Get help with applications and interviews

Our online self-help resources will help you improve your applications and get the job you want. You can check your CV, practice interviews, complete mock assessments and more. You can also get support from our Career Advisers when you need it.

New tools coming soon

As part of the Careers Service’s digital systems upgrade, we will soon be launching an exciting new digital platform called Shortlist.Me. It will introduce new tools and offer enhanced functionality to help you improve your job applications, prepare for interviews and progress your career development. We will share more details soon.

CVs and application forms

When deciding who to interview, employers often only look at CVs and application forms. So, it’s important to get them right. It takes time and effort to write a strong application, so focus on quality rather than quantity.

Writing your CV and cover letter

Your CV is a marketing tool to attract employers and secure an interview. It’s important to have a well-presented CV that highlights your skills and achievements. Make sure you tailor your CV and covering letter to make them relevant to each vacancy and employer. These tools will help you:

• CVs and covering letters guide: advice to help you to structure your CV and covering letter, including language, format and examples. 
• Downloadable CV template: create a professional, employer-ready CV that showcases your skills, experience and achievements in a clear, impactful way.
• Downloadable cover letter template: write a job-winning cover letter that effectively communicates your value, highlights your achievements and shows how you meet the employer’s needs.

Application forms

Employers use application forms to collect evidence that you are a good fit for the job and the organisation. These resources will help you plan and submit effective application forms:

• Completing applications guide: tips on how to write an effective application form from our career experts.

Interviews and assessments

Interviews and assessment centres help employers determine your suitability for a job. Good preparation is vital so you can give examples that demonstrate your skills.

Interviews

If you are selected for an interview, this means you meet the basic requirements and the employer wants to meet you to assess your understanding, motivation and suitability. These tools will help you:

• Interviews guide: read expert advice from our Careers Advisers

Assessment centres and psychometric tests

Assessment centres and psychometric tests are other ways to evaluate your suitability for a job. They allow employers to test your skills through tasks and activities that may not be possible in traditional interviews. These resources will help you prepare effectively:

• Graduates First: more than 70 free practice assessments, including situational judgement, and numerical, verbal and logical reasoning
• Assessment centres guide: tips on assessment centres from our careers advisers, including what to expect and how to prepare
• Psychometric tests guide: an overview of the different types of psychometric tests, and tips on taking tests and improving your results