1.   How to apply

2.   How to prepare for interviews

1.  How to apply

Your application form plays an essential part in all stages of the selection process: it determines whether or not you will be shortlisted for an interview and acts as a basis for the interview itself.

The following information contains simple guidelines to help you to complete the application form as effectively as possible.

Please note that the Council does not accept CVs.

Obtain the full job description and person specification

Every post advertised is supported by a job description and person specification, listing the duties, skills, knowledge, qualifications and experience required. 

Think about

What job you are applying for
Why you are interested in the job
What the job entails
Would it be a good career move

Filling out the form

Read it through
Look at your experience and make a list of all your skills and experiences that are relevant for this job

Look at your experience and career history

What evidence have you got that you have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience? Consider any relevant experience you have acquired outside work through community/voluntary/leisure interests. Tell us your strengths. Write your career history. Do not give too much detail but make sure you explain the main features of each relevant job you have had. Check that dates are in the right order.

Do a rough draft

Write out the form in rough to avoid mistakes and repetitions. This gives you the opportunity to clarify your ideas. Make sure your reasons for applying for the job are as relevant as possible. Make sure you address each separate requirement on the person specification.

Complete the form

Complete all sections on the form. Your form should be written in a concise way. Ensure it is well presented to create a good impression. For example, does it contain any spelling errors? Are there any questions you have left unanswered? The supporting statement (Section 6 of the application form) is very important. Make sure that you complete it or the person specification form, where supplied; include examples of how you meet the selection criteria. On some on-line application forms the selection criteria has been set into the document which you must address in full. Type it or use black ballpoint/ink. Use additional paper if necessary.

Please note:

Qualification Certificates

In section 4 which is headed “Education, training and qualifications”, you are reminded that shortlisted candidates are required to provide evidence of ALL qualifications and memberships listed on the
application form (i.e. original certificates). We will not be able to proceed with your application until this requirement has been met. If you have lost a certificate for an academic or vocational award,
you can request a replacement copy from Edexcel (www.edexcel.org.uk or tel: 0870 240 9800) or you may prefer to only list those qualifications for which you are able to provide proof.

Relationship

In section 9 which is headed “Relationship”, you are asked to declare if you are related i.e. the parent, grandparent, partner, child, stepchild, adopted child, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece of an existing Councillor or officer of the Council, or the partner of such persons. You are also asked to declare if you have a friendship with, or a business connection with any Councillor or an employee of the Council. As regards friendship, a friend can be described as someone who is well known to you and for whom you have feelings of liking, affection and loyalty. It is a closer relationship than simply being an acquaintance. For example, if you are both members of the same charity, club or association, this is not likely, on its own, to mean that you have a friendship. If you take the answers to the following questions together, this might help you to decide whether or not a friendship exists:-

• Do you meet often/regularly?
• Where do you meet?
• Do you regularly attend the same social functions?
• Do you meet at each other’s houses?
• Are you close or connected in other ways?

You must answer honestly. Providing any misleading or false information to support your application or canvassing Councillors or Senior Officers of the Council directly or indirectly for an appointment will disqualify you from appointment or if appointed will render you liable to dismissal without notice.

Send your form

Send your completed form in on time. Make sure you have returned it to the correct address. Always keep a copy.

The Purpose of the Selection Criteria

The selection criteria are the most important qualities necessary to perform the job efficiently and effectively. We use the list to assess the suitability of applicants to be shortlisted and interviewed.

You must address each of the requirements when completing your application form. Applicants shortlisted for interview will be those who demonstrate that they meet the selection criteria.

Applications Online

Our preferred method of application is via our online application form on this website.  You will be required to register your details when you click the online application form link if you have not previously done so.

However, if you are unable to apply online, you may use one of the application forms below as an alternative. 

Applications via e-mail

Please send the completed application form to the e-mail address quoted in the advert text.  Some departments require you to complete the person specification form (emailable).  If applicable, you must complete and return this form.  It can be found on the advert page at the right hand side underneath the job description and information for applicants pack.

An MS Word emailable version of the Council’s application form and equalities monitoring form can be accessed by clicking on the link. We recommend that you save a copy of this form onto your computer before completing.

This document does not require a signature, but you will be asked to sign a printed copy in the event that you are offered the post.

Downloadable application form

A PDF downloadable version of the Council’s application form and equalities monitoring form can be accessed by clicking on the link. We recommend that you print this form off and allow enough time for it to reach us prior to the closing date. The postal address for returned applications will be quoted within the advert or covering letter to which you are applying. 

Some departments require you to complete the person specification form. If applicable, you must download, complete and return this form. It can be found on the advert page at the right hand side underneath the job description and information for applicants pack.

Request an application pack

Information packs are available online.  Please follow the link for the post you are interested in, to find out more.

2.  How to prepare for interviews

Getting invited to an interview means you've passed the first hurdle. Now you need to prepare to make sure you don't waste the opportunity.

Plan for the interview

Get background information: find out about the Council and the job - you could look for information on the Council’s website or speak to people you know who work or have worked for the Council.

Thorough preparation will give you the confidence to do your best at an interview.

Then think about the interview itself:

• Normally there will be 3 people on the interview panel who may include your prospective manager and the Personnel Manager.
• Will there be a test or presentation before or after the interview?
• If you have a disability, contact us prior to the interview if you require any particular arrangements.

