and professional development in these uncertain times and the support the University continues to offer. Key skills in 2020 In what seems a lifetime ago, but was only semester one of…
Read MoreAn introduction to virtual internships
You may have heard of them- but what exactly are virtual internships and how do you find them? If you’re feeling in the dark about virtual internships this blog compiled by University of Leeds colleagues Suzie Bullock, Careers Adviser Team Leader and Alison Kusinska, Employability Assistant is a great starting point to boost your…
Read MoreTop 10 tips for career readiness in lockdown
So, while we’re all holed up at home, Suzie Bullock, Careers Adviser Team Leader, lists her 10 top tips on how you can use lockdown to prepare for your future career. 1. Find out your strengths Find out what animal you are by taking the Buzz Quiz at icould.com Based on the Myers Briggs Type…
Read MoreHow to land a job after you graduate
It‘s peak job-hunting time at the Careers Service – drop-in has been as busy as the doctor’s walk-in centre and everyone’s feeling the pressure. So what else can you do to land a job? Don’t panic It’s easy to feel like you’re the only person in the world who doesn’t know what they’re doing –…
Read MoreA helping hand for medical engineers
Medical device engineering is an innovative field in healthcare but there’s not a lot of information out there about careers and employers. So, for all you medical engineers, Suzie Bullock, Careers Adviser, provides a brief overview about what’s available. Where to start The first point of call for careers information for students and graduates is…
Read MoreFrom student to professional- transitional top tips
Steph Wright graduated from the University of Leeds in 2018 with a degree in Philosophy. She now works as a Talent Executive for THG, attracting and retaining the best graduate talent. Here is her insight and advice on making the transition from university to the workplace. So, whether you are an undergraduate hoping to…
Read MoreAssessment Centres- presentation tips
Pablo Costa is a Careers Adviser here at the University of Leeds. Prior to working in HE he was a graduate recruiter running assessment centres- giving him an insider view of what it takes to succeed. Around 89% of major graduate employers use assessment centres to evaluate graduate candidates (Institute of Student Employers,…
Read MoreLove Leeds? How a career in the health sector could be good for you
So you’ve loved your time here, want to stay but don’t know what to do? The health sector in Leeds is thriving and, spoiler alert, there are plenty of roles where you don’t need a medical or science degree. In this blog, Careers Adviser, Suzie Bullock, explores options in the health sector in Leeds for…
Read MoreYour first employee handbook: what to look out for
This guest post was written by Jamie Costello, a Business & Communications student based in Manchester, drawing on experience working alongside Manchester solicitors and business law specialists Gorvins. As a freelance writer, Jamie writes on topics ranging from employment to strategy planning for entrepreneurs. Jamie can be found on Twitter at @Jamie88Costello. Some new jobs…
Read MoreWhy accounting students should take a year abroad
This guest post was written by Kara Copple of The Accountancy Partnership, which manages accountancy and tax affairs for over 4000 UK businesses of varying size. Congratulations! You’ve worked so hard and finally got your degree. You may be thinking “now what?” – should you go straight into the world of work, or should you take…
Read More5 Graduate Fears and How to Overcome Them
Whether you’ve already graduated and are struggling to find that perfect job, or if you will be graduating soon, Francesca Hooper from Inspiring Interns provides some tips on overcoming fears that can often hold graduates back. Remember that we at the Careers Centre are here to help you with all things post-university, whether you’re a…
Read MoreLinkedIn could land you your next job
Final year English & Philosophy student Annie Moss just completed a placement year with the global recruitment consultancy, Hays. Here she shares her tips for fellow students and graduates on why taking care of your LinkedIn profile can really pay off. Would you arrive at an interview late, with a scruffy attire, and little to…
Read More8 Graduate CV Mistakes Recruiters See Over And Over
In this guest post, Susanna Quirk from Inspiring Interns outlines some of the most common graduate CV mistakes, and how to avoid making them. For many, the CV they write for graduate jobs is the first they’ll ever produce. While the conventions of the common-or-garden resume may seem simple enough to grasp, the reality is…
Read More3 Ways to Stand Out When Applying for Graduate Jobs
This week we’re discussing some simple steps you can take to stand out from the crowd when applying for graduate jobs/internships. If you’re a soon-to-be graduate looking to give yourself nightmares, Stephen King has nothing on job hunting statistics. To snag any given graduate role, you’re going to have to fight off thirty-eight other applicants,…
Read MoreIn Leeds: Mock interview and CV advice from employers
This week’s blog post is a summary of Leeds student Hristina’s In Leeds Day experience focusing on what she’s learned from mock interviews and CV coaching sessions with Leeds graduate employers. I recently participated in the ‘In Leeds’ day organised by Leeds City Council, Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and the three universities in Leeds.…
Read MoreWhat is the recruitment process like at a startup or SME?
