Guidance on Applying

When completing the application form remember that our decision on whether to shortlist you for interview will be made solely on the information you have given in your application.

Don’t assume that we will know or guess something – please explain!

The following guidance is relevant if you are applying using our on-line or paper application forms however there is specific guidance on completing the on-line application form.

• Begin by reading through all the information in the recruitment pack, paying particular attention to the skills, experience, personal qualities set out in the Person Specification.   We use this information to help us decide, in a fair and objective way, who will be invited for an interview.  We also use it as the basis of the questions we ask at interview and for any testing we may use

• Make sure you complete each section of the application form. If you are applying using a paper form please ensure you use black ink

• Set out each requirement of the Person Specification in turn explaining how your experience and skills meet each requirement using examples where possible.   Using sub-headings can be a useful way to do this.  It is really helpful to us if you use the same order as the requirements appear in the Person Specification.  If you do not have recent work experience or if you are a school/college leaver tell us about any relevant experience from your involvement with school/college or community, voluntary or leisure interests.

• If you are applying using a paper form and you wish to include more information than the space on the application form provides then please continue on separate sheets.  Please bear in mind that a relevant and concise application is much more helpful than an extremely detailed application where we have to search for evidence that you meet the Person Specification.

• Please make sure you answer all the questions on the application form – any optional data to be provided will be indicated.

• Make sure your application form is received by 4.30pm on the published closing date.  Applications will not be accepted after the closing date unless there are exceptional circumstances.

References

Please provide details of two referees who have given their permission for their names to be used.  One of these should be your current or most recent employer, and your previous employer if you have been in your current employment for less than two years.

Referees should not be friends, neighbours or relatives, but those who can comment on your conduct and behaviour at work and know you in a professional capacity (i.e. as your Manager, Supervisor or client).  If you are a school/college leaver, or have not been in employment for some time, please provide two similar alternatives e.g. Headteacher.

Our preference is to request references by e-mail as this speeds up confirmation of the employment offer - so please provide an e-mail address where this is available.