1. Prepare for questions you might be asked
The manager chairing the interview panel will begin by explaining the plan of the interview and advise you when you may raise questions (generally at the end). From this point there is no hard and fast rule about the structure of the interview but asking you to talk about your experience in your most recent job or why you applied for the job is a common introduction.

The manager chairing the interview panel will begin by explaining the plan of the interview and advise you when you may raise questions (generally at the end). From this point there is no hard and fast rule about the structure of the interview but asking you to talk about your experience in your most recent job or why you applied for the job is a common introduction.

The same areas of questioning will be covered with all candidates. The questions will be clearly related to the person specification and, consequently, will always be areas which are relevant to the job, therefore assessing your ability to do the job.

The following is a list of questions you may be asked at an interview.

1. Why do you want to work here?

2. What did you do in your last job/s?
Think about the following:
• skills and duties relevant to the job you are being interviewed for
• your responsibilities
• people you dealt with

3. What kinds of software/equipment have you used?
• Name any type of software/equipment relevant to the new job
• Your training/qualifications
• Length of time you have used software/operated this equipment
• The level of expertise you have achieved

4. How do you cope with tight deadlines and a busy workload?
Describe some occasions in previous jobs with details of a recent example.

5. Attendance Questions
The Council regards good attendance as very important and candidates are therefore asked to set out their recent attendance record on the application form. At interview, questions which verify your number of days of sickness absence in the last year, the number of episodes and whether or not these figures are typical, will be asked.

6. Questions on Safeguarding
The Council has vey clear legal responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable service users. Because of this, the Panel will explore:
• your attitude and commitment towards service users
• your ability to support the Council’s agenda on safeguarding and/or promoting child protection
• gaps in employment history and/or frequent changes in employment/education and
• concerns or discrepancies arising from information provided by the candidate or the referee.
However, the precise nature of the questioning will vary depending on the nature and level of the post e.g. the number and nature of questions will differ for a Receptionist compared to a Social Worker.

7. Questions on Equalities/Diversity
Another area that will be covered is Equalities. The following are examples of questions, which might be asked: -
• What do you understand by equality of opportunity/what is your understanding of Equal Opportunity in … (the particular service)
• What experience do you have of implementing a new initiative that “took on board” Equality of Opportunity/Diversity?
• In your last job what examples of dealing with equalities/diversity issues could you tell us about? (The interviewer may want to focus on the questions by asking you to concentrate either on service delivery or staffing aspects.)

8. Do you have any questions?
You may wish to prepare for this - it is almost always asked at interviews.

2. Plan your journey
• Consider trying out the journey before the day of the interview or check how long the journey will take.
• Check the website for directions, bus routes or details of car parking http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/Home/Contactus/howtofindus.htm
• Plan an alternative means of getting there and be prepared for the unexpected.
• If you have a disability, you are invited to check with us in case there are any obstacles which could cause you problems or delays, or to request a parking space.

• Consider trying out the journey before the day of the interview or check how long the journey will take. • Check the website for directions, bus routes or details of car parking http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/Home/Contactus/howtofindus.htm • Plan an alternative means of getting there and be prepared for the unexpected. • If you have a disability, you are invited to check with us in case there are any obstacles which could cause you problems or delays, or to request a parking space.

3. Think about what you will wear
This may depend upon the sort of work you will be doing:

• Give yourself plenty of time to decide what to wear - get clothes ready the day before.
• You don't have to buy a new outfit! Aim for neat, tidy, clean and uncluttered appearance.

4. Gather together the written information you will need at the interview
• Qualification certificates, Criminal Records Bureau form (if required), Occupational Health questionnaire, portfolio or examples of your work (if requested).
• Re-read the job advert, the application pack, your application form/person specification and your responses to refresh your memory - make sure you haven't missed anything.

5. And finally
• Try to get a good night's sleep!

The day of your interview

6. Before Leaving
• Give yourself plenty of time to get ready
• Make sure you've got all relevant paperwork, e.g. qualifications, invitation letter and written information from above list in paragraph 4.
• If you are unavoidably delayed, telephone early to explain and apologise.

7. On Arrival
Aim to arrive about 10 minutes before the interview time; apart from common courtesy, it will contribute to a professional image.

• Give your name to the receptionist or whoever is there to greet you
• Try to relax and keep calm
• You may wish to chat to the receptionist or whoever greets you, before going into the interview. This will ensure that the first thing you say isn't “croaky” because you haven't spoken to anyone for over an hour.

8. Your interview
Don’t worry if you experience the symptoms of nerves - a fast heartbeat, clammy hands and butterflies in the stomach – as they are natural. These are your body's natural way of meeting a challenge and in small doses can give you the 'oomph' to make a good impression.

Nervous tension may make your voice sound shaky. If you feel anxious, practise deep slow breathing before you get to the interview. This will slow down your heart rate and help you avoid taking quick, shallow breaths.

Try not to be intimidated by this situation. Look at the person asking the question, and glance at the others occasionally as you reply.

Remember, most employers like:
• people who listen
• people who answer questions with examples
• people who come prepared
• people who appear confident

9. After the interview
While it is still fresh in your mind, think about how the interview went:

• what went well?
• what went badly?
• were there any questions you found difficult and why?

Try to learn as much as you can from each interview. Contact the recruitment administrator for feedback if you are, unfortunately, unsuccessful.

Aim to become more prepared and confident in the future by looking for areas to improve and developing your stronger areas of performance.