Considering working for a start-up or SME? Find out what their recruitment process is like in this week’s blog post. Over the past few years, there’s been a noticeable increase in the number of university leavers pursuing a graduate job at a startup or SME (small or medium-sized enterprise); over 50% of graduates now say…
Read MoreWhy you should always target your CV
This week Beth Leslie from Inspiring Interns is talking about why you should target your CV to the job and company you’re applying for and gives some useful tips on how to go about this. Let’s be honest, job hunting is not fun. The path to that fulfilling and high-paying career of your dreams is…
Read MoreTackling the Application Process & Being Open about a Disability: Part Two
In part two of our ‘Tackling the Application Process & Being Open about Disabilities’ series, we are continuing the discussion on whether applicants should be open about their disability and what makes an application stand out. Should I be open about my disability at the application stage? It is your decision whether and when to…
Read More5 Ways To Show Employers You’re Ready For The World Of Work
This week, Susanna from Inspiring Interns gives some useful tips for students and grads on how to prepare for the world of work, and demonstrate this to employers. We’re in the middle of a graduate shortage. That’s right: while grads complain about how hard it is to find a job, employers are moaning about the…
Read MoreTackling the Application Process & Being Open about a Disability: Part 1
Steve Bone is a Careers Consultant at Leeds University, he supports students applying for graduate opportunities and advises his careers colleagues on inclusivity. In this blog, he highlights observations of the additional challenges faced by students with disabilities and shares advice on how to overcome these. This blogpost was originally published on Myplus Students Club.…
Read More5 things to think about before you start your placement
Already secured your placement? Find out what you need to do before you start from our Work Placement Manager, Rebecca. So you’ve secured a placement – congratulations! Now it’s time to start to prepare for that all important first day. The 5 points that I’m going to cover here may not seem like the most…
Read MoreStaying safe online in your job search
As with most things, job hunting these days is largely done online. Whilst the connectedness and ease of finding information online is undoubtedly useful, care is needed with how you approach your online job search. There are many career-related advantages to living in such a connected World and we talk a lot about the ways…
Read MoreHow To Make Networking as Easy as ABC
This week, Beth from Inspiring Interns talks about a topic that has become increasingly important for job seekers today – networking. She gives lots of useful tips on how to make networking easier, and how to be more confident at networking events. A = Attendance The first thing you need to do to be a…
Read MoreResilience: The Most Important Thing You Can Take From Your Job Applications
In this post, we are discussing resilience, and why it is such an important skill to take from your placement, internship or graduate job search. It’s a skill that is not only useful in the job-hunt process and professional life, but in day-to-day life as well. Read on to find out why. The job-hunt process…
Read MoreLooking for a placement or internship? Here’s what you need to know
Are you looking for a placement or internship for next year? This post outlines a few key points to be aware of and is equally relevant for those of you looking for any type of work experience. By far the most common questions I’ve had from students in the first few weeks of this term have…
Read MoreGetting into… the accounting industry
This week’s blog post by the Accountancy Partnership goes into detail about the accounting industry and lists the skills, experience and specific qualifications that can facilitate getting into the industry. If you are thinking about a career in accounting, but aren’t sure where to start, this post has some useful information and relevant resources to help…
Read MoreFirst years: 3 things to do
In this post we’ll discuss 3 things you can do in your first year to boost your employability, based on reflecting on my own experience as a first year student. If you’re just starting univeristy, you’re probably reading this and wondering “Why would I start thinking about my career this early”, which is quite similar…
Read MoreSecond years: 3 things to do this year
Starting your second academic year is an exciting time – you’re no longer a fresher, you feel more at home at university; however it can be potentially daunting as you have to make some important decisions that can have a great impact on your career prospects. Here’s 3 things you can do to make the…
Read MoreFake it ’til you make it: Confidence & the Charisma Myth
Do nerves get the better of you in interviews? Does the thought of networking or giving a presentation fill you with dread? These are essential elements of job search and selection processes but are things which many of us find terrifying at worst, or simply uncomfortable at best. Confidence – or at least being able to…
Read MoreUse the rule of 3 to give your career an Olympic boost
As something that I usually mention in interview preparation with students and graduates, I’ve been thinking about writing a post on the rule of 3 for a while. Being reminded of the Olympic motto, with its focus on aiming high and continuous improvement, this weekend prompted me to get it written. The Olympic motto; “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, meaning…
Read MoreThe gig guide: A new model of work?
