Vacancy sources
Use the following information as a guide to start your search for job vacancies:
- Graduate vacancies – There are many national employers who advertise their graduate vacancies online; details of the opportunities available and how to apply are available on their websites.
- Part-time vacancies – Many local employers are keen to advertise their vacancies to students at the University. Search the latest vacancies online on the Jobs Board, find further details about each opportunity with details on how to apply directly to the employer. Take your CV along to the bars and shops in Gunwharf Quays, Commercial Road and Southsea and ask if they are recruiting.
- Newspapers – Local and national newspapers and their websites are important sources of vacancies. Scanning the papers is a good way to learn about the range of jobs available, and what employers are looking for. Remember, you can request further details even if you're just researching and not yet ready to apply. Why not start by using the main national and local newspapers. You can also visit Purple Door to read the local newspaper job supplements.
- Online business directories such as Yell to identify target organisations
- Professional Journals – There are specialist magazines / jobsites for almost every career area that may interest you. Use the job profiles on the Graduate Prospects website to identify where to look for the jobs that interest you.
- Recruitment agencies – Recruitment agencies are increasingly important when it comes to looking for jobs. Agencies will often specialise in the job roles or locations they work in. To find recruitment agencies and jobsites related to your area of interest look at Agency Central or REC. For a list of local contacts download the Local recruitment agencies leaflet.
- Purple Door Recruitment Service–is our in-house recruitment service for students and graduates of the University of Portsmouth. In order to use this service, you will need to complete a short online registration form. Please note that very few of the vacancies managed by Purple Door Recruitment will meet the salary requirements for Tier 2 (General) sponsorship as identified by UKBA. For further information on these requirements visit UKBA codes of practice. Find out more about Purple Door Recruitment.
- Sector Guides - A series of sector specific guides produced to provide you with the key starting points to help you find out more about the industry and the opportunities available.
Finding your own jobs
Research shows that about 80% of jobs are never advertised. By using your initiative you may be able to hunt out opportunities that are not widely advertised. Start by using any relevant contacts you may have. Then research companies and organisations in the sector or locality that interests you. Use online business directories such as Yell to identify target organisations. Local business directories are also useful, for example the Hampshire Business Directory, available online in Purple Door. After researching the company you can send a targeted CV and covering letter to find out if they have any suitable jobs. For further advice on CV writing, covering letters and making speculative applications visit the CVs and interviews section.
