Job Description Rewrite with Explanation and Application Advice

Job Overview: What is this Job?

This role is an exciting opportunity to join the University of Reading’s Global Student Recruitment Team, contributing directly to the university’s ambitious international engagement goals. As a full-time, fixed-term position until September 2026, the successful candidate will drive student recruitment efforts from East Asia (including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea) as well as the UK international market.

Your primary focus will involve devising and executing hands-on recruitment strategies, building relationships with prospective students, and promoting the university’s foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs. This role reflects the increasingly competitive global higher education landscape, demanding innovative approaches to attract diverse and talented students while delivering a highly personalized experience.

If you have experience in higher education, strong market knowledge of East Asia, and a results-oriented mindset, you could play a pivotal role in expanding the University of Reading’s international reach and reputation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement recruitment strategies targeting East Asia and the broader UK international market.
• Organize and deliver front-line student recruitment activities such as events, school visits, and collaboration with agents.
• Analyze and optimize resources (time, budgets, partnerships) to achieve recruitment goals.
• Monitor and meet ambitious targets related to student numbers and engagement.

Applicant Requirements:

The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant higher education work experience, particularly in international recruitment.
• Strategic resource management skills to maximize budget impact and assess ROI.
• Proven ability to meet challenging recruitment targets.
• In-depth knowledge of East Asian markets (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea) and their unique challenges and opportunities.

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Advice for Applicants: How to Apply Successfully

1. Understand the Role in Context

• This position focuses on international education and global engagement, so research the University of Reading’s current presence and reputation in East Asian markets. Consider how its programs may appeal to students in those regions, such as courses in business, science, or English language excellence.
• Familiarize yourself with common challenges in recruiting from East Asia (e.g., competitive universities in the UK, cultural considerations, and visa requirements).

2. Demonstrate Relevant Experience
When applying, highlight how your experience aligns with the needs of this position:

• If you’ve worked in the higher education sector, discuss specific projects where you successfully increased international student enrollment or opened new market opportunities.
• If you have experience in East Asian markets, address cultural insights, partnerships with local agents, or language skills that make you effective in this context.

3. Showcase Measurable Results
Recruitment roles are target-driven. Provide examples of how you’ve:

• Met or exceeded recruitment quotas.
• Designed campaigns on tight budgets that yielded strong enrollment returns.
• Developed partnerships or networks to expand institutional influence.

4. Highlight Cross-Cultural Competencies
Global engagement requires cultural sensitivity. If you’ve previously worked in multicultural or multilingual environments, discuss situations where you effectively navigated cultural or language barriers in professional settings.

5. Consider Visa and Sponsorship Details
For international applicants:

• The University may offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route (SWR) if the role meets specific eligibility criteria. Check your eligibility based on the SOC (Standard Occupation Code) requirements and the points-based immigration system on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
• Ensure you’ve prepared documentation demonstrating your qualifications, English language proficiency (if required), and work experience.

6. Craft a Tailored Application

• Cover Letter: Explain why you’re interested in this role and how you can contribute to the university’s global recruitment strategy in East Asia. Tailor your language to show an understanding of the university’s mission.
• CV: Include metrics-driven achievements that align with the role’s responsibilities (e.g., increasing application numbers or building partnerships in East Asia).

7. Network Strategically
Consider reaching out to Shu Zhang, the Senior Regional Manager for this role, before applying. This can provide insights into specific challenges the university faces and help you tailor your application accordingly. You can contact her at shu.zhang@reading.ac.uk for any preliminary questions.

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Why the University of Reading?

The University of Reading is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workforce. As an employer, it champions equality through initiatives like the Athena SWAN Charter, the Race Equality Charter, and recognition as a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Flexible working arrangements such as part-time roles or job-share opportunities are welcomed, making this position ideal for candidates seeking a more inclusive working culture.

Application Deadline: 31st October 2025 at 23:59 GMT
Interview Date: 14th November 2025

By joining this team, you will be at the cutting edge of international student recruitment, with the opportunity to contribute to the university’s ambitious global vision. Good luck!