Our process - UAL Jobs Our process - UAL Jobs

Our process

Animation still | Credit: Alexandra Kostyuk

Useful information to guide you through the recruitment process

Overview

At UAL, our recruitment process is designed to be fair, transparent, and inclusive, whether you’re applying as an external candidate or already part of the University. While the steps may vary depending on the nature and level of the role, the typical selection process takes approximately six weeks following the closing date and usually involves five core stages:

Stage 1Stage 2Stage 3Stage 4Stage 5
ApplicationShortlistingInterviewOfferOnboarding

Some roles may require additional stages during the interview process, such as a Psychometric Assessment, Presentation or Micro-Teach Session, Stakeholder Interview, or Panel Interview. For example, applicants for a Professor role may be invited to complete psychometric testing and deliver a presentation to senior academics.

Once a vacancy has closed, the relevant Resourcing Team will notify the selection panel to begin the shortlisting process. Candidates are usually notified of the outcome within 10–15 days, although this may take longer during periods of high application volume. Applicants who are shortlisted will be invited to the next stage; those who are not successful will also be notified by email.

We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible to our roles. Occasionally, the closing date may be brought forward if we receive a high volume of applications. We aim to provide at least 24 hours’ notice if this occurs.

If you have general queries or need reasonable adjustments, contact details are usually included in the job advert. If not, please visit the Contact us page and quote the vacancy ID, job title, and (if applicable) your application ID.

Making an application

To apply for any of our roles, you must follow the specific instructions outlined in the job advert. Most applications must be submitted via our official job board. Unfortunately, we do not accept speculative CVs or applications by email.

If you’ve not applied with us before, you’ll need to create an account. Registration is quick and enables you to track your progress. You may save and return to your application, provided the vacancy remains open.

Applications typically request one or more of the following:

  • An application form including employment and education history;
  • A CV;
  • Competency-based questions;
  • A supporting statement;
  • Evidence of research or published work (for academic roles).

All applications are scored using a standard matrix:

Score0123
DescriptionNot metPartially metFully metExceeds

The ‘Supporting Information’ section will indicate whether you should address specific competency questions or provide a general supporting statement, aligned with the person specification. This may include the following competency areas:

Experience, knowledge and qualificationsResearch, Teaching and Learning or Professional practice
Communication skillsTeamwork
Leadership and managementStudent experience or Customer service
Planning and managing resourcesCreativity, innovation and problem solving

.

We recommended structuring answers using either the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or CARL (Context, Action, Result, Learning) methods – both approaches will help you to showcase your suitability.

STAR methodCARL method
Situation – where, when, whoContext – the setting or background
Task – what you aimed to achieveAction – what you did and how
Action – what you did and howResult – the outcome and impact
Result – the outcome and impactLearning – reflect on what you learnt

A note on using AI in your application

At UAL, we recognise the growing role of AI tools in professional and creative settings. While you may choose to use such tools to support the application process, we encourage you to consider carefully how this adds value.

We are particularly interested in hearing from you – your unique experiences, insights and aspirations. Applications generated primarily through AI can often feel impersonal and may not reflect the authenticity we value in our candidates.

We strongly recommend that you use your own voice when sharing your skills and achievements. This allows us to better understand how you align with the role, the team and the values of UAL.

Assessment and interview process

If you’re invited to attend an interview or assessment – congratulations! This means we would like to explore your suitability for the role further.

At UAL, we use competency-based interviews. These focus on your past experiences and behaviours, with questions such as “Tell me about a time when…” or “Describe a situation in which…”. If you’re newer to the workplace, you can draw from academic, volunteering, or social experiences.

This is not only a chance for us to assess you – it’s also an opportunity for you to assess whether the role aligns with your goals. Feel free to ask questions at the end of the interview.

Interview preparation – top tips
  • Answering questions
    Just like for applications, it is recommended to structure answers using either the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or CARL (Context, Action, Result, Learning) methods.
  • Review the Person Specification
    Questions will be based on the competencies in the Person Specification so reviewing them will help with preparation for what might be asked.
  • Understand the role and context
    Familiarise yourself with the department, team objectives and any relevant sector developments.
  • Highlight achievements
    Demonstrate how your qualifications, experience and impact align with the role – if relevant, include professional networks you’re part of.
During the interview
  • Take your time before responding – it’s fine to pause and think.
  • Breathe – managing nerves is normal, and staying calm helps clarity.
  • Ask for clarification – don’t hesitate to request a question be repeated.
  • Use your notes – concise prompts can support your responses and show preparation.
After the interview

If you’re successful – congratulations! We understand this may be a sensitive time if others you know also applied, so we ask all candidates to be mindful and respectful.

If you are not successful, feedback should be offered by the interview chair, including scores where possible. Use this constructively to support future applications.

Top tip: If you’re not selected this time, use the experience to strengthen your skills and prepare for future opportunities. UAL is committed to the development and progression of all candidates.

Eligibility to work

All job offers are conditional upon proof of your right to work in the UK. Certain roles may also require a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check in line with our safeguarding requirements. Please refer to the job advert for further information.

For apprenticeship roles, we must ensure that applicants meet the eligibility criteria for the apprenticeship training as outlined in Annex A of the Apprenticeship Government Funding Rules. In addition to having the right to work in the UK, you must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the past three years.

Unfortunately, non-UK nationals who have had continuous residency in the UK for the last three years solely for the purposes of education (e.g. you have been resident un the UK solely because you have been on a Student visa) are not eligible.  

For apprenticeship-specific enquiries, please contact: apprenticeships@arts.ac.uk

We wish you the very best of luck with your application to UAL.