Building united
teams, together

A recruitment process designed to be transparent, objective and
free from conflict of interest

Our approach to recruitment

We’re focused on creating a collaborative culture where you can be you, where your voice is heard, and where you can truly belong. We are proud to be rated Investors in People (Gold), and we are constantly striving to provide the highest standard of learning and development opportunities and professional pathways for our people.

Building a home for success, for both our employees and students, requires exceptional people with a passion for creating room for everyone, doing what’s right, keeping US safe, and raising the bar. Join us as we build better experiences for students who live with us.

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A fair process

Our recruitment and selection process is designed to be transparent, objective and free from conflict of interest. Documentation and materials relating to the recruitment and selection process are treated confidentially and in accordance with the Data Protection Act (DPA) and our Data Protection Policy. All candidates have the right to feedback and access to any documentation held on them in accordance with the DPA. If required, all candidates are entitled to request adjustments to the interviewing process in line with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Our typical recruitment process

Throughout the process, the Talent Acquisition Team will ensure you’re fully aware of what to expect at each stage of the interview process. They’ll contact you with details of any skills tests, assessments, or checks you may be required to complete. If you have any questions about the process, please contact the team.

Your interview

All roles will include an interview or an assessment centre as part of the recruitment process, both of which are great opportunities for you to share your experience with us and let your personality shine through.

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After the interview

We'll be in touch once you've completed your interview to let you know the outcome. If you're successful, the Talent Acquisition Team will invite you to the next stage of the process.

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Assessment and testing

For some roles, we use vacancy-specific assessment tools and presentations as part of the application process. The assessments are short, and full instructions are provided for candidates. Further assessments may form part of the interview process.

Job offer

If you get offered a job, you’ll get a call to let you know the good news! An offer letter and full contract of employment will then be sent to you by email, and you will be required to complete the online signature process.

Background checks

If you are successful, you’ll need to provide valid proof of your Right to Work in the UK. And for some roles, your offer of employment will be conditional upon our receiving a DBS check. Some of our roles will require applicants to hold a full driving licence valid for driving in the UK.

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Onboarding process

Your Hiring Manager will be in touch with you throughout this period to make arrangements for your first day.

Hints and tips to perform well at an interview

Interviews can be daunting, and although they should be challenging, we aim to make the whole experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here are a few things to think about in advance.

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Be prepared

Make sure you’re on time and dressed smartly, and allow extra time if you’re not sure where you’re going. Be yourself – we want to see the real you!

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Focus on the job description

Make note of your strengths, skills, and experience with the job requirements in mind. Make sure you’ve researched the company thoroughly so that you can demonstrate your fit and knowledge.

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Know your CV

Consider things that you’re really proud of in your career so far, or those situations that have challenged you and show what you’re capable of at work. Please think carefully about your career history and the choices you have made, as we’re keen to understand what motivates you.

Take your time

When you’re asked a question during your interview, take your time to answer and think through what you want to say. Consider what it is about Unite Students and the job you’re applying for that appeals to you.

Using AI in your application

We take a human-centred approach to recruitment. While we recognise that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, CoPilot and Claude can be useful in preparing for applications and interviews, our focus is on understanding the real person behind the application. We want to see your authentic experiences, not something generated by AI. Using AI can be a helpful way to organise your thoughts, research the role or industry, or structure your answers. It can also assist in improving how you communicate your own examples more clearly. However, it’s important that everything you submit reflects your genuine experience and skills. Our simple advice is this: use AI to refine your content, not to replace your voice. It can be a useful support tool, but it’s your personality, honesty and lived experience that we truly value.

Application feedback

We receive a high volume of applications, so we cannot contact everyone who applies. However, we commit to responding to all applicants by email within four weeks of a role's closing, informing them whether they have been successful. We will provide full interview feedback to candidates who attend a face-to-face interview.

Recruitment of ex-offenders

We will consider applicants with criminal records fairly and individually, based on the role they’ve applied for. For jobs requiring a Basic DBS check, unspent convictions will be reviewed, and open and honest conversations will take place before any hiring decision. Any record is assessed carefully, considering factors such as how relevant the offence is to the job, its seriousness, and how long ago it occurred. The process is transparent, and candidates may be invited to discuss their circumstances. All decisions are made in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and DBS guidelines to ensure fairness.

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Contact the team

To help us provide you with the best support, please include details of the role you are enquiring about, including the reference number (e.g., 71684) and the location of the role.

Talent Acquisition Team
Unite Students
1st Floor, Welcome Building
Avon Street
Bristol BS2 0PS

Email the team

Building united teams, together