My colleagues are not only world leaders in their research but are also supportive and a true joy to work with.
Sean Matt
How to apply
We aim to make applying for a job at the University of Exeter as easy as possible. Vacancies are displayed on our website, placed in relevant publications, announced via our @UoE_jobs Twitter account and displayed on other websites such as jobs.ac.uk.
For speed and convenience applications are done online. This allows us to contact you quickly by email throughout the application process. If you apply for another post with us some of the fields will be pre-populated with your information, making a repeat application quick and easy.
How to apply
- Once you have identified a role you would like to apply for click the 'Apply Online' button in the bottom right of the screen. It will ask you to either sign in or create a ‘New user registration’. If you have not applied for a job with us before, set up your account using an email address and a password. PLEASE NOTE: If you are a current member of staff, (not including e-Claims), you must log into Employee Self-Service to apply for job vacancies. Once you are in Employee Self-Service, click on the person icon in the top right-hand corner to navigate to 'Useful links' and then 'Search for jobs'. If you are off campus you will need to be connected to the VPN. Further information is available here
- This will take you through to our online portal where you will fill in your application form with Personal Details, Employment History, References, a Supporting Statement and if applicable attach a Curriculum Vitae. The exact layout of the online application will be dependent on the specific role but all will require you to fill out the information, clicking 'next' once you have finished. Please ensure that you regularly save your application form.
Once you have completed all sections please press ‘Save and Summary’ to take you back on to the front page. Do not forget to then press ‘Submit’.
Use of AI in Candidate Applications
We accept that applicants are using technology to support with writing applications as the use of AI becomes a norm. However, we would like to stress the importance of giving personal examples from your previous experience where possible in your supporting statement and remind you that, if you are shortlisted for an interview based on your application, you will be expected to talk through the experience you have detailed with examples and thoughts on hypothetical scenarios.
If you are using AI technology, please ensure you still tailor your answers to ensure you are:
1) Showing authenticity and your personal voice, a genuine expression of your experiences and aspirations can set you apart from others.
2) Tailoring to the specific role and company values.
3) Expressing your passion, values and personality can be better achieved through your unique communication style.
4) Provide specific examples to highlight your ability to problem solve and think through situations.
While AI can be a valuable tool, it is essential to balance these benefits with the need for authenticity and personalisation.
What time do adverts close?
Adverts close on the day specified at the top of the advert under ‘Application closing date’ at 11:59pm. Therefore your application will be forwarded to the panel the day after the application closing date.
As a Disability Confident employer, where practical, we offer interviews to all applicants with disabilites who meet the minimum criteria for the job. If you require an adjustment to the recruitment process, please contact us on recruitmentadmin@exeter.ac.uk
Some examples of reasonable adjustments could include:
- Requesting a job advert/application form in a different format if required.
- Requesting changes to the location of the interview, such as requesting a virtual interview or a room to be made available in which you could carry out a virtual interview or requesting a face to face interview to be on the ground floor.
- Requesting alternative formats of assessment test papers such as large print versions or requesting to present answers using an alternative method, such as verbally rather than in writing.
- Changing the date/time/length of the interview or asking for breaks in the interview itself to accommodate your needs.
- Requesting interview questions in advance or to use pre-prepared notes at interview.
- Requesting more time to respond to interview questions.
- Requesting to visit an interview location in advance or to practice accessing a virtual interview.
- Support with completing the application form.
There are many reasonable adjustments, in addition to the above, which could be considered as part of the recruitment process. Please contact us on recruitmentadmin@exeter.ac.uk to discuss.
I have forgotten my username/password
- If you are an internal candidate you cannot change your password. Your password and username is the same as your normal single sign on credentials - please use these and if you are still having problems, contact us.
- If you are an external candidate and have forgotten your username, first of all check in previous emails from us where it might be given. If you cannot find it please contact our team for further help. If you have forgotten your password please click on the 'Forgotten password' section on the screen where you search for a job and follow the step by step process.
Using our Job Search tool, select areas where you would like to receive alerts ie salary band, job category/type and Job title. Click ‘Search’, you will be presented with any roles that fit within that criteria. Scroll to the bottom and there is an option to ‘Click here to save this search as a job alert’. Enter your username and password and you will then see it have been added as a job alert.