Hoping for long-term, secure employment with one organisation? Or perhaps you’re planning to build your career on a freelancing model? Whatever your personal preferences, the world of work is changing, not least in the extent to which people are employed on a permanent basis. In this post, Careers Consultant Marc Steward looks at the rise of…
Read More3 ways LinkedIn can help you find potential employers: Part 3
This is the final post in our 3-part mini series outlining 3 key ways LinkedIn can help you find potential employers, whether this be for jobs, experience or placements. You may already have a dream employer in mind, but are struggling to identify similar organisations to broaden your options. This can be particularly difficult if your…
Read More3 ways LinkedIn can help you find relevant employers: Part 2
This is the 2nd post in our 3-part mini series outlining 3 key ways LinkedIn can help you find potential employers, whether this be for jobs, experience or placements. This post outlines how you can use the company search feature to identify employers by location and sector. Part 1 of the series outlines how the…
Read More3 ways LinkedIn can help you find relevant employers: Part 1
Whether you’re looking for experience, placements or a graduate job, it can sometimes be hard to identify potential relevant employers. This is particularly so if you’re looking outside of the large multi-national organisations. Opportunities with other types of employers, or in other sectors, may not be as widely advertised, and many people actually find jobs and…
Read MoreMaking the most of your placement
Whether you’re getting some shorter-term experience over the summer, or embarking on a year-long placement, here are some must-dos to ensure you get the most out of the experience. 1. Think about your objectives OK, so your main objective may just have been to get some work experience, but now that you have it, you want…
Read MoreJob applications: Keep it simple
Claiming excellent written communication skills in your job application? Too many applicants contradict their own claims through poor written communication (and there is more to it than just running a spell-check!) This post outlines why your written style matters and three simple ways to improve it. I see a lot of applications, CVs and cover letters…
Read MorePreparing for a successful Legal career
With the Leeds Law Fair just around the corner, we thought this was a good time to publish this post; a summary of some of the insights shared at the University of Law’s event in Leeds ‘Preparing students for a successful legal career’ earlier this year. At the event, four speakers shared their insights on…
Read MoreHow to stand out from the crowd
In this guest post Simon Briffa, Internal Talent Manager at The Sellick Parnership, shares his tips on how to stand out from the crowd in the graduate recruitment market. As more and more students graduate each year and with approximately 39 applications for every entry-level role, it can be increasingly difficult to stand out from…
Read MoreCareers in the digital industry: Not just about the tech
Think digital careers are just for ‘techy’ people? Think again. Digital now impacts on every area of life and is creating lots of opportunities in various roles across all sectors. This post is a summary of a careers event run by Amy & Lauren from Bubble Jobs at the University of Leeds in April 2015. What…
Read More
What is LinkedIn? An introduction for students and graduates
We were recently approached by some students from the Business school who produce a newsletter – e-Financial – which aims to help keep students up to date with the latest business news. They asked for an interview about LinkedIn to include in the first edition of their newsletter. As these questions were posed by students, we…
Read MoreJob application video tips
Have you been asked to submit a video as part of a job application? Read on for our top tips to help you create a winning video. Note this is different to a video interview. If you’re looking for tips on video interviews, see this post from an employer and this post with our tips. Many…
Read MoreHow to choose a career: Tackling the “What are you doing after uni?” question
This post provides two steps that will help you consider your career interests. It focuses on what will help you decide what to do. You may be considering other things alongside this, such as further study, self-employment, travel or something else. For help and advice on these, take a look at our website Over recent weeks,…
Read MoreVideo interviews
Video Interviews In this blog Carrieanne Haynes of Pendragon discusses why employers use video interview. Pre-recorded video interviewing is becoming increasingly popular amongst Graduate Recruiters, but why is this? It’s hard enough to interview face-to-face, let alone in front of a camera and record yourself! In all honesty video interviews, arguably, give you more chance…
Read MoreCareers advice for Masters students – start now!
