International student career advice

You need to be aware that CVs in the UK may differ from your home country. You can go onto Solent Careers Online for detailed CV support and access our AI CV tool, but at a minimum remember that it should include: 

• Personal details: name, email, telephone and LinkedIn (but only if up to date) 

• Personal profile 

• Education/qualifications 

• Career history, work experience and volunteering 

• Skills 

• Achievements and interests 

A CV in the UK does NOT normally include your: Nationality, Date of birth, Photo or Gender. 

Check out our CV guide for more tips and CV examples. You can speak to an adviser on our student drop taking place in the Student Hub (TS114) – Monday to Friday 12pm to 2pm, no need to book! Bookable appointments (online/in person) are available on Solent Careers Online. Or email us at careers@solent.ac.uk. 

Preparing for job interview in a foreign country can be tricky, but there are steps you can take to better prepare and succeed. We recommend the following resources to get you started: 

• Getting the most out of your interviews: Practical advice and top tips to help you prepare and succeed in an interview. 

• AI interview coach tool: The interview coach tool gives you a realistic video interview practice with instant AI feedback. It helps you refine your answer structure, enhance delivery, and strengthen content. 

• How to prepare for a UK job interview: Tips and advice for international applicants. 

Have an interview invite? Book a ‘mock interview’ with Solent Careers; a 40-minute careers guidance appointment on Solent Careers Online or email careers@solent.ac.uk to request one. 

Solent Careers are here to help you with finding a job - part time or a graduate job. Check out the job websites and employers to get you started. Contact Solent Careers for more advice. Remember, to work in the UK, you will need to have a National Insurance Number (NI).

Where to start your search 

• Check out the list of job websites and employers on the portal 

• Explore different job ‘opportunities’ on Solent Careers Jobs Board 

What can you do to boost your employability 

• Part time work, work experience and placements​.

• Join student clubs and societies to expand your network and practice language skills. ​ 

• Utilise LinkedIn.​ 

• Develop the right mindset .

Considering a placement? Speak to your course leader in the first instance. Solent Careers can help you look for a placement and support you during the application. Find out more about placement process at Solent. 

Understanding your employment rights 

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to discriminate against employees, job seekers, and trainees because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, gender or sexual orientation. Take a look at employment rights and working in the UK pages and reach out to Solent Careers if you have a questions. 

Working in a new country can bring different expectations and ways of doing things. Understanding and adapting to workplace cultural differences is an important part of settling into a UK organisation and helps you navigate this respectfully and confidently.  

Most important is being aware of work restrictions on your visa. Most important is being aware of work restrictions on your visa. If in doubt, read through the information from international advice service.

Your wellbeing while you study is important. Here are a few top tips and resources to help you stay productive, connected, and make the most of your time at university: 

• International Connect: friendly, online and inclusive community space for international student at Southampton Solent University. Download the Vygo app through the App Store or Play Store – register with your student email address - look out for International Connect and join the group! 

• Student Assistance Programme: A confidential resource to help you deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home or student life, health, or general wellbeing. 

• If you're looking for support outside of university, you can contact 111 to speak to Hampshire Mental Health Triage Team, available 24 hours for confidential advice.