Job searching, CVs and interviews

From great places to start your job search to CV and application tips and interview preparation advice; the information on this page will support you to get started.

Jobs websites and employers

Looking for a graduate job or work experience? We've got you covered on where to start looking for: part-time jobs, Campus Jobs, internships, placements, volunteering opportunities and graduate roles…

Here are some websites and employers who might interest you in various industries and sectors.

We have included a selection of websites and companies that Solent Careers think you might find helpful, but please make sure you do not limit your job searches to these sites only, as there are many others you might also find useful.

Solent Careers Online 'Opportunities' jobs board – Find part-time opportunities (log into Solent Careers Online using your Solent email and password).

Campus Jobs – Campus Jobs is the University’s official part-time job service for students. It helps you find flexible, paid work on campus that fits around your studies (log into Solent Careers Online using your Solent email and password).

Caterer.com bar/restaurant staff

Southampton Jobs bulletin (this bulletin is updated every two weeks with live opportunities in Southampton)

studentjob.com

Another great way to find employers is through an agency. Recruitment agencies work with companies to source candidates that meet their needs.

Find agencies in your industry: Agency central

A few points to keep in mind:

Use the Recruitment and Employment Confederation to identify reliable agencies.
You should approach them in a professional manner, as if you were approaching a company directly for work.
You should not be charged by the agency for finding you work. However, some agencies will charge for training.
Specify what companies you don’t want them to contact, e.g. your current employer.
Make sure the agencies you contact are appropriate for your skill level.

Speculative applications

You may not find the role you want during your job search, but did you know many jobs are not advertised. Often those who are successful in securing a job contact the company they would like to work for directly, with a well-crafted CV and cover letter.

Use the links below to find out more about speculative applications.

Solent Careers Online: No vacancy? No problem: Your way into speculative applications

Find out more about speculative applications

Your safety: Things to think about when contacting employers and taking on opportunities

Check out the company online. Does the company look legitimate?
Does the company have a website – does the website look up together?
Can you find them on LinkedIn – do they have many followers?
Check review sites, such as Glassdoor to see how others have rated this company as an employer.
Speak to a member of the Solent Careers team, or your academic if you have any concerns.
Never give any money to a company for an interview or job opportunity and watch out for scams.

LinkedIn is a great way to grow your professional network and discover professional opportunities. Solent Careers can help you build a great profile that highlights all your skills and experiences. We can also review your profile and offer feedback on how to improve.

Review the below resource to help get you started:

Solent Careers Online: How LinkedIn can boost your future career (starting now!)

Once you’re all set up we can show you all the amazing tools and features LinkedIn has to offer and how you can use it to maximise your career success.

Do you know that you can also use other social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok in different ways to find opportunities. Check out how.

Speak to the Solent Careers team for help with looking for part-time jobs, Campus Jobs, internships, placements, volunteering opportunities and graduate roles. We can also help with LinkedIn and speculative applications.

CVs, applications and interviews

Strong applications, well-crafted CVs and confident interview skills are essential tools for securing opportunities in today’s competitive job market.

Explore the resources below to help you get started and prepare for success...

Solent Careers are here to help with your CV, cover letters, applications and to provide you with tips and advice with getting prepared for interviews. To help you feel interview-ready, we also offer mock interview sessions.

Download our CV and application guide

The aim of this guide is to support you in creating a CV that is professional and highlights your skills, ability and experience to a future employer. The second half of the guide supports you with completing application forms.

Try our AI-powered CV reviewer tool on Solent Careers Online
You can find more advice about CVs and applications on Solent Careers Online

Applications, CVs and covering letters are the first thing an employer sees about you. If they are uninspiring and difficult to read, what will an employer think about you?

The purpose of these documents is to persuade an employer you have the correct knowledge, skills and abilities to do the job. This is the first step towards getting an interview, therefore you need to make sure that they positively showcase what you have to offer.

If you have been invited to a job interview, congratulations! Effective interview skills can help bring your application to life, allowing you to communicate your potential, demonstrate your enthusiasm, and make a memorable impression.

Check out interview top tips and advice on Solent Careers Online
Try our AI-powered 'Interview Coach' on Solent Careers Online
You can also find advice on how to prepare for interviews on Prospects

Discover tips and techniques to help you effectively structure answers to interview questions – The STAR and CAR methods:

Practise your interview skills and build interview confidence: Book a 40-minute mock interview session with one of our Careers Advisers.

Careers

Opening times

Monday to Friday

Solent Careers drop-in: Pop into the Student Hub between 12pm and 2pm and one of the advisers will be able to help you.