Shortlisting is usually within two weeks of the post closing, we will contact you to let you know the outcome. Interviews usually take place approximately two weeks later.
We provide an informal contact for the post so that candidates can find out more about the post, this is usually found in the Job Description and Person Specification document. You should be aware that the University normally contacts referees for shortlisted candidates without further advice to applicants. When advising of referees, please ensure you supply an email address which enables us to contact them (if necessary) without delay.
We do recognise the time and effort it takes to apply so we will contact you to let you know the status of your application. As an employer of choice we receive a high number of applications so we are unable to offer feedback if you are not shortlisted.
Information which makes up your application is being requested to enable the University of Exeter to make employment decisions and meet statutory obligations. Any information provided to the University in this context will be treated confidentially and used only by managers, members of the University, Human Resources, superannuation and payroll during the course of your employment. Note that for some academic applications it may be necessary to share your application with non panel members who have expertise in the relevant academic discipline.
Selection process
- In most cases, once a job vacancy has been advertised and reached the closing date, we will shortlist candidates using the person specification. Please note that all applications are shortlisted against both the essential and desirable criteria. It is therefore important that when completing your application, you are able to evidence where you meet the criteria in the job specification. All applications received will be reviewed by a selection panel once the application deadline has passed and all candidates will be updated accordingly.
- As soon as a decision has been reached, we will contact shortlisted applicants to arrange interviews. Normally, you would expect to hear from us within two weeks of the closing date if you are to be interviewed.
- Please allow four weeks or more before contacting us if you want to know the reasons why you have not been shortlisted, unfortunately due to the high volume of applications we receive we are unable to provide specific feedback
- In some cases, we will need to seek references prior to interview, in others we will only seek these following a conditional offer (see Job Offers below) but we require at least two references from previous employers prior to appointing.
- We will also ask you to take part in a pre-employment health screen process which may be simply completing a form or may need further information to make sure you are fit to undertake the duties of the job.
- Interviews are normally conducted by a panel which will include the line manager, and perhaps more senior members of a Faculty or Service.
- Candidates will often be asked to give a presentation on a relevant topic as part of the interview process, which will be explained in the invitation to interview letter.
- In some cases, there may be second interview. Some interviews may need to be conducted by telephone.
- In all cases, we do our best to ensure that all candidates are given fair and appropriate opportunities to demonstrate their abilities to do the job.
For more information, including about expenses, please visit our pre-interview preparations webpage.
Before commencing work with the University there are some screening and pre-employment checks that all staff must complete and some that need to be completed depending on the role.
Screening during the Recruitment Process:
- At application we request a CV and/or application form and this should provide full employment and educational history.
- At interview we will ask about your motivation to join and work for the University of Exeter.
- A minimum of two references will be requested. Referees will be asked to comment on the suitability of the role for which you have applied.
- Your Right to Work in the UK and your identity will be confirmed by sight of original official documents such as a Passport: Proof of right to work
- Original documents relating to all professional qualifications required to fulfil the post should be supplied.
Role dependent screening:
- DBS: DBS introduction
- Screening for employees who will be working with animals or in an IT Services role requiring screening: Employment Screening - Agenda
- Screening for employees who will be involved in research/grants of National Security: Employment Screening - Security Clearance
- Once the interviews are complete, we will select a preferred candidate and either issue an unconditional or conditional offer of employment. A conditional offer would be issued when employment checks were outstanding; for example satisfactory references, medical etc.
- We will ask you to accept the offer by signing and returning the offer letter. If you are relocating from another country, we will start the process of requesting a certificate of sponsorship on your behalf, although you may still need to obtain a Visa or other permit to remain in the UK.
- You will be asked to carry out a health check by completing our Pre-employment assessment
- Relocation allowance - this is on a case-by-case basis and completely depends on individual circumstances. However, as some general rules you must be paid on a grade E or above and you must live more than 1 hour away from the University work location. However for more in-depth information on what is involved and eligibility see our relocation assistance scheme webpage.