Completing the application form

All jobs advertised on this site have links to a job-specific application form, plus a job description for the post advertised and a person specification for the role. Occasionally other essential job-specific information may also be provided.

You should use this information to determine whether you want to apply for the job, and the document should help you fill in the application form.

About the job description

This document describes the role and responsibilities of the job you are interested in. It will describe the main purpose of the job and will list all the tasks and duties which you will have to perform if you are appointed.

Are you the right person for the job?

The person specification is very important. It tells you what skills, knowledge and experience a person must have to be able to do the job. The person specification lists these requirements in terms of 'Essential' and 'Desirable' criteria.

You MUST be able to show that you meet all of the essential criteria, but do not be deterred from applying if you do not meet all of the desirable criteria. Decisions on who to invite for interview are made by comparing what you tell us on your application form with what we have asked for in the person specification.

So do make sure that in your application you clearly show how you meet each item on the person specification, because you can only be invited for interview if you show that you meet these requirements.

Experience

There is a section on the application form titled 'Experience'. You should use this section to demonstrate how you meet each item on the person specification and to explain why you are applying for the job.

You may find it helpful to use the items from the person specification as headings and below each one describe how you meet the specific criteria. You should back up your statements with examples of what you have done in the past either at home, school or college, in paid work or unpaid work, or as a hobby. For example:

• running a home may involve a range of skills like organising and budgeting
• being active in a club, tenants' group or other voluntary organisation may show skills like teamwork, communicating or customer care

This type of information may be helpful for illustrating how you meet the person specification for a particular role.

Application checklist

1. Please use the application form provided, continuing on a separate page if necessary. Please do not send your work history or curriculum vitae (CV)
2. When you complete your application form, please either type the details or write with black ink
3. You will only be considered for interview if your application form shows that you meet the essential items on the person specification
4. Please complete the equal opportunities monitoring form since this information helps us to check that everyone is being treated fairly
5. Please ensure that your application form is returned in good time for the closing date since forms received after the closing date has passed cannot normally be considered

Post-application feedback

If your application is unsuccessful, you can always request feedback by writing to the Head of Human Resources. Please do not be discouraged from applying for other vacancies for which you feel you are suitable.

This page was last updated on 1 August 2011