Application & Interview Advice

The MGT team do offer an applications advice service that you can request through email and Zoom appointments.

  • Email: You can send your CV and covering letter, tailored to the specific MGT role you are applying for, via mgt@manchester.ac.uk. Requests should be made at least 3 working days in advance of the deadline.
  • Zoom appointment: You can fill in this form and our advisor will get in touch to set up the appointment. Similarly, requests should be made at least 3 working days in advance of the closing date or the day of your appointment.

To help you make the most out of our support and advice, we strongly recommend you have a look at the resources below to ensure you have tailored your application specific to the job description. Try to make your application the best it can be before you send it to us for additional advice. You may even find that if you use all these great resources, you might not need to send it.

CVs

Your CV should be tailored towards the specific MGT role(s) that you are applying for, and should demonstrate the relevant skills, experience and knowledge that make you a strong candidate for the role(s).

To make your examples more specific and effective, we recommend using the CAR model to evidence skills on your CV (and this works for your cover letter too).

  • Context: What was the situation, what task were you required to carry out? Keep it brief, but specific.
  • Action: What did YOU do? What was your role? What actions did you take? Use active language.
  • Result: What was the outcome? What did you achieve? What was improved? Qualify and quantify.

You can also explore these CV resources:

  • Get CV Ready Pathway Our e-learning guide to help you write and tailor your CV, accessible via CareerConnect.
  • Transferable skill tool This resource will explain in detail what common transferable skills mean, how to demonstrate them and what kind of previous examples might be suitable from your course, volunteering or extra-curricular activities.
  • CareerSet Our online CV checker. Upload your CV to receive instant, personalised feedback. And TargetMyCV can compare your CV to a job description to help you tailor your application.
  • CV FAQs

Cover Letters

Your cover letter acts as the introduction to your application and is your personal sales pitch. Your CV contains the facts, whilst the cover letter is about your motivation and fit for the organisation and role.

In brief it should cover:

  1. Why you are applying to this organisation? - What makes them stand out from other similar companies?
  2. Why you are applying for this role? - Your motivation for applying, show your understanding of the role.
  3. The skills and experience you have that match the job description.

A lot of candidates do ignore the first two sections of this structure, and doing some research on the organisation/role might pay off and help you stand out from the crowd!

Top tips for your application

  • Tailor your application for each position and be sure to mention and evidence all the skills in the person specification section: this is what the shortlisters will explicitly look for in your application.
  • Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can be helpful – we are always here to support! Sometimes leaving the letter for a day or two might give you more perspectives when you re-edit it.
  • When you contact the MGT team or our Careers Advisors for feedback on your application, try to bring a few specific questions to them so that you can get tailored feedback on the things you really need.

Interviews

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview. When it comes to interviews, good preparation is key to success. For many interviews it is likely you will be asked questions around:

  • Why you have applied to the organisation or institution.
  • Why you are interested in the role or course.
  • Assessing if you have the skills and attributes to do the job or complete the course.

The Careers Service offers a range of resources and support for your interviews:

  • Get Interview Ready Pathway Learn at your own speed, whenever and wherever you want. Complete short online modules including a mix of activities to help you gain confidence and build your skills. Includes access to Shortlist.Me and our Interview success modules.
  • Interview Guide Step by step guidance about how to prepare for your interview.
  • Practice interview with Shortlist.Me You can practice your interview skills 24/7 with Shortlist.Me, our online video interview tool.

Additional Support

The MGT team has a lot of experience in supporting employers and graduates through the recruitment process. Please contact us if:

  • You’ve changed your mind about a job and don’t want to go to the interview.
  • You’re running late or can no longer attend an interview.
  • You would like some help in making a decision about a job offer (or offers!) you’ve had and how to deal with recruiters.

We’re always happy to relay information to the organisation concerned so that there are no misunderstandings. Contact us via mgt@manchester.ac.uk.