Application hints and tips

We receive lots of job applications, and we want you to be successful. It’s useful to understand how we evaluate them so that when you’re applying to join us, you can make sure you’re giving it your very best shot. We recommend you read the following guidance before starting your application.

Your application 

The application form is an important part of our selection process, both in deciding whether you will be shortlisted for an interview, and to support the interview itself. For these reasons, we advise you to complete the application form as fully and accurately as possible. 

All information provided in your application will be strictly confidential, and only seen by a member of the Human Resources Department and the selection panel, who decide who will be shortlisted and who will be invited for an interview.  

Before you start 

Read through the documents that are attached to the job advert. These will be listed under 'supporting information' which is normally at the right of the screen if you're viewing on desktop, or at the bottom of the page if you're viewing on a mobile. 

There will be a job description and a person specification - these are usually together in the same document.  

Job description

The job description contains information about the job, regarding the duties involved and the conditions that are applicable. 

Person specification

The person specification lists the skills and experiences we feel you need in order to complete the job and how important each of these factors is.

The job advert and supporting information will help you to identify whether the role will be a good fit for you, what you will be able to offer the Trust, and your relevant experience. 

Consider how you will best demonstrate your skills, knowledge and experiences. Providing in-depth detail about your previous jobs will help us to identify your suitability for the role. Remember to include any other relevant experience, such as working within the community, voluntary work and your leisure interests.

Top tips

  1. We recommend you write a rough draft before you complete your final application form. This will help you to avoid mistakes and ensure your application is well organised and relevant. 
  2. You can save your progress through TRAC at any time if you want to come back to your application later. We'd also recommend saving regularly to ensure your progress is not lost. We won't be able to see your application until you press submit. 

1. Completing your application

  1. Begin filling out your application form on TRAC, referring to your rough draft. The application form will take you through all the fields you will need to complete. 
  2. Fill in your personal details.  It is important to enter all information as accurately and as fully as possible, as failure to disclose important information may result in termination of your employment. 
  3. Provide all information regarding your education, qualifications and any training you have undertaken, including the date the course or qualification was completed, levels of exams and your grades. Please also include details of any memberships with relevant professional bodies too.
  4. Complete your employment history starting with your most recent employer. Include any part time, temporary or voluntary work with the names and addresses of present and past employers and an outline of your position held, salary and reason for leaving. If there are any gaps in your employment history, you will be asked to provide a reason for this. 

2. Writing your supporting information

Next, you will be asked to provide supporting information. This is the most important section of the application form and it is your opportunity to demonstrate you have the skills and attributes we're looking for. 

Remember, it is the information provided here which may determine whether you're invited to an interview.

What to do

  • do focus on the skills and attributes outlined in the person specification and how your experience demonstrates these
  • do include relevant skills and experience gained through work
  • do include relevant skills and experience you have gained outside of work too. This could be through volunteering, work experience, education, at home, or your hobbies. This is particularly important for people who have been out of paid employment for some time or have not been in paid work before
  • do give clear and specific examples. For example, if the essential criteria includes 'experience of Microsoft Office software' you should tell us the type of software you have used, such as Microsoft Word or Excel, the type of documents you have produced, and what these were used for
  • do demonstrate you have understood our vision and values, and tell us why you want to work for our organisation
  • do list your experiences in the same order as they are shown on the person specification. This will help you to ensure your supporting information is well structured, and it can help us to understand how your skills and experience match the criteria of the role
  • do focus on what you have achieved as an individual. If you give examples of group work, tell us your role in this. 

What not to do

  • do not repeat a list of your employment history. You will have already included this in your application
  • do not include your name or any personal information in the supporting information. This helps us to make sure the application process is fair, as the panel won't be able to see your personal details until after you have been shortlisted
  • do not copy and paste information you have used for other similar roles. You should tailor your information to the job description, person specification, and our organisation. 

3. Providing your references

You must provide references for the past three years, including the name of each referee, their work address and email. This should include your current or most recent employer, and each referee should be your previous manager or line manager. 

If you have just left school, please provide the name and address of your head of school or college principal.

You will be able to choose whether we can approach your references before your interview. If your interview is successful and you accept the offer we will contact your references as a part of our pre-employment checks. Please note, we will be unable to confirm your unconditional offer of employment until we receive all of your references. 

We understand that some people may not be able to provide a full three years' worth of references. This will not affect your application, but if you're successful following your interview you will be asked to complete a short personal statement. 

4. Checking your application

Read your application form carefully and check for any errors or omissions.

False declaration or omission in support of your application may disqualify you from appointment. If you are appointed and false declarations or omissions are later discovered, this may lead to disciplinary or legal action being taken against you.

5. Finally, submit your application!