Book an appointment on Solent Careers Online

Email: careers@solent.ac.uk
Phone: 02382 013883

Solent Creatives

Solent Creatives are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday - no appointment necessary, just drop in to JM109 in The Spark to say hello and find out more about paid creative opportunities. You can also email us at solentcreatives@solent.ac.uk. This email inbox is checked daily Monday to Friday.

Job searching, CVs and interviews

From great places to start your job search to CV and application tips and interview preparation advice; the information on this page will support you to get started.

Jobs websites and employers

Here are some websites and employers who might interest you in various industries and sectors.

Solent Careers Online 'Opportunities' jobs board – Find part-time opportunities (log into Solent Careers Online using your Solent email and password).

Caterer.com bar/restaurant staff

Southampton Jobs bulletin (this bulletin is updated every two weeks with live opportunities in Southampton)

studentjob.com

Another great way to find employers is through an agency. Recruitment agencies work with companies to source candidates that meet their needs.

Find agencies in your industry: Agency central

A few points to keep in mind:

Use the Recruitment and Employment Confederation to identify reliable agencies.
You should approach them in a professional manner, as if you were approaching a company directly for work.
You should not be charged by the agency for finding you work. However, some agencies will charge for training.
Specify what companies you don’t want them to contact, e.g. your current employer.
Make sure the agencies you contact are appropriate for your skill level.

Speculative applications

Use the links below to find out more about speculative applications.

Solent Careers Online: No vacancy? No problem: Your way into speculative applications

Find out more about speculative applications

Your safety: Things to think about when contacting employers and taking on opportunities

Check out the company online. Does the company look legitimate?
Does the company have a website – does the website look up together?
Can you find them on LinkedIn – do they have many followers?
Check review sites, such as Glassdoor to see how others have rated this company as an employer.
Speak to a member of the Solent Careers team, or your academic if you have any concerns.
Never give any money to a company for an interview or job opportunity and watch out for scams.

Review the below resource to help get you started:

Solent Careers Online: How LinkedIn can boost your future career (starting now!)

Once you’re all set up we can show you all the amazing tools and features LinkedIn has to offer and how you can use it to maximise your career success.

Do you know that you can also use other social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok in different ways to find opportunities. Check out how.

CVs, applications and interviews

Strong applications, well-crafted CVs and confident interview skills are essential tools for securing opportunities in today’s competitive job market.

Explore the resources below to help you get started and prepare for success...

Download our CV and application guide

Try our AI-powered CV reviewer tool on Solent Careers Online
You can find more advice about CVs and applications on Solent Careers Online

Applications, CVs and covering letters are the first thing an employer sees about you. If they are uninspiring and difficult to read, what will an employer think about you?

Check out interview top tips and advice on Solent Careers Online
Try our AI-powered 'Interview Coach' on Solent Careers Online
You can also find advice on how to prepare for interviews on Prospects

Discover tips and techniques to help you effectively structure answers to interview questions – The STAR and CAR methods:

Practise your interview skills and build interview confidence: Book a 40-minute mock interview session with one of our Careers Advisers.

Careers

Opening times

Monday to Friday

Solent Careers drop-in: Pop into the Student Hub between 12pm and 2pm and one of the advisers will be able to help you.

Book an appointment on Solent Careers Online

Email: careers@solent.ac.uk
Phone: 02382 013883

Solent Creatives

Job searching, CVs and interviews

Jobs websites and employers

Solent Careers Online 'Opportunities' job board

Part-time jobs

Business, finance and marketing

Fashion and the arts

General graduate and placement job searching sites

IT and technology and games

Law and criminology

Local government and NHS jobs

Maritime

Music and entertainment

Sport and exercise

TV and film

Recruitment agencies

Volunteering

Speculative applications and personal safety

Using social media to find jobs

CVs, applications and interviews

I need to create a CV, complete an application form, or write a cover letter - how do I do this?

I have an interview - how can I prepare?

Job searching, CVs and interviews

Jobs websites and employers

Solent Careers Online 'Opportunities' job board

Part-time jobs

Business, finance and marketing

Fashion and the arts

General graduate and placement job searching sites

IT and technology and games

Law and criminology

Local government and NHS jobs

Maritime

Music and entertainment

Sport and exercise

TV and film

Recruitment agencies

Volunteering

Speculative applications and personal safety

Using social media to find jobs

CVs, applications and interviews

I need to create a CV, complete an application form, or write a cover letter - how do I do this?

I have an interview - how can I prepare?