Making applications

Getting a graduate job can be a complex process involving several different stages, each stage requires preparation and to be successful you need to demonstrate to an employer that you have the skills, knowledge and experience they require.

What do employers look for?

Different jobs will require specific competencies or skills, but there are some skills which are required by almost all jobs.

Take time to explore the different skills employers value by looking at job descriptions and person specifications to see what employers are looking for. How confident are you in these skills? Most students will already have developed these skills before coming to University, but taking part in work experience or placements, part-time jobs, student societies, sports teams or volunteering is an excellent way of practising them and gaining the real examples that employers are looking for.

When you need to create a CV or write an application or personal statement, you can use the Graduate Attributes to help structure your skills profile. You might also want to reflect on how to identify your skills and abilities in order to create a strong application.

Employers tell us they value experience very highly. Make sure your CV and application stands out from the crowd by containing as much relevant experience as you can fit in. Tailor your application to address the criteria in the job advert and person specification the employer has written. Explore more top tips to help you write a successful job application.

How to apply for a job

CVs and covering letters

Application forms and personal statements

Interviews

Assessment centres

Graduate attributes: 2024-2025 academic year

Edge Hill has agreed a set of graduate attributes that each student will develop during their studies. These were updated in summer 2024. The following list is current to the end of the 2024-25 academic year and can be viewed below or further detail is included in the Graduates attributes glossary infographic.

Core skills

Digital literacy

Digital IT skills such as word processing, spreadsheets and file management are key in most work environments.

Numeracy & data analysis

Being able to manage a range of numeracy, data analytical and budget skills are key requirements for many employers and valuable life skills.

Literacy

Proficient in the use of English, written and spoken.

Sustainability

Having the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Conceptualising skills

Complex problem solving

Complex problem solving involves analysing facts and situations and producing appropriate solutions.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to conceptualise, apply, analyse, synthesise, and evaluate information.

Planning & organisation

Being able to think ahead and understand what steps are required to achieve a specific goal with limited resources and within a given timeframe.

Creative & innovative thinking

Considering new ways of doing things and using all of the information available to you to generate good ideas.

Reflective skills

Critical reflection is seen as a metacognitive process and enables you to dissect, de-construct, analyse and gain a deeper understanding of situations you have experienced.

People related skills

Team-working

The ability to work with a variety of people to achieve a common goal.

Communication

To be able to communicate clearly with a wide range of people, from diverse backgrounds, different age groups and in a variety of ways.

Influencing & negotiating

The ability to change the attitudes, opinions or behaviour of others in order to achieve a particular goal.

Networking

Exchanging information and ideas with people with a common profession or special interest and often in a semi-social situation.

Leadership

Leading other people to achieve a particular aim.

Personal attributes

Resilience

The capacity to recover after difficulties.

Adaptability & flexibility

Adaptability involves adjusting your approach to new situations or demands, while flexibility means being willing to compromise in specific circumstances.

Self-motivation

The attitude that results in action without needing to be told what to do, even when there are setbacks.

Self-belief

Having confidence in your own abilities or judgement.

Professionalism

Acting in a professional manner.

Empathy

The ability to sense other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling.

Inclusivity

Acting in a way that takes in to account the needs of others.

You can reflect on your evidence for these attributes using PebblePad. Your Personal Tutor will ask you about your confidence in these attributes during your meetings with them. The Graduate Attributes are also embedded into the curriculum of your degree programme.

Graduate attributes: 2025-2026 academic year onwards

Support for students reflecting on their graduate attributes is being migrated from PebblePad to Target Connect. During this period, any student who has already started to reflect on their graduate attributes in PebblePad will continue to do so.

Any students who are new to reflecting on their graduate attributes will be supported in this by using Target Connect. Clicking on each box below will take you to the associated pathway to develop and reflect on this skill.

Ethics, diversity and sustainability

Enterprise and entrepreneurship

Digital proficiency

Critical thinking

Career Development

Adaptability/flexibility

Workshops and events

Throughout the academic year, the Careers team organise a variety of workshops and events which are open to both current students and our recent graduates. These include careers fairs, CV workshops, graduate masterclasses, information sessions, employer presentations and much more.

Have a look at our events pages to find out what is coming up and book your place.

Upcoming careers events

For sessions that aren’t delivered using MS Teams, you can access live captions during sessions by installing Caption.Ed on your device. To request your free Caption.Ed account, email inclusion t [email protected]. If you have other learning requirements which may not be met solely by captioning, please do get in touch with the Inclusion Team.