Working in the UK
Eligibility to work in the UK
To check the latest immigration requirements for working in the UK please visit the UK Visas website.
What do UK employers look for?
Most of the requirements can be found in the job advertisements. Detailed information on graduate jobs in the UK including general entry requirements can be found on the Prospects website.
Many jobs in the UK are open to graduates of any discipline. For example, if you are an engineering student you can apply to be an accountant. In addition to a good degree – usually this means getting 60% or above in your final mark – UK employers will look for evidence of personal/employability skills such as being able to work in a team or communicate yourself clearly. More information can be found here.
Applying for Jobs
The employers vacancy will specify how you apply and it is important to follow their procedures. The most common means of applying is by application form– usually online - or CV with a covering letter.
If successful - which on average only 10% of applicants are – you would then normally be invited to an interview/ phone interview. This may be followed or combined with an assessment centre. At any stage of the process you may be asked to sit psychometric test.
UK Vacancies
Where to find UK vacancies
You can find advertised graduate positions here.
For vacancies in a particular field select your subject from the “Subject Zone” option from the menu above.
For a good general overview of looking for applying for jobs visit the AGCAS Scotland website.
Further Help
What help can I get?
Check what help is available form your college or university. Heriot-Watt University Careers Advisory Service has produced this website to meet most of your needs. It cannot, unfortunately, offer you individual advice unless you are a full-time student at one of the UK or Dubai campuses.