How to apply

A group of staff members talking at a table.

On this page you will find out about:

At the bottom of the page, we’ve also signposted some websites with guidance on applying for different types of roles that you may find useful.

Our application portal

All applications are made online through our application portal. Click on ‘Apply online’ for the role you’re interested in, and this will take you to the register/login page where you can set up an account to apply for this and any future jobs you apply for with Lancaster University.

You can save your application at any time, so you do not have to complete it all in one go. You can apply for multiple jobs at the same time. When you log in to your account you will be able to see all your applications.

If you are unable to use the online application portal, please contact Human Resources (HR) on +44 (0)1524 510670 (between 9:00-16:00 GMT/BST) or email: hr@lancaster.ac.uk.

If you have a disability, are neurodiverse or have a long-term health condition (for example: an anxiety disorder) that may affect your performance in certain parts of the recruitment process, just let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments made. Visit Jobs as a disabled applicant webpage for helpful advice on applying for Lancaster University jobs as a disabled person and how we can support you once you're part of our team.

Advice on applying for roles with us

Do your background research

Before you start completing your application, find out all you can about the University and the department or area of work you are applying for.

The hiring panel will be looking for people who are interested in what the University wants to achieve and your understanding of how everyone at the University, including the role you’re applying for, has a part to play.

Learn about Lancaster University’s strategic plan and values.

Take up any option for an informal chat with the hiring manager if you would like to discuss the role or what it would be like to work in that department.

Take time to write helpful supporting statements

The information you submit on your application will be scored by the hiring panel to select a shortlist of interviewees who are suitable for the role. If you’re successfully shortlisted for an interview, your answers may also be referred to by the interview panel.

  • Use examples from your work and personal experience to evidence how you meet the person specification.
  • Transferable skills from your professional or personal life are appropriate to use.
  • Use the same person specification wording in your answers; it makes it easier for hiring managers to see how you meet the criteria.
  • Try using the STAR model to structure your responses: Situation-Task-Action-Result.

The recruiting panel use a scoring grid to score applicants on how well they meet each criteria outlined in the person specification or job summary. It is therefore important you demonstrate your strengths in the answers you give.

Good responses use good examples. To illustrate this, here are two possible responses to a question on "experience of prioritising workload to meet competing deadlines".

Basic answer

This basic answer gives no examples. The hiring manager has very little to help them assess your suitability for the role:

"I work hard on each project and put in long hours if I need to so all deadlines are met."

Better answer

This better answer uses a specific example. It gives the hiring manager a chance to understand your ability and demonstrates a real-life situation you’ve experienced:

"I use my knowledge of the organisation’s and my department’s aims to help me prioritise my workload and I also think of different ways to complete my tasks. For example, in my current role I had competing work related to an event I was running the following week and a new project for an upcoming campaign. The event had to take priority because of the timeframe, but I communicated the situation to my line manager and agreed that I would set out my contribution to the initial project kick-off meeting in a document that someone else could take to the meeting. I would then pick up the actions after my event was over."

Using artificial intelligence services

We understand that you may find it useful to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help with writing supporting statements. However, applications will be assessed on evidence of your experience and abilities so please ensure your real-life achievements and responsibilities are included in your answers.

As an inclusive and welcoming employer we encourage you to present yourself professionally but as your true self.

A quote from Russ Quigley Deputy Director of Human Resources

The recruitment process

  1. Read through job details and ensure you are aware of the closing date.
  2. Register/Login on our application portal.
  3. Submit your application by the deadline. You will receive an email to confirm we have received it.
  4. Applications will be scored by a hiring panel and shortlisted interviewees selected. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview. We will let you know if your application has been unsuccessful.
  5. Shortlisted candidates invited to interview which may include practical assessments as well as panel interviews. The interview panel will compose of a diverse group of usually 3-6 colleagues from across the university. Senior and academic positions may involve more than one interview.
  6. If you have said we can take references prior to a job offer, references will be requested.
  7. Job offered to successful candidate. All appointments are subject to the following checks:
    • Acceptable references
    • Medical clearance
    • Proof of qualifications
    • Eligibility to work in the UK
    • If appropriate, satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
  8. Start date agreed. The hiring manager will then discuss your induction process to welcome you into the role and team.

Where to find more advice on applying for jobs

If you have any questions about applying for jobs with us, please contact our Human Resources (HR) department on tel: +44 (0)1524 510670 (between 9:00-16:00 GMT/BST) or email: hr@lancaster.ac.uk.

Jobs at Lancaster University

  • Benefits and rewards at Lancaster University

    As a major employer in Lancashire, we offer a generous staff benefits package to all our employees, as well as additional family-friendly advantages.

  • Life at Lancaster

    Meet new people from all walks of life. Find your place on our campus, in our city and community.

  • Overseas applicants and relocating to Lancaster

    As a global organisation with employees from over 70 countries located in the UK, Europe and Asia we welcome applicants from near and far. Nearly a quarter of our staff are from overseas, and with students from over 100 countries too, our campus is alive with conversations in many languages.