Completing your application

Your application form will play a major part in deciding whether you will be picked for an interview or test, so it is important that you take your time and complete it as fully and as accurately as possible.

The shortlisting panel will decide whom to interview on the basis of a pre-determined person specification. This document lists those qualities, eg skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications, which are "Essential" (ie which you must have to do the job), and those which are desirable (ie which will help somebody to perform the complete range of tasks in the job more readily).

The job description will help you understand what the job invovles and the parts of your career you need to highlight to match up with the description.

How to complete an application form

 Read the job profile and recruitment advertisement before you start.

 Complete all parts of the application form.   If you think some parts do not apply to you, write "N/A" (not applicable) in the spaces provided for your answer.

 "Tailor" your application form to meet the person specification, the job description and the recruitment advertisement.

 Include any relevant experience or skills/knowledge gained, wherever or however it was gained - for example, voluntary or unpaid work can be important.

Remember: If you don't tell us something, then we won't know!

Use extra sheets where necessary to complete the section ensuring that the job title and post number for the position you are applying for and your surname are clearly marked at the top of each page.

Under section 7, do not use more than four sides of A4 as any more will not be counted in.

Keep free any interview date that is mentioned in the advertisement or other information sent to you.

Check with your referees that they are happy for us to contact them before you put them down, as this saves time.

Be sure you return it to the relevant Council department in time - applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Good luck!