Our process
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:
- Application
- Shortlisting
- Interview
- Offer
- Onboarding
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:
- 0 – Not met
- 1 – Partially met
- 2 – Fully met
- 3 – Exceeds expectations
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 Qualifications
- Communication Skills
- Leadership and Management
- Planning and Managing Resources
- Research, Teaching and Learning / Professional Practice
- Teamwork
- Student Experience / Customer Service
- Creativity, Innovation and Problem-Solving
It’s recommended to structure answers using either the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or CARL (Context, Action, Result, Learning) methods – both frameworks help you showcase your experience clearly and concisely.
- STAR method
- Situation – where, when, who
- Task – what you aimed to achieve
- Action – what you did and how
- Result – the outcome, impact, and what you learned
- CARL method
- Context – describe the setting or background
- Action – explain what you did
- Result – share the outcome and your impact
- Learning – reflect on what you took away from the experience
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 (basic or enhanced) in line with our safeguarding requirements. Please refer to the job advert for specific information.
For apprenticeship roles, you must:
- Already have the right to work in the UK;
- Have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the past three years.
For apprenticeship-specific enquiries, please contact: apprenticeships@arts.ac.uk
If you have any further questions about our recruitment process, feel free to reach out to the Resourcing Team. We wish you the very best of luck with your application to UAL.
