Hints and tips

Please find below some helpful hints and tips on how to apply, which we hope you find useful. This will help give you the best chance of being shortlisted. The interview panel will shortlist applicants on the basis of information contained in the application alone.

Read the documentation
Lots of information about the locality, the Council and the job is available on the website or as part of the application pack. You should ensure you have a good understanding of the role.

Analyse the advert, job description and the person specification
What is it about the advert that attracted you? Why are you interested in the job? Is it a good career move - sideways to broaden experience, or promotion? Are you ready for more responsibility - can you support this? Can you do the job?

Do a rough draft of the application form
Write out the form in rough to avoid mistakes. Better still, complete it electronically and then you will have the chance to edit it. Do not use a CV as this won't be targeted enough and makes it difficult for the short-listing panel to assess. This also gives you the opportunity to ensure your form is well organised and written in a concise and positive way. An interview panel has many applications to get through, so use fewer words but maximise the impact.

Check all the dates are correct.

List your employment history
Make sure you explain the main features of each job that you have had. Put your jobs in date order with the most recent and current employment at the top of the page, followed by past employments, so your oldest employment period is at the bottom. Does the job title accurately assess your role? Please do not use abbreviations. Express salaries as annual or hourly figures rather than grades. Any gaps in employment should be briefly explained i.e. career break, world travel

Look at your experience
What evidence have you got that you have the necessary skills, knowledge, qualification and experience?

Evidence of qualifications will be requested. Gear your application to the specific job: don't submit the same one for a series of jobs. Emphasise your current and past responsibilities; explaining your present and previous jobs to someone else may help you to identify `hidden' skills that you take for granted. Remember to include all relevant experience which will assist in the consideration of your application - this includes experience gained at home or through voluntary, college, community and leisure activities.

Additional Information
This is your chance to show us how you meet our person specification and why we should select you. Look again at the Person Specification. Let us know what aspects you meet and how you meet them - give examples. Set out this information clearly and concisely. Use an additional sheet if you need more space. Use the headings with examples.