UCL CAREERS SERVICE

If you already know what you're applying for and why* but would like advice on a specific application for something before sending it off, our Applications Advisers can help. The session can cover applications for:

• a job / internship
• a volunteering project
• a further study course
• a PhD position
• funding
• or anything else you might be applying for

Whether your application is in the form of a CV, covering letter, personal statement or answers to specific questions on an application form, simply bring in a draft copy plus details of what the recruiter is looking for* and the Adviser can go through these with you.

They will focus on whether your application is fit for purpose and give you advice on how to improve it if necessary. They can also help you analyse your skills and experience in relation to how these fit with the recruiter's requirements and help you understand how to promote them effectively so that you can use the same techniques on similar applications.

*If you're not sure yet what you're going to apply for, you should first book a Short Guidance appointment to discuss your options and to research areas of interest first instead. You can then book for Applications Advice when your CV / application is more tailored to something specific.

The Applications Advisers will not write your application for you so you should use the resources and/or events suggested below before booking to ensure you have a well written draft before meeting an Adviser.

We're also unable to provide advice on an application without knowing what it's being used for as content / structure is likely to vary based on a particular recruiter's requirements.

Spelling, grammar and general proof reading
As the guidance and feedback concentrates on the content and relevance of an application for the target area of work or study, while we may point out grammatical or spelling errors in passing, it is our policy not to proof-read applications, nor to give detailed feedback or coaching against English Language competency. Such coaching falls beyond the remit of our specialist area. 

This also means the sessions aren't designed for repeated checks of the same application or multiple applications which are similar in content to make each one word perfect.

Where the English demonstrated in applications is clearly unlikely to meet recruiters’ requirements, we would encourage students to take advantage of the wide range of English language courses offered by UCL Language Centre. Our downloadable Spelling and Grammar Guide can also help with common errors. You could also show the application to someone whose first language is English to proofread it or for help with spelling/grammar - e.g. a friend, work colleague, someone on your course etc.

Foreign Language applications
We are aware that UCL students go on to live, work or study in a wide range of countries. However, we are only able to read and give advice on applications written in English. Our Work and Study Abroad page does provide links to resources with very detailed information on how application procedures/formats may vary in different countries so these can be used with the advice on content as detailed above to draft an application in English which you can later translate into the relevant language.

Before booking for Applications Advice, you will need to write a draft application, (CV, cover letter, personal statement or application form), based on the requirements of the recruiter that you're applying to and bring this with the job / course description to the appointment.

RESEARCH - Do you know what the recruiter is looking for?
In addition to the job or course description and company / institution profile, (which will obviously give you a clear idea of what a particular recruiter is looking for), the Researching your Career or the Postgraduate Study pages on our website will suggest resources that you can use to gain more in-depth information on the area you're applying to which will help with your application.

They will also highlight other services we offer such as recruitment / networking events or other ways of speaking to recruiters directly to get information and advice on writing effective applications. 

WRITING THE APPLICATION - What should you include?
Once you know what a recruiter is looking for, the way you provide evidence that you're "it" is also important. The Writing Applications section of our website suggests a range of resources which provide practical guidelines and examples for writing any type of application which should be used before speaking to an Adviser.

This page will also highlight other services we offer such as talks and group workshops on writing applications led by recruiters or our own Careers Consultants which can be useful before you speak to an Adviser on a 1-1 basis.

SHORT GUIDANCE - Would careers advice be more useful?
Remember, if you're unsure about your career or further study options and don't yet have an application written for something specific, a Short Guidance session  will be more useful than Applications Advice. These appointments can be used to explore options in terms of what areas your skills, experience, qualifications and interests might be suited to.

We have a team of Applications Advisers all of whom have specialist training on current recruitment methods, (for work or further study), and what employers/course providers look for.

They can all review any type of application and the Adviser on duty may be different each day so you will be seen by whoever is on duty when you book. It won't be possible to check in advance who is on duty on any given day.

Availability

Applications sessions run at the same time every week:

• Monday to Thursday: 10am - 12pm (term time only*)
• Monday to Thursday: 2pm - 4.45pm (all year round*)

Appointments are available at 15 minute intervals during these times.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications Advice does NOT run on Fridays.

Bookings

We only offer same day bookings to ensure availability of appointments at short notice. You can either:

• Call our Booking Line: 020-7866-3602 or
• Come to the Careers Service in person

any time after 9.30am on the day that you want to see an Adviser. We do not take bookings through our general enquiries number, by email or via our website.

Please note: During busy times of the year, we recommend early booking as there are a limited number of slots available each day which can fill quickly when demand is high. Please also note that high demand for slots can mean the phone line is frequently engaged while we take bookings so you should hang up and try again if you don't get through and are unable to book in person.

*Please check the main UCL Website for details of term dates and College closure days.

If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, your appointment will be cancelled and you will be asked to re-book on another day. Application queries cannot generally be dealt with effectively in under 10 minutes and starting late will inconvenience other users of the service.

Printing: If you need to print a copy of your application and/or the job/course description at the Careers Service, please ensure you arrive with sufficient time to do so before the appointment starts. If you have nothing ready to be checked when called, you will also be asked to re-book for another day to avoid starting late.

Due to the nature of 1-1 guidance however, some appointments can last slightly longer than 15 minutes which means you may not always be seen exactly on time but you should still avoid arriving late and missing your slot.