Our selection process
Shortlisting
Once a job vacancy has been advertised and reached the closing date, the selection panel will shortlist candidates using the person specification. We will let all candidates know the outcome of their application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive we are unable to provide specific feedback if you are not shortlisted.
As soon as a decision has been reached, we will contact shortlisted applicants to arrange interviews. Normally, you would expect to hear from us within two weeks of the closing date. if you are to be interviewed.
We will let all candidates know the outcome of their application, whether you are successful or not. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide specific feedback if you are not shortlisted.
Interview process
Interviews are normally conducted by a panel which will include the line manager, and perhaps more senior members of a Faculty or Service. Many interviews are conducted on-line but some interviews take place in person. In some cases, there may be second interview.
For some roles, candidates may be asked to give a presentation on a relevant topic or be asked to complete a task or test as part of the interview process. All instructions will be explained in the invitation to interview email.
We will always aim to do our best to ensure that all candidates are given fair and appropriate opportunities to demonstrate their abilities to do the job.
Interview hints and tips
The below may help you to prepare for your interview. Now that many interviews are conducted on-line, we have included some hints and tips specifically for on-line interviews.
- Research the University and role thoroughly.
- Read the essential criteria for the role and think of specific examples where you have demonstrated the criteria.
- Ensure you understand the job description and how your skills match what the panel are looking for
- Avoid the temptation to prepare completely AI-generated responses. These can often end up being generic, whereas the panel are interested in your personal experience and ability to do the job. For further guidance, please take a look at our tips on using AI in the recruitment process.
- Think about some questions you would like to ask the panel.
- Conducting a mock interview with a friend or family member may help your confidence, especially if you have not interviewed for a while.
Set Up Your Space:
- If possible, find a quiet, well-lit area with minimal distractions. If there are likely to be disruptions outside of your control, it can be helpful to advise the panel of this in advance.
- You could either blur your background or use a virtual background if needed.
Test Your Technology
- Check your internet connection to avoid glitches.
- Test your microphone and camera.
- Familiarise yourself with the interview platform (e.g., Zoom, Teams).
Set the Scene:
- Think about dressing as you would for an in-person interview
- Close unnecessary tabs or applications to avoid distractions.
Practical guidance for interviews
Right to Work and qualifications
As part of the pre-employment process, you are required to provide proof of your Right to Work and qualifications. It is essential to submit evidence of your Right to Work before your start date. Failure to do so may result in a delay to your start date should you be successful. For detailed information on the required documents, please visit How to prove right to work.
If you are successful at interview and require a visa to work in the UK, we will review the possible visa options that may be available to you. Further information about possible visa options can be found here.
In-person interviews: Please bring original copies of your Right to Work documents and qualifications to your interview, and also email copies to the contact provided in your interview invitation.
Virtual interviews: The successful applicant will be asked to produce evidence of their right to work in the UK. Upon offer, you will be contacted about your right to work documents and advised whether these can be verified online or whether we need to view an original copy, (this will vary depending on the Right to Work document you hold).
Guidance for face-to-face interviews
If your interview will be face-to-face, we have compiled some useful information to assist with your preparations. For any further enquiries or support, please email us directly at recruitmentadmin@exeter.ac.uk.
Location, transport and accommodation
Location and transport
For directions to our campuses, transport information, car parking details, and comprehensive campus maps, please visit the Our campuses webpage. Should you still have questions about where to go on your interview day, feel free to call us on +44 (0)1392 661000 (Exeter Reception) or +44 (0)1326 371800 (Penryn Cornwall Reception), and we will be delighted to assist.
Accommodation
If you require accommodation to attend your interview, please review the interview expenses information to determine your entitlement and eligibility. Below, you will find a list of nearby hotels, some of which offer colleagues of the University access to our corporate rates. Kindly contact the hotel directly to inquire about claiming the preferential rates.
Exeter
Cornwall
Truro
Interview expenses
Expenses will only be reimbursed for posts Grade E and above
The University will reimburse travel expenses for candidates travelling to interview (a) at one of the University’s Exeter campuses, from outside the EX1, EX2, EX3 and EX4 postcode areas; or (b) at the University’s Cornwall campus, from outside the TR10 area. See below for more details on what can be claimed back.
How to claim
To claim back your interview expenses please submit a claim, (within 3 months of the interview date), using the, Interview Expenses Form., ((cClaims for subsistence and accommodation can be added in the additional comments section of the form). If payments need to be made into an international bank account, please use this form: International Payment Request form. Please send the claim to the chair of your recruitment panel/recruitment contact within the relevant Faculty/Service. If you are unsure who this is, please contact: recruitmentadmin@exeter.ac.uk. Information on what can be claimed can be found in the Interview Expenses Notes
Travel
For travel within the UK, the University will normally pay the standard, direct return rail fare (only via London where this is a necessary route) or bus/coach fare. If you travel by car, you will be reimbursed at the rate of 25 pence per mile.
Exceptionally, by prior agreement with Human Resources the University will pay a return air flight for travel within the UK, otherwise air fare will only be reimbursed for applicants travelling from outside the UK. The University's expectation is that applicants will choose the most economic travel option when travelling by air.
International travel
If you are travelling from outside the United Kingdom, please contact us aton recruitmentadmin@exeter.ac.uk as soon as possible to discuss, and prior to making any arrangements. If your travel arrangements make it necessary for you to spend another night in Exeter or your port of entry into the United Kingdom, then please contact us before making any arrangements to discuss further.
Parking
Candidates travelling by car should note that parking on the University’s Exeter campuses is subject to a Pay and Display charge, which will be reimbursed to you. Parking at the University’s Cornwall campus is also subject to Pay and Display. Further Information about travelling to the University’s Exeter campuses.
Subsistence
The actual amount spent, subject to receipt will be reimbursed, up to the following maximum sums: Lunch, £6.50; Tea, £6.50; Dinner, £11.20. Tea can only be claimed if you are still travelling (or away from home) after 1900 hours. If you are still travelling or away from home after 2100 hours then the Dinner allowance may be claimed. Candidates cannot claim both the Tea and Dinner allowance.
Accommodation
The University's expectation is that applicants will ensure travel plans are economical, and where possible travel to and from the University in the same day. Exceptionally, if the time of your interview/travel arrangements make if necessary for you to stay overnight before your interview in Exeter or Cornwall the University will reimburse the cost up to £80.00 maximum. The University will not normally cover the cost of an additional nights’ accommodation. If you think your circumstances warrant this please contact us.
Any questions regarding interview expenses should be sent to recruitmentadmin@exeter.ac.uk