Attract top talent with the perfect job ad
MyCareer jobs board is for the exclusive use of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú students and graduates, so tailoring your adverts to this audience will help you attract the right candidates. Competition for talent is at a premium, making it essential that your company profile and adverts stand out from the rest of the pack. Here are some top tips on recruiting a ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú student or graduate.
Did you know?
Once published, your vacancy is emailed to students based on their career preferences.
Alumni can access the jobs board up to five years after they graduate.
FAQs
Your organisation profile is the first impression students will have of your business. Use it to highlight who you are, what you do, and what sets your culture apart. It doesn’t need to be long, but a clear, engaging overview can help attract the right candidates.
- We recommend pitching your job description to your audience in order to attract the most suitable candidates from the off-set. The role should be at an appropriate level for a student/graduate.
- Long paragraphs of text can be off-putting so keep it short, sharp and effective. Clear, simple job titles are recommended as this is the first thing that will attract the student's attention.
- Please include the following essential details - location of the role, length of contract, start date and salary (see below for more details). Including a named contact who candidates can speak with if they have any questions is also recommended.
Please include a salary. Adverts with specific salaries or a salary band are much more appealing to students and graduates. The salary should be suitable for the skills/experience you are looking for. We will only advertise roles that meet and above.
Ideally, yes. Students and graduates tend to wait for the deadline to apply for a job. Keep the closing date short and if you need to extend you can do so on MyCareer. The closing date is not a mandatory field, so do make sure you have added this.
If you have subscribed to notifications you will receive an email to highlight potentially extending the advert five days before the application closing date. Please note you can’t actually extend on MyCareer until four days before. You can then do this by clicking on the ‘Actions’ menu in the relevant vacancy and selecting ‘Extend’.
Please also read our terms and conditions before posting your vacancy.
We encourage you to add your logo to enhance brand recognition. This can be altered at any time.
We understand that staff may change over time so you can easily update your account and access accordingly.
Crafting inclusive job adverts
Use clear and concise language
Avoid jargon, buzzwords and ambiguous phrases. Instead of "excellent communication skills," specify the exact communication requirements for the role, such as "ability to explain complex information to non-experts." Be specific about responsibilities and expectations.
Focus on essential skills and outcomes
Clearly differentiate between "must-have" and "nice-to-have" skills. Research suggests that neurodiverse individuals may be less likely to apply if they don't meet 100% of the requirements. Focus on the core tasks and abilities needed to succeed in the role, rather than a long list of qualifications.
Provide a clear and accessible format
Use simple, logical sentences and bullet points to break up long paragraphs. Use clear, accessible fonts (like Arial or Verdana) and avoid italics, underlining, and excessive capitalisation, which can be difficult for people with dyslexia to read.
Be transparent about the recruitment process
Clearly outline each stage of the application process, from the initial submission to the final interview. State what candidates can expect, including timelines and the format of interviews or assessments. Maybe consider offering a skills-based task instead of a traditional interview and indicate a willingness to discuss other adjustments that may be required. This transparency encourages trust and helps reduce anxiety allowing candidates to prepare.
Highlight your commitment to inclusivity
Go beyond a standard "equal opportunities employer" statement. Showcase your Disability Confidence status. Explicitly state that you welcome and support neurodiverse candidates. Share information about the accommodations you offer, such as flexible working hours or quiet workspaces. This demonstrates that your company values diversity and is a welcoming place to work.
Provide multiple ways to apply and communicate
Offer various ways for candidates to submit their applications or ask questions, such as email, online forms, or phone calls. This acknowledges that some individuals may prefer written over verbal communication.
Describe the work environment
Be specific about the physical work environment. Mention if it's an open-plan office, a quiet space, or if remote/hybrid work is an option. This helps neurodiverse candidates, who may have sensory sensitivities, to determine if the environment is a good fit for them.
Offer alternative formats for the job description
Consider providing the job description in multiple formats, such as a text-to-speech option or a short video summary. This makes the information more accessible to a wider range of candidates.
Contact details
Email: jobsboard@port.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)23 9284 3638
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