How to apply for a job at UEL
What to expect during the application process
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What to expect during the application process
How to apply for a job at UEL
Applying for a job can feel intimidating, but we’ve got your back. We want to make sure you have everything you need to confidently demonstrate your skills and shine.
Depending on the role, you will need to apply by completing an application form or submitting a CV and cover letter. The instructions for the role you are applying to will clearly specify the application method, and please ensure you follow all instructions fully and carefully.
Application process
Application form
When completing your application form, we recommend the following:
- Plan your time and approach. Do not try to complete your application form in one sitting. Giving yourself time to review and refine your answers can make a big difference.
- Read all instructions carefully and make sure you follow them throughout the application.
- Review the Job Description, Person Specification, and advert before you begin, so you understand what we’re looking for.
- You may be asked to answer preliminary questions before starting your application form. Please answer these accurately, as they form an important part of the application process.
- As part of your application, you’ll be asked to complete supporting statements. These questions are your opportunity to clearly show how your qualifications, experience and training match the role. Make sure you include clear examples or evidence to support your answers.
- We recommend drafting your answers in Word first, then copying them into the application form once you’re happy with them.
- Use the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to the selection criteria.
- Keep your writing clear, simple and active, focusing on what you did and what you achieved.
- Be honest and accurate in your responses. It’s important not to exaggerate or include information that isn’t true. This can make it harder to assess your application fairly and may lead to difficulties later in the process. Being open about your skills and experience helps ensure the role is the right fit for you as well as for us.
Cover letter
If we ask you to submit a cover letter, take time to write one that reflects your skills and motivation clearly.
Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific role and organisation. A generic letter used for multiple applications is unlikely to be effective. Although writing a tailored letter takes time, the effort will strengthen your application.
A strong cover letter allows you to highlight your most relevant skills and demonstrate your motivation and enthusiasm for both the role and the University of East London.
Your cover letter should:
- Explain clearly why you are interested in the role and the organisation
- Show why you are well suited to the position
- Be based on the job description and person specification, demonstrating how your skills, abilities, experience, qualifications and knowledge match the role
- Ideally be no longer than two sides of A4
- Use clear structure, punctuation and spacing to avoid dense blocks of text
CV
Your CV is an important part of your application and is your opportunity to demonstrate your qualities and achievements.
The only true rule for writing CVs is that there are no fixed rules. Your CV should reflect your unique experiences, qualifications, and skills, evolving as you grow professionally. Tailoring your CV for each job application is essential, emphasising the qualities the employer values most. Ultimately, your CV should tell a compelling story that showcases your ability to thrive in the specific role with that employer in that profession or career sector.
However, if you want help with a structure for your CV you can use this approach.
- Start your CV with a brief summary of your skills, accomplishments and career goals. Follow this with your employment history and work experience, starting with your most recent role. Include full details of your employers, dates of employment, job titles and responsibilities. Make sure you give examples of your skills and achievements, relating these to the role for which you are applying, where possible.
- Next, give details of the university, college or school you attended, your qualifications and grades and any work-related courses taken. Start with the most recent and work backwards, using bullet points or a table.
- Finally, mention any hobbies or interests that have a particular relevance to the role for which you are applying. Ensure your contact details are up to date and ideally the CV is no more than two pages long.
Remember your CV should complement, not repeat, your cover letter.
Statement of use of AI in Recruitment by Candidates
At the University of East London, we recognise that artificial intelligence is reshaping recruitment for both employers and candidates. While AI tools can offer support, we encourage candidates to use them thoughtfully and in moderation when writing CVs, cover letters, or responding to application questions.
We value authenticity in job applications. Therefore, we want you highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, using relevant, specific examples and ensuring all information is accurate and truthful.
If we believe that AI tools have been used in a way that undermines the authenticity of your application, for example, by relying too heavily on generic or AI-generated content, it may result in your application being rejected. This is because your written responses form an important part of how we assess your suitability for the role.
We support applicants who need help with their applications if a disability is involved. We ask that your application is a true and accurate representation of you.
Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.
Assessment process
If your application shows that you meet what we’re looking for, we’ll be in touch to let you know what happens next. If, on this occasion, your application isn’t the right match for the role, we’ll let you know and share information about how you can explore other opportunities at the University of East London.
Interviews
Because of the breadth of roles and levels across UEL, our selection process may vary depending on the position you apply for.
You may be invited to:
- take part in an assessment activity (in person or online)
- attend one or more interviews
- meet the hiring manager and relevant colleagues
While formats may differ, our approach is consistent.
What we look for
We will ask you to demonstrate:
- how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role
- how you align with our values and ways of working
- where relevant, how you demonstrate effective leadership
This ensures that every appointment supports our culture and our mission as a university.
Outcomes
Following your interview or assessment, we’ll be in touch to let you know the outcome as soon as possible. If you are successful, we’ll explain the next steps, including any pre-employment checks and when you can expect to hear more about your start date. If you are not successful on this occasion but have attended an interview, we are committed to providing you with constructive feedback. This will help you understand the decision and support you in developing future applications at the University of East London.
Learn more about working at UEL
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