Professional Development Tutor in Leeds University Business School, Marianne Savory discusses why Masters students can’t afford to wait to start planning their career. You arrived in Leeds a few weeks ago and are anxiously excited about the beginning of your programme. A few people have mentioned careers and job applications but you don’t need to…
Read MoreIndustrial Work Placements: Why Bigger isn’t Better
Are you starting to think about your options for a placement next year? In this post, Leeds student Erin Lovett, who is coming to the ended of a placement year with Engage Comms Ltd., outlines the benefits she’s gained from working for a smaller company. The post was originally published on LinkedIn It’s no secret that work…
Read MoreLeeds Network: Networking know how
Are you looking for some insider tips to help get the job you want or inspiration of what to do with your degree? Leeds student Beth Drury, who is currently undertaking a placement with the University Alumni department, gives you the lowdown on the Leeds Network. Networking is one of the most effective ways to…
Read MoreLinking in to alumni
Ever wondered what graduates of your degree go on to do? Or perhaps you know the sort of job you’re interested in and want to know how others got there, or the types of employers you should be looking at? In this post I outline two useful features of LinkedIn™ that can help you explore these questions,…
Read MoreGraduating this summer? It’s not too late to get a graduate job…
Just graduated and worried about what you’re going to do next? Try not to panic.. In this blog post our Careers Advisor, Georgina Larkin, explains how to keep calm and get yourself a graduate job. “I’ve just finished my exams and have no idea what to do now…“. This is a phrase we hear a…
Read MoreGetting into Academia
Are you considering an academic career? It can be difficult to know where to start, so in this blog post our Careers Consultant, Becky Clark, gives her top tips on how to be successful in academia. Whether you are at undergraduate, Masters or doctoral (see definition below)* level you may be considering an academic career. If…
Read MorePreparing for work after study
We know that leaving university to enter the world of work can be scary, but the Careers Centre is here to make that transition easier. In this guest blog post, Jacqui Musson from Sellick Partnership talks about how to prepare for work. Leaving university can be as exciting as it can be daunting. For three or more…
Read MoreGetting into Entrepreneurship
Are you considering starting your own business, but wondering whether it’s definitely for you? In this guest blog Christian Nellemann, CEO of XLN Telecom, explains how he became a successful entrepreneur and how you could too! If you count being hard-working, persevering, passionate and enthusiastic among your character attributes, as well as having an eye for…
Read MoreCVs and Covering Letters: All the Help You Need
So you need experience to have a good chance of securing that longed-for graduate job… But to get an internship, you have to write an application. In this blog post our student blogger, Rebekah Billingham, talks you through how the Careers Centre has helped her get to grips with applications. Once I came to terms…
Read MoreThe true value of your career
Is money the dominating factor in decision making? Does a high salary distract you from your true aspiration? We all know the expression, ‘Money doesn’t buy happiness.’ In this blog post our Careers Advisor, Jim Bird, takes a look at how money affects career decisions. If you’ve been inspired by the Careers…Making a Difference Fair…
Read MoreGetting into Marketing
Marketing is a really popular career choice and we certainly see many of you who are interested in entering the profession. So how can you put yourself above the rest and increase your chances of landing a job in marketing? Read on to find out. What is marketing? “Marketing is the management process responsible for…
Read MoreGraduate employment prospects: High Fliers survey
You might have heard on the news recently that graduate recruitment is set to rise in 2014, and that your chance of employment after you finish your degree is the best that it has been for 4 years. This data is from the High Fliers report, and in this blog post our Careers Advisor, Laura…
Read MoreLoading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Careers Service Blog 