UK Student and Graduate Recruitment Timeline for 2023-2024
Securing a job as a student or graduate in the United Kingdom requires a well-structured approach and an understanding of the recruitment timeline and application process. Many international students need to start their job application even before they start travelling to the UK for their studies.
This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the timeline and steps involved in applying for student and graduate jobs in the UK, equipping aspiring candidates with the necessary knowledge to maximise their chances of success.
1. As early as June
Many companies, especially investment banks and professional services firms, start hiring candidates as early as June for the next year's September start. Those companies are often generous in sponsoring visas.
This is a crucial time because those companies receive tons of applications and often only review the ones that apply early. If you are an international student, you should not wait until September or wait until you graduate. Even if your course does not start until September, you can still apply for jobs. You also do not have to be in the UK.
Now is the time for you to start preparing your CV, practising psychometric assessments (online tests) and reading about interview tips. As soon as the vacancies are open, you should start applying. You can subscribe to our weekly newsletter to be the first one to know about visa-sponsored jobs.
2. The Autumn (September-December):
This is the time when the majority of visa-sponsored graduate roles and internships are open. Some employers conduct campus visits, career fairs, and presentations at universities to engage with students and promote their opportunities. However, do not wait until they visit your school. In fact, they may never visit schools. Even if they did, they would ask you to apply on their website.
It is important to remember that many employers also start closing their vacancies at this time and start interviewing candidates. Many international students forget to apply for jobs during this time because it would be their first time in the UK, and they would want to focus on their studies and explore the life here. If you take this approach, you may miss potential opportunities.
During autumn, it is still important to prepare for psychometric tests, aptitude assessments, and online interviews, which are commonly used during the selection process. You can also join our webinars to learn about tips to prepare for upcoming assessments.
3. The Spring (January-March):
Many large visa-sponsoring companies close their graduate and internship vacancies during this period. If you have not done so, you should focus on submitting your applications to employers who are still hiring and offering visa sponsorship, ensuring your applications are tailored to each company's requirements.
For those who applied early in September or October, spring is often when they start receiving job offers or at least progressing to the interview and assessment centre stages.
Some law firms start opening their legal training contracts positions for applicants at this time. If you are looking to practice law in the UK, you need to be particularly alert to opportunities at this time.
4. The Summer (April-June):
During this time, you do not see many visa-sponsored opportunities. If you have not applied for or secured any jobs until this time, you need to try harder. Also, the competition will be fierce at this time as only a small number of employers will be hiring international students or graduates based outside the UK.
Most employers will have completed their recruitment process before June, offering positions to successful candidates.
Internships often take place between June and August. If you successfully complete your internship, your employer will likely be willing to offer you a place in their graduate programme. Graduate roles and schemes often commence from August onwards and last anywhere between 12 months to 3 years. After the graduate programme, most graduates will become permanent employees of those companies.
It is very important to start applying for jobs as soon as opportunities arise for international students and overseas graduates, as visa-sponsored opportunities are not that common. In order not to miss important opportunities and deadlines, please keep an eye out for emails from us and check our vacancy list on a regular basis.
