Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Coventry University?

Coventry University is a diverse and exciting place to work and we share the enthusiasm of our staff and students to be the best at whatever they choose to do. As one of the City’s biggest employers, we offer some impressive benefits for our staff and are committed to delivering the very best opportunities. We have a comprehensive training, personal and professional development programme that provides our employees with the skills to enhance their performance in the workplace and grow in their careers.

There’s a defined benefit pension scheme, generous holiday allowance and flexible working opportunities as well as lifestyle benefits including childcare vouchers, discounted membership to the £4 million sports and recreation centre and schemes such as Cycle to Work and the CU Car Share initiative.

How do I apply for a job?

If you are interested in applying for one of our vacancies please complete the online application form. You will be asked to register, using a personal email address, to which we will forward any correspondence.

Please read the following notes carefully before completing the application form:

• It is not our practice to hold speculative CVs on file. You are welcome to submit CVs, supporting statements or additional information, but you must complete the University’s online application form and apply for a specific role.
• Acknowledgement of receipt of your online application will be sent out to you by email automatically once the system registers your application. There's no need to send us a hard copy of your form in the post.
• If you have any issues with your online application form, we do have guidance notes to help you through the process. Alternatively, please contact the recruitment team on the details below.
• If you have difficulties completing an online application form or need additional support, please contact the Recruitment Team: futures.hr@coventry.ac.uk.

When are the closing dates for applications?

Unless otherwise specified within the advert, we allow for a two-week closing date for all our vacancies. We’re sorry but any applications received after the closing date cannot be considered.

Where can I park at the University?

Like most cities, Coventry has ample parking availability to accommodate you on your visit.

Coventry Council provide comprehensive information on all car parks in the city centre. Take a look at their useful guide and get directions.

Do I need referees when applying?

It is our policy to obtain two confidential written references, one of which must be your current or most recent employer. If you do not wish them to be contacted prior to interview, please indicate this clearly (by selecting 'yes' from the appropriate box on the application form). Referees should be able to comment authoritatively on your work, education, skills and abilities and must not be related to you.

Do I need to include additional information for an Academic appointment?

Please attach a letter of application to your formal application form. Please include details of your research, published works (including text books) and professional practice in your letter of application.

What are the rules regarding canvassing for appointment?

This will disqualify your application. However, you may make informal enquiries to further your knowledge and understanding of the role.

Will I receive acknowledgment of my application?

You will receive a receipt of your online application. We regret that because of the large number of applications we receive for posts within the University, we will only be able to communicate further with candidates who are shortlisted for interview. If you have not been contacted within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful.

Where do we advertise?

We advertise all our vacancies on our corporate website alongside appropriate print and web-based media.

Do I need documentation to prove my eligibility to work in the UK?

Applicants who are nationals of countries outside the EEA who do not have existing permission to work in the UK, need to get permission from the UK Home Office. If you are successful in the selection process the University will apply for a certificate of sponsorship that enables you to seek permission from the Home Office to take up our offer of employment.

The UK Government has announced changes to the application process for certificates of sponsorship. For some vacancies requiring specific skills we may be able to obtain a certificate of sponsorship for a suitably qualified applicant, however for most other vacancies it is unlikely that applications for certificates of sponsorship will be successful.

We encourage you to apply for posts at Coventry University, but nationals of countries outside the EEA need to be mindful that even if you are selected, ultimately it may not be possible to appoint you.

If you are selected for the position, the University will keep you informed of the progress in obtaining a certificate of sponsorship.

If you have any queries regarding your entitlement to apply for one of our vacancies, please email: futures.hr@coventry.ac.uk.

The UK Border Agency provides further information and guidance about working in the UK.

How do I verify my eligibility to work in the UK?

All candidates invited to interview are required to provide evidence of their entitlement to work in the UK. These documents can be produced anytime prior to or on the day of interview to the HR Department, Recruitment Team, Alma Building, Alma Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB. You can read further details of what constitutes proof of eligibility to work in the UK here (pdf, 70kb).

Where can I book hotels or accommodation in Coventry?

If you are looking to stay in the city for a few nights while you attend your interview or in the short term, you will find a variety of hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation. The following links are a small selection that you might find useful:

• Ramada Coventry;
• Travelodge Coventry;
• IBIS Coventry;
• Britannia Coventry;
• Premier Inn Coventry.

What is the system for getting healthcare in Coventry?

For information on how to register with a GP or a Dentist, please go to Coventry’s NHS website. If you require medical attention and have not yet been able to register with a GP, Coventry has a NHS Healthcare and Walk-in Centre.  The Walk-in Centre provides patients with additional choice and access to healthcare in Coventry. It is an 8am to 10pm GP-led service, open to registered and unregistered patients with or without an appointment, 365 days per year. 

To find out more about the hospitals in Coventry, please visit the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) website.

If I get a position what will happen before I arrive?

You will be issued with a letter confirming your employment.  This letter will include where to go on your first day, who to meet and at what time. You will also receive information on induction and who will be contacting you. Although you will not be able to access some buildings at the University until you have an activated access card receptions are generally accessible. If you require a map of the campus you can download a pdf map from the travel directions page.

The following documents must be provided before you start work at the University, so please bring them along to your interview:

• your passport or alternative documents evidencing your right to work in the UK;
• original certificates of education/professional qualifications.