Why your dissertation is a powerful tool when applying and interviewing for jobs and how to use it

By Fiona Stubbs, Careers Manager

You spend many an hour on your dissertation, and it can get to the point where it’s all you talk about. It’s a great way to boost your employability, so how do you use it when applying for jobs or further study?

Put it on your CV

Add the title under the education section. It should take no more than one line. I’ve suggested to some students to simplify a complex title so the reader of your CV can understand it.

Include it in your application forms

Your dissertation is a real-life way to show your employability skills. The main skills are critical analysis, independent study, motivation and time management. Use the STAR formula to structure your answers so they are succinct and get your message across in any allocated word count.

Discuss it in interviews

You may be asked to talk about your dissertation as a way of easing you into an interview. This is a good way for recruiters to test your communications skills and check if you can summarise a complex subject.

Be prepared with a one- to two-minute explanation of your dissertation that engages someone with far less knowledge than you. In fact, imagine you are explaining it to members of your family. You’re generally only going to be asked to go into depth about your research if it’s relevant to your role (eg interviewing for a PhD).

Many students don’t get the chance to choose their dissertation topic, but there may be a possibility to gear your topic towards a sector. If you do have freedom to choose, then this can place you ahead of other candidates as you’ll have expertise in the area and may have even had the opportunity to network with influencers.

In some subjects, the research question is identified by an organisation such as a business, public sector organisation or charity. A work-based dissertation project can be invaluable for your employability and for career development.

Juliet's experience

Juliet Wales is in her final year of Physiology and Sports Science and has used her dissertation in her post-graduation plans and preparation.

My honours project was an internship within the Sports Science Department at St Mirren FC Youth Academy where I led research into the evaluation of pitch firmness and its effects on player performance and injury risk.

I chose this dissertation type as I wanted to get experience working within a professional sports club which has been invaluable in applications for jobs, including a recent internship and graduate roles.

I’m currently applying for the MSc Physiotherapy course. In my application, I’ve structured my answers to discuss the teamwork and leadership skills that I gained through my internship and what I’ve learnt from observing physiotherapists within the sport. This experience has been invaluable and will set me apart from other candidates who’ve not worked directly with physiotherapists.

Finishing your dissertation is a relieving feeling and worth the hard work to produce what might be your biggest, single piece of work. Be proud of it, and let it carry you forward in your career and personal journeys!