Guidance for job applicants
Our staff are committed to excellent standards of both professional and personal conduct, so we want to ensure we employ the best candidates.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Through our robust recruitment practices, we ensure that our selection process results in the right candidates being employed.
Select a topic below for guidance and information.
The application process requires you to upload your CV, address the key selection criteria outlined in the person specification, complete some additional information, and then submit - it's as easy as that.
Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate that you are able to meet the requirements of the job. You should describe the kind of work you have done, relevant experience that you have had and try to give examples of your successes and achievements.
Any experience gained outside of paid employment may be equally relevant, so give considerable thought to this area. Describe any relevant skills that have helped you develop.
It is vital that you address all the key selection criteria in your application, as outlined in the person specification. The person specification outlines the qualifications (if applicable), skills, knowledge, competencies and experience that are needed to do the job successfully.
Please note: We will shortlist only those applicants who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential selection criteria. If there are a large number of applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job, the desirable criteria may be used to shortlist.
Keep a copy of your application with the job description and person specification for future reference.
The purpose of an interview is to identify the best candidate for the job. A panel of 2 or 3 people will usually interview you. The length of the interview will depend on the level of post but, on average, it will last for about 30 to 60 minutes.
Please note: If you require any reasonable adjustments for your interview, please email hrresourcing@hillingdon.gov.uk once your interview date and time has been confirmed.
In addition to interviews, other selection methods may also be used to help choose the best applicant for a job. Common selection methods include work-related tests to examine your computer, organisational, team working, writing or numerical skills. For senior jobs, you may be tested on your analytical or presentation skills. If other methods are to be used, you will be notified in advance in the email or letter inviting you to interview.
Should you be successful at interview, the recruiting manager will let you know as discussed at interview. Human Resources will then issue an offer of employment letter subject to certain clearances.
If you are unsuccessful at interview, you can ask for feedback. This feedback will be constructive and enable you to use this opportunity to improve in weaker areas.
Our HR team will send you an offer of employment, subject to the following clearances:
- evidence of right to work in the UK - complying with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996
- pre-employment health declaration (if relevant)
- satisfactory clearance of a criminal records check processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (if relevant to the post)
- satisfactory references of 1 to 2 years, depending on the nature of the role. If you have limited work experience (for example, you are a school leaver), a teacher/tutor can be used as a referee
- proof of qualifications and registration if applicable
In line with Equalities Code of Practice, we collect and maintain information on the gender, ethnic origin, age, disabilities and marital status of our employees. We ask applicants to complete this form, as it provides us with valuable equalities and diversity information for monitoring and strategic purposes.
This information will be treated in confidence and will be separated from the rest of your application before shortlist selection takes place and is not used by interviewers or for any part of the process.
When you complete your application, you will be asked to indicate whether you have a disability.
We need to know this, as it offers a guaranteed interview to all applicants with a disability (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) if they meet the minimum essential criteria for the job. If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be asked if you have any special needs or requirements for your interview.
If you cannot complete the online application because of your disability, please contact our recruitment team.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of our recruitment procedure, please email hrresourcing@hillingdon.gov.uk or call 01895 250111.