Frequently Asked Questions
1. I think my CV needs checking. Where can I go to have it looked at?
As a current student you can book an appointment to sit down with a friendly CV Adviser who will be able to give
you useful tips on how to edit your CV and/or Covering Letter which may increase your chances of finding parttime work during your studies. The appointments take place every Wednesday during term-time and are booked
using the following link:
www.intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/careers
2. How do I apply for jobs?
Search our latest job vacancies and when you find a job that interests you simply click on the ‘Apply’ button.
Please ensure you read the Job Description carefully and that you ensure your Covering Letter tells us why you
are suitable for the role.
3. I keep applying for jobs but I have not heard back. Why?
When you apply for a role through Worklink you receive an automatic alert which states that ‘contact will only be
made with you if your application is to be progressed after an initial assessment against the work criteria.’ Every
part-time work opportunity attracts a large number of applications so it is not possible for us to contact all
applicants (successful and unsuccessful) for every role. Please ensure that you are making the best possible
applications to improve your chance and ensure your CV includes your work experience and is up to date. Where
required please submit a Covering Letter which details your suitability for the role.
4. How are candidates selected for jobs?
Candidates are selected based on their suitability for the role. This is done by looking at the requirements of the
role and comparing them to an applicant’s Covering Letter and CV. Some roles are shortlisted by Worklink,
however many roles are shortlisted by the Hiring Managers themselves.
5. How can I improve my applications?
You can improve your application by ensuring your CV is up to date. Following this, make sure you read the Job
Description on the advertisement carefully and then tailor your Covering Letter to ensure your skills match what
the manager is looking for. Please only apply for roles you are suitably experienced / skilled for.
6. I have a job interview and I am unsure of how to prepare. Can you help?
If you are attending an interview our advice is to learn your CV and be aware of what your strengths are. Also
ensure you look at the Job Description again and make sure you know what the manager is looking for. Finally do
a bit of research about the University department so that you can show an interest during your interview. We will
ensure you are aware of all the interview requirements before you attend.
7. I have recently been successful at interview and have been offered a job. What do I do next?
Congratulations on your successful interview. BEFORE YOU START WORK we need you to get FULLY
registered with Worklink. Please come to our office in the Guild of Students as soon as you can with your:
•
Original Passport and Visa (not photocopies) or A4 Full Birth Certificate and proof on NI number.
•
National Insurance Number
•
Bank Details
•
Student ID Card
Please note: Driving licences are not accepted as a form of proving your eligibility to work.
Our opening hours are 10am-4pm during term time and 12pm-3pm non term time.
8. I have been asked to come and fully register with Worklink. What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring the documents listed above.
9. How do I get paid?
Worklink pays you via weekly online Timesheets. At the end of each week we require you to log in to your
Worklink account and complete a Timesheet. It is a very straightforward process, but we will send you a Help
Guide when you come in and Register if you are unsure.
10. When is the deadline for submitting my Timesheet?
We ask that you complete your Timesheet when you have worked your last shift for the week. (The week runs
from Sunday – Saturday so Saturday is the last day of the week). You MUST submit your Timesheet by Sunday
evening or you may not be paid on time.
11. When will I be paid?
If you submit your Timesheet on time and your manager authorises it on the Monday after submission you will be
paid a week later on the following Monday. (With the exception of Bank Holidays and University Closed days
where payments may be delayed.)
If you have a contract of employment with the University, you casual hours through Worklink will be paid to you
along with your monthly salary.
12. I have completed my Timesheet wrong, what should I do?
Contact Worklink as soon as possible and we may be able to amend it for you. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU
READ THE TIMESHEET HELP GUIDE BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR TIMESHEET as we do not always have
time to amend incorrect timesheets before Payroll. If your timesheet is incorrect it will not be sent to Payroll which
will result in your wages being paid late.
13. How can I update my address and personal details?
To update any details on your Worklink account, simply log back in and change accordingly.
14. I have new bank details, how can I change these?
Please visit the Worklink office to update your bank details.
15. I have forgotten my log in details.
If you forget your log in details simply click on the ‘Forgotten Password’ link on the Worklink log in page and
follow the instructions.
16. I no longer work for the University, how do I get my P45 document?
Please contact the University’s Payroll department to request your P45 as Worklink do not issue them on your
behalf.
17. How many hours can I work?
Undergraduates
European Economic Area students who are studying full time at the University can work for the University for a
maximum of 15 hours a week during term time and up to full time hours during vacation.
International students can work up to 20 hours per week (as per immigration rules) during term time and full time
during the holidays, provided there are no existing restrictions on the student visa stamp.
It should be noted, however, that the University of Birmingham restricts its own international students to working
15 hours per week during term time if employed by the University of Birmingham.
Postgraduates
European Economic Area students who are studying full time at the University of Birmingham can work for the
University for a maximum of 15 hours a week during term time, vacation and during the writing up period.
International Postgraduate students studying at the University of Birmingham can work for the University for a
maximum of 15 hours a week during term time and vacation, provided there are no existing restrictions on the
student visa stamp.
18. I have paid tax – why?
If you completed a P46 when registering with Worklink then you need to contact the Tax Office to discuss. Please
refer to the Worklink Tax Guide in our ‘Advice section’ for specific details.
19. I do not have my payslips, how can I get these?
Please contact the payroll department in B Block, Aston Webb Building and they will print additional payslips for
you.
20. I have paid National Insurance, why?
You will pay National Insurance if your earnings have gone over the National Insurance threshold for that week.
21. I do not have a National Insurance number, how can I get one?
Please refer to our ‘How to get a National Insurance Number’ guide in the ‘Advice’ section