Thanks for your comments and for generating interesting discussion!

No problem! :)

It really depends on the situation. I haven't seen your resume nor understand the intricacies of your experience. If you have relevant and recent experience in the field you are applying for, then I would take out all the stuff that's non-relevant and slightly older. As long as you can explain what you've been doing…

I understand the need to be earning money whilst studying. How I overcame this myself was by working two jobs - one part time in which I earned money, and the other part time in which I gained valuable and relevant experience! Balancing both can be difficult, but worth the time investment, otherwise you may find…

Not all recruiters and HR managers read cover letters, but you should definitely include one for those that will use it to determine whether or not you're suitable, and for those that want to find out more about you!

a)I'm afraid I don't know enough about this system to comment, however it sounds as though their system is quite rigid, and you may not be considered if you don't have the qualifications or the grades specified;

They probably receive an abundance of applications!

If the post says no calls, then don't call :)

I'd start by identifying the visa requirements of the particular country that you're looking to migrate to. If possible, then go for a holiday/visit to that country and be on the ground whilst you're looking for work.

It can be good and bad. It depends on how you contact them and what you say. Remember that for example, recruiters who are on LinkedIn, get LOTS of requests per day. Make sure that when you try to connect via social media, you can articulate why they should add you.

If you can be referred by someone you know that works at the company, that's definitely a plus. If you are just trying to make contact with anyone who works at the company for the sake of a reference, that probably won't work.

Check up on it in about a week, via email :) If there's a telephone number of a recruiter to contact, then give them a call instead of emailing.

Treat it the way you normally would. I'd suggest for you to start by temping or contracting, to get your foot in the door and to get some recent experience under your belt.

Definitely! Emailing the head of the department stating your interest in a role if one does come up, is a great idea. As well as the careers email address :)

What are the preconceptions that you are talking about? Are you perhaps projecting your own beliefs onto them in the interview, and could this be affecting how you build rapport?

You love to write? What do you like to write about? Have you got your own website? I think this is where journalism is headed nowadays. So create your own page of content. Ask if you can contribute to other people's sites. And include any of this kind of experience in your LinkedIn profile and your resume!

To have a resume that is more interesting to employers will be highly dependant upon your specific experience. Think about how you are different to other people in the job market. Also ensure that you are addressing the key requirements of roles throughout your responsibilities and key capabilities.

Is there a way that you can take an unpaid internship as well as work part time to support yourself? I know it sound like a lot of work, but you need the internship to get experience, and you need money to support yourself.

Firstly, be open with your manager. Tell him or her that you're looking to move and why this is important to you. If this is a well thought through decision, then any reasonable manager will respect your desire to grow and to challenge yourself.

I'd tell the truth! Include it very briefly in your resume (I repeat, briefly), and address it in your cover letter.