International Student Q&A
As an international student, navigating the UK job market can feel challenging, particularly if you are unfamiliar with UK recruitment practices or employer expectations. This Q&A brings together some commonly asked questions and offers guidance to help you feel more prepared.
How do I build work experience and find jobs if I am new to the UK job market?
There are a lot of ways to build experience in the UK such as internships and part time jobs, by joining clubs, societies and sports and through volunteering.
The UofG Student Opportunities Hub promotes internships and part-time jobs both at the University and with local businesses.
There are lots of different approaches you can take to finding a graduate or professional job. Explore guidance on how to find a job to learn about these different approaches and how you could use them in your own job search.
How do I write my CV for jobs in the UK?
To apply for a job in the UK you often need to apply with a CV (resume) and cover letter.
CV conventions may differ from your home country, and you’ll need to tailor your CV for each individual application. Employers will be looking for different things from a CV for a part-time role in sectors like retail or hospitality, to what they will look for in a CV for a graduate or professional role.
Explore guidance on how to create a CV that showcases your skills, experience and knowledge.
You can also book an online Masterclass on CVs, or watch a recording a previous session.
How do I write my qualifications from outside the UK?
Some employers provide information about how to present non-UK qualifications on their recruitment pages.
If you are asked to provide equivalencies for your qualifications, the UCAS website has standard comparisons for qualifications. Another resource can be found at UK ENIC. This organisation can provide you with a statement of qualification comparability.
If you have many school awards, put the relevant ones on your CV, and potentially group them together into subject areas. Find out more about structuring a CV on our CV pages.
How can I improve my English?
Effective communication in UK workplaces requires fluent English and is often a key selection criterion. Practicing your English is one of the best ways to improve and build confidence, such as through getting involved in class discussions, group study projects, student societies and volunteering.
Other ways to improve include using language apps like Duolingo, podcasts series such as the British Council's General English and Learning English for Work.
The University also offers an English for Study and Communication Moodle, focusing on developing English language skills for both academic and non-academic contexts.
There are language 'cafes' and courses available across in Glasgow:
How can I give myself the best chance of success?
There is lots of information on our website that can help you show your best self during the recruitment process, including CV writing, cover letters and interview. You can attend our Masterclasses that cover a range of topics.
- Consider you Unique Selling Points (USPs) to distinguish yourself from the competition. Read more about how to develop your personal brand.
- Understand UK recruitment practices and what employers are looking in our three short learning pathways designed for international students. Also, refer to Study UK Preparing for work MOOC run by the British Council
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Get some voluntary work experience as it boosts your employability and helps you gain valuable transferrable work skills that can be listed on your CV. Find out more about volunteering.
How do I build my network and meet employers?
Whatever your career goals are, our events can help you reach them! Explore work opportunities, get essential careers insight and advice and build meaningful connections with industry professionals and employers.
Careers Masterclasses can help you transform your job search, career and professional development and cover a range of topics including mastering LinkedIn, building your employability and the UK job market for international students.
How do I balance a part-time job with my studies?
As an international student, settling into a new country and balancing a part-time job, with your studies can feel overwhelming. This LinkedIn blog by UoG student intern, Kate Allen, on achieving work-life balance offers tips to help you stay organised, avoid burnout and make the most of your time at University.
Where can I find information on visas and working in the UK?
If you're hoping to work in the UK during or after your studies, make sure you take the time to research and understand practical information like visas conditions. It is important that you comply to the working conditions to maintain your immigration status.
- Visa and Immigration: Read about the Tier 4/Student Visa work conditions and possible visa routes for working in the UK after your course has ended.
- Scotland’s Migration Service: Learn about Scotland’s Migration Service, which supports people to settle in Scotland, helps employers recruit talent from overseas, and assists investors to establish businesses in Scotland.
- UKCISA working after studies: After you finish your studies on the student route, you may want to apply for immigration permission to work in the UK.
- National Insurance: To work in the UK, you will need to apply for the National Insurance Number, a personal number which is used to record your National Insurance contributions.
What is the National Minimum/Living Wage in the UK?
If you are considering working in the UK it’s important to be aware of the National Minimum/Living wage and your Employment Rights, especially as these may be different to your home country.
The SRC Advice Centre has information on Employments Rights and the National Minimum/Living Wage.