Glossary of UK recruitment process terminology

Application deadline 

The date in which applicants must submit completed application forms to an employers. Applicants submitted past the deadline will not be accepted. 

Application form 

An official written document that must be completed when applying for a position or course. 

Assessment centre 

An assessment centre is usually the final stage of a recruitment process for graduate schemes. 

Careers Advisor 

A qualified guidance practitioner who provides information, guidance, and support to help students make decisions on their future careers. 

Careers Fair 

Recruiting events that take place on campus when employers come on campus to search for future talent and promote their graduate work opportunities. This is a chance for students to meet with employers to learn more about their organisations and ask questions.

CV 

A formal document to summarise your education, work experience, and skills. A CV should showcase all your achievements to present the best version of yourself to employers. In the UK a CV is typically two pages long. 

Graduate roles 

Jobs exclusively for graduates that require applicants to have an undergraduate degree. 

Internships 

A period of work experience typically carried out during the summer break between May - September. Many companies offer internships to students to gain valuable industry insights and hands on work experience. 

Interview 

A formal meeting with an employer in which you will be asked questions that will enable you to show examples of your experience and skills. Interviews are formal occasions and you should dress smartly.

Mock interview 

In a mock interview you can meet with a careers advisor who will do a ‘practice’ interview with you to practice your interview techniques.  

Part time work 

A job that offers part-time hours and is suitable for students to work whilst studying at university, dependent on VISA requirements. 

Placements 

As part of your degree programme, you may be required to take part in a compulsory industry placement. In a placement, you will work for a company for an agreed length of time to gain work experience.

STAR questions 

An interviewing technique to answer questions in a specific format:

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result

Telephone interview

Prior to a formal interview, a telephone interview is typically a more informal conversation with the hiring manager in which they will ask you screening questions to determine whether you are suitable for the job. This is a telephone conversation and is usually followed up by a formal interview in person.  

Volunteering 

Usually unpaid work to offer help and support to not for profit organisations and giving back to the local community. Volunteering offers students a great opportunity to develop their transferrable skills.