Guidance for applicants

Your application to work with us
Your job application is an essential part of our recruitment process. It gives you the opportunity to tell us about your relevant and transferable skills, experience, attributes, qualifications and determines whether or not you will progress to interview stage. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
The following information is to help you to complete the application form as effectively as possible for the post(s) you are applying for.
Our application process
Every role we advertise includes 1) a job description which outlines role responsibilities and duties and 2) a person specification that describes the essential and desirable skills and traits being sought from applicants to ensure they are suitable for the role.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Other relevant documentation might be included in the job advert and we advise reading all relevant documentation before completing your application to work with us.
Format
We can provide the application form in different formats. Please request an accessible form from the recruiting manager using the contact details provided in the advert. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
When completing your application we recommend the following:  
- Prepare your personal information such as work experience details, qualifications and referee information so you can complete the application form in full.  
- Consider why you are applying for the job. Is it a promotion or career change? Will it broaden your skills or give you greater work experience? What motivates and inspires you about the role?  
- If you are returning to work after an extended career break, consider what skills and experience you can match to the role. 
- Contact the recruiting manager if you require additional information relating to the duties, requirements and recruitment of the role. You can also contact the recruiting manager if you’re interested in a role with us but don’t meet the qualifying criteria i.e. qualifications or work experience, as they can guide you on the best approach to being able to apply for roles in the future.   
- Ensure employment dates are correct and in chronological order starting with your most recent/current position. 
- Focus on the Supporting Statement section of your application. This is where you can briefly summarise how your skills and qualifications meet the essential criteria and person specification, and highlight why you are an ideal candidate for the role. 
- Make your supporting statement stand out by giving examples of relevant past achievements/successes to allow the recruiting manager to see and differentiate the qualities they are seeking. 
- Download and save the job description, person specification and any additional documents from the vacancy job advert for future reference.  
- Make a note of the application deadline so you can submit your online application via by the specified closing date. 
- If applying for more than one role you should submit separate application forms for each position advertised.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è; &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Work history
- List all part-time, full-time, casual and voluntary work in chronological order. Please detail the reason for any employment gaps and highlight how this time was utilised e.g. skills development. 
- You should provide details about each job role so that the recruiting manager will have a good understanding of what was required.  
- We encourage applications from people with transferrable qualifications, skills and experience. By analysing your present and previous jobs you may uncover hidden skills that you’ve taken for granted. This includes community, voluntary and leisure pursuits.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è; &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
References
- The recruiting manager will take up references on the successful candidate therefore the details you provide should be accurate (contact number(s) and email address). You should check your referees are willing to provide a reference before adding their names to your application.
- One reference should be from your current or most recent employer and this should be a line manager who can comment on your previous performance and attendance.  
- If you are an external applicant, a second referee should be provided. The referee can be a previous employer, another individual within your current employment who can comment on your suitability for the post, or a character reference from a responsible person who can vouch for your general qualities (not a family member or partner).  
- If this is your first job, you’ll need to provide two character references. These must be from individuals who can verify your abilities (not a family member or partner). If you have recently left school or further education, then we can accept a reference from a qualified professional. 
- You can request that your referees not to be contacted before an offer is made. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Before submitting your application &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
- Proof-read the content to check for spelling and grammatical errors before submitting your application. 
- Keep a copy of your answers so you can use it for reference if you're invited to an interview. &²Ô²ú²õ±è; &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Shortlisting
- The recruiting panel members will review application forms and complete the shortlisting process in line with the job description and person specification criteria. They will assess your entire application including any required qualifications and your supporting statement to assess your compatibility with the job role.  
- As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to any applicant who has stated that they have a disability in their application form, and who meet the essential criteria of the post.  
- If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview by the email address provided in your application form. This email invite will contain guidance on expenses, eligibility to work in the UK and preparing for an interview. The invite will also explain how to select an interview time slot and how to request any reasonable adjustments including special equipment or extra support.  See interview guidance here [link]
- If you are not shortlisted, you will receive notification via email that you have not been successful. 
- Application status updates appear in your online account throughout the process. &²Ô²ú²õ±è; &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Good luck and we look forward to receiving your application.