Application advice and tips
We want you to do your best. Before completing your application make sure you:
- read the application form carefully and provide full answers to all the questions
- read the notes on every page of the application form, to make sure you’re providing everything you’re being asked for
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always give yourself enough time to complete your application
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re-read it and check for spelling, grammar, sentence structure and formatting
We have a competency based hiring process. A competency is a quality used to measure how well you can do something. An example is 'taking ownership' or ‘innovative and open-minded'.
We use competency based interviews as they’re a good way to make sure you can show you have the skills needed to perform the job well.
Every job we advertise comes with a list of competencies, and those that are really important for the role are highlighted on the job description.
You should think of examples from your own background – whether from a previous job, a voluntary role or school – that show you can demonstrate each competency. You should look to include as much relevant experience, knowledge and skills as you can. Where possible, use examples of where you have carried out similar responsibilities in your work. If you are unable to provide work examples, use instances from other aspects of your life, but keep them relevant.
Referring to your skills and experience isn’t always enough, we need to understand your capabilities, how effectively you may perform on a daily basis and what skills you have. You need to make sure you sell yourself, taking every opportunity to fill in any potential gaps in detail so that we can build a clear picture of you, your skills and experience. If you find that you don’t have examples that will highlight your ability to do the job, link your experience to the role that you are applying for. You might also use other examples to indicate your willingness and ability to learn new skills or refresh old ones.
The best way to structure your answers and to demonstrate clearly how you meet the criteria is by following the STAR format.
Set the scene
When and what is the example about? What was the situation that you faced?
Task
What did you identify needed to be done? What were you tasked to do? What was your role?
Action/approach
What did you do? Why? Were there options? Why did you select that particular course of action?
Result
How did it go? Was it successful? Why? With hindsight, would you have done things differently?
You may also find the advice and tips from the National Careers Service helpful in completing your application.
