Writing applications

Online 'CV Checker' tool

UCL Careers provides students* with free access to VMock - an online tool which can provide immediate tips and advice on how to improve your CV. Simply register with VMock using your UCL email address then upload your CV to get an instant report on its content and layout.

We would strongly advise using this tool to work on / improve your CV before booking an appointment to show it to one of our team as below.

Note: If the roles you are applying for do not require a CV and you need to submit any other type of application document, (cover letter, personal / motivation statement, PhD proposal / academic CV etc.), the range of other resources highlighted above will provide guidelines on other types of application documents instead.

Introduction to VMock article

Register with VMock

*This access is through a university licence so only those with a working '@ucl.ac.uk' email address will be able to register / use the platform.

• Career Essentials programme, (repeated regularly throughout the year). A series of lunchtime lectures led by our team for all students and recent graduates which includes sessions on writing different types of job applications and applying for a PhD amongst other topics. 
• Career Essentials group work, (also available throughout the year). An extension of the Career Essentials lunchtime lectures, these smaller, interactive group workshops will give you the opportunity to work with other students on your applications, share ideas and receive advice from the trained facilitator.
• Employer-led skills sessions, (autumn and spring terms). A series of employer-led Q&A panels and interactive workshops which cover writing applications generally plus sessions on how to provide evidence of specific skills when applying for jobs.
• Departmental events, (timings vary based on course / department). Keep an eye on the myUCLCareers events calendar for lectures and workshops delivered by the UCL Careers team within your department.
• Researchers employability programme, (repeated throughout the year). A series of Careers Consultant led talks and employer-led skills development events aimed at research students and staff which includes sessions on writing academic or other applications for those with a research background.
• Employer presentations, (autumn and spring terms). Talks by individual companies about their current vacancies which will usually include tips on what they're looking for and how to ensure your application stands out.
• Sector Insight events, (autumn and spring Terms). Network with professionals from a range of sectors popular with UCL students to learn more about what makes a successful application for that sector.
• Sector-specific recruitment fairs, (autumn term only). A chance to network with large numbers of major graduate recruiters from a specific sector to get insider tips on improving your applications.
• Jobs market, (summer term only). A chance to network with large numbers of major graduate recruiters from a variety of different sectors at one event to ask about applications tips.

Register for event updates

View events listing

If you are in the process of applying for something specific, (this could be a job, course, PhD or anything else), and have written a draft application using the resources suggested above, you can get one-to-advice on it before sending it off to the recruiter.

• Applications advice appointments: Our team of Advisers will work through the recruiter's requirements with you and give tips on how you might improve your application.
• Employer-led skills coaching: A range of graduate recruiters who regularly shortlist applications will be on campus to share their experience and give you tips on your application.

Many of the sites and resources above will focus on UK-based applications. For those seeking work overseas, more specific resources are available.

• Career Discovery - our online careers library provides information and resources designed to help you when applying for things outside of the UK. Use search tags such as “working abroad”, “study abroad” and / or the name of a country to get listings of resources including “Country profile” guides to working or study overseas which will include tips on applications.

• 'GoinGlobal' - UCL Careers subscribes to this online resource to give you direct access to country-specific guides on writing successful applications for that country / region in addition to other useful job-hunting tips. Read our guide on using GoinGlobal.