Find out more about student jobs and student job placements >>

applying for work
There are lots of places to turn to for advice when applying for work.

With a polished curriculum vitae (CV), application form and covering letter (and some time spent targeting the right opportunities) there's no reason you shouldn't land an interview and a position on the way to your dream job.
looking for jobs
It can be tempting to apply to as many organisations as possible when looking for jobs. Mailing many copies of your CV to a list of the biggest recruiters is not unheard of – it’s also not a good idea! Although you will reach more potential recruiters, you may not be giving them your intended impression of you and could do more harm than good.

While speculative approaches can be a good idea (encouraging employers to keep your details on file should something suitable crop up) it can also be demotivating not to hear anything back (or a letter saying there's no vacancies at present).

Start finding out where vacancies in your chosen career area are advertised either in print or online and start checking what's available on a regular basis.
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curriculum vitae, application forms and covering letters

Many companies will ask you to supply a curriculum vitae (CV) and covering letter when applying for jobs.

A CV should provide an insight into your life and experiences to date and market your suitability for the job in question.

This means prioritising information, planning an effective layout, presenting an accurate document and sending it with a covering letter that shows a real understanding of why you are attracted to that organisation in particular. Doing this well, for over a 100 applications, is no mean feat.

The way you present information on a CV is flexible (and there are lots of online and printed guides to make sure you get it right) but you should try and make the whole document no longer than a couple of sides.

See putting together an effective CV on the Prospects website for more details.

Bear in mind that unless the covering letter promotes you effectively, it is unlikely that the recipient will turn the page to look at the CV.

The letter should explain why you are approaching the organisation, what appeals to you about the post, and why (giving examples) you have the relevant skills and experiences to make a success of the post. If possible you should expand on details listed in your CV here.

See covering letters on the Prospects website for more details.

Increasingly, companies use online application forms to select applicants. The level of targeted information requested on these forms is an indication of what is also expected from a quality CV and covering letter.

Whatever you've been asked to provide, applications can take a couple of hours to complete effectively so be sure to set aside enough time.

See completing application forms on the Prospects website for more details.
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interviews

You may have had some experience with interviews when applying for a college or university place. You may even have had an interview for a work experience placement and job interviews require much the same set of skills.

There are lots of sources of advice but the best advice is to be yourself, sell your skills and abilities and ask the right kind of questions.

Our grilling students feature includes some top tips when preparing for interview.
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student jobs and student job placements

Student jobs are a necessity for many people entering higher education. Aimhigher can offer help and advice for anyone looking for student jobs to supplement their income or a student job placement as part of their course.

If your particular course requires that you do a student job placement or you are looking for student jobs, our student life and student finance pages might be of interest.

While student jobs are a part of academic life, be careful not to overdo it if you are working and studying – taking on too many hours can mean you aren’t dedicating yourself to your chosen course.

Getting the balance between earning enough money to live and getting the most out of your studies is vital.

The good news that that, depending on what course you are doing, you may be exempt from paying income tax on the money you earn from your part-time student jobs.

In addition to information on student jobs and student job placements, Aimhigher has a range of financial advice for students, covering tuition fees, living expenses, loans and grants.

See some accounts of real people who have student jobs and are studying both full and part time.