Frequently Asked Questions    

Here at the Job Shop we are always happy to answer any queries you have regarding working during your studies and vacation periods, or refer you to the appropriate person who may be able to help you.  See below for some questions that may already be on your mind:

USING THE JOB SHOP AND JOB SHOP WEBSITE

• How do I use the Job Shop?
• I am not a current student at Newcastle University. Can I still use the Job Shop?
• How do I get the details for how to apply to the jobs listed on your website?
• I have registered with the Job Shop but I can not seem to log in to the website. Have I done something wrong?
• I was registered with the Job Shop a while ago but I don't know if I am anymore. How do I find out if I am, and re-register if I need to?
• Can you check over my CV or offer guidance?

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

• How do I know if I am legally allowed to work in the UK?
• What is a National Insurance Number?
• When and how should I apply for a National Insurance Number?

APPLYING TO JOBS

• I have a very restricted and/or varied timetable.  Are there any jobs that I can apply for?
• The job I want to apply for says I should have work experience which I do not have.  Should I still apply?
• What is a cover letter?
• What is National Minimum Wage (NMW)?
• How long should I wait to hear back from an employer after I have applied? 

Using the Job Shop and Job Shop website

How do I use the Job Shop?

To use the Job Shop you will first need to register.  To start looking for a job you can browse the vacancies that we are currently advertising either by looking at the website or the boards located outside our office.  Find the vacancies that you think are most suitable and visit the Job Shop during our opening hours and we will give you the details you need to apply to those jobs.  You can also keep up to date with recruitment fairs and other jobs related events on our website or by joining our facebook group (you must be logged in to Facebook for this link to work).

I am not a current student at Newcastle University.  Can I still use the Job Shop?

During term time only current Newcastle University students may use our services, and you will be asked to show your smart card before we can give you any details on how to apply to the job vacancies we advertise.  If you have just graduated you may use the Job Shop until your smart card expires.  If you are about to begin your studies you may be able to apply for a temporary smart card from the library if your degree programme director gives you written permission.  During vacation periods any student enrolled in a UK university may use the Job Shop, and will be asked to show us their university ID card.

How do I get the details for how to apply to the jobs listed on your website?

For most of the vacancies we list you must visit the Job Shop during our opening hours in order to receive application details on our vacancies.  Remember you must be registered and provide us with your smart card.  Some of our vacancies can be applied for without coming in to the Job Shop, including Jobcentre Plus vacancies and vacancies through agencies.

I have registered with the Job Shop but I can not seem to log in to the website.  Have I done something wrong?

Most likely you have accidentally come across the login page that we at the Job Shop use in order to edit the website.  If you have changed courses or have had to renew your smart card since registering with the Job Shop it is also possible that you will need to re-register.  Registering with the Job Shop only allows you to use our services and be a part of our mailing list; it does not allow any extra access to jobs via the internet.  Your login details are only to change your profile which you created when registering.

I was registered with the Job Shop a while ago but I don't know if I am anymore.  How do I find out if I am, and re-register if I need to?

If you have changed courses, left the university for a sandwich year or have had to renew your smart card for another reason, you have probably been automatically taken off the system.  You will need to re-register.  Note that though your profile has been removed, sometimes your student number will be retained, and you will need to use your library card number (e.g. U1234567) instead.  If you are unsure please visit the Job Shop when we are next open.

Can you check over my CV or offer guidance?

We have a few leaflets regarding CV writing at the Job Shop, however it is highly recommended that you go the Careers Service for CV help.  You can find some information on their website or call in to their office located on the second floor of the Armstrong Building.  You can also book an appointment with them to check over your CV if there is a specific job you have in mind.

International Students

How do I know if I am legally allowed to work in the UK?

If you are an international student who is studying in the UK you may be entitled to work part time.  Note that students from new EEA member states (Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania) are under separate restrictions.  All non-UK students are encouraged to visit the Student Advice Centre with their passport in order to find out about their eligibility to work and to ask further questions.  All international students will also need a National Insurance Number as soon as they get a job (see below).

What is a National Insurance Number?

A National Insurance Number is a personal number issued by the UK government for the National Insurance tax.  All UK employees are required to have a National Insurance Number.  UK citizens are automatically issued these numbers at the age of 16, but international students must apply separately.  For more information you can ask an advisor in the Student Advice Centre, phone the Jobcentre Plus at 0845 600 0643, or visit the DWP website.  Also see our section on National Insurance Numbers.

When and how should I apply for a National Insurance Number?

You do not need a National Insurance Number until after you have been accepted into employment.  However, you can get a National Insurance Number before you are employed, and it is recommended that you apply for one as soon as possible.  You will need a document proving that you are looking for a job, which the Job Shop can provide if you are registered with us.  To apply for your National Insurance Number you will need to phone the Jobcentre Plus at 0845 600 0643 and schedule an interview appointment with them.  See our section on National Insurance Numbers for details on how this process will work.

Applying to Jobs 

I have a very restricted and/or varied timetable.  Are there any jobs that I can apply for?

There are many vacancies that the Job Shop advertises which do not have permanent regular working hours every week.  Look for jobs listed with casual hours - these jobs are usually based on when work is available that needs done, and can include things like flyering, promotions, events catering, care work or being part of a register of workers to contact as needed.  You can also apply for jobs that are only for the vacation periods, particularly in summer.

The job I want to apply for says I should have work experience which I do not have.  Should I still apply?

Employers usually only specify that they want someone experienced if this is an essential characteristic.  In general it is highly advised that you make sure you match the person specification that the employer has given.  Remember that voluntary and unpaid work counts as work experience!

What is a cover letter?

Many employers request a cover letter with your CV.  This is your chance to briefly introduce yourself, explain why you are applying for the job and why it is that the employer should be interested in hiring you.  If you are emailing your CV you should write your cover letter in the email and attach your CV as a separate file.  You should visit the Careers Centre for more advice on writing CVs and cover letters.

What is National Minimum Wage (NMW)?

As of October 2007, for those aged 18-21 years old the National Minimum Wage is £4.60 per hour.  For those aged 22 and over it is £5.52 per hour, and for those aged under 18 it is £3.40 per hour.  For more information visit the National Minimum Wage section of this website or visit the HM Revenue & Customs site.

How long should I wait to hear back from an employer after I have applied?

Employers vary widely in how quickly they respond, often in relation to how urgently the vacancy needs filled.  Sometimes employers will only respond to successful applicants.  If the job has a firm closing date you often will not hear back until after that date.  If at least two weeks have passed and you are concerned you should follow up with the employer and enquire about the status of your application.

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