Applying for a Job
Important advice before completing your Application Form
Scottish Borders Council cannot normally invite everyone who applies for a job for an interview, therefore a shortlist is generally drawn up based on the information you provide on the application form.
The following guidance notes are provided to assist you in completing your application form as fully as possible.
General
The application form must be completed in black ink/biro or typed as this makes it acceptable for photocopying. Please complete all sections of the application form.
If you wish to reproduce the application form using a word processor this is acceptable as long as the information is provided in a similar format. A separate application form must be completed for each post you apply for.
Do not send a Curriculum Vitae (CV), testimonials, photographs or original qualifications with your application.
Before completing the application form you should read any information provided about the job, usually a Job Description, which gives details of the main duties of the post, and a Person Specification which describes the qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience required for the post. (In some cases these documents are combined.)
References
All applicants are requested to provide names of two people who may be approached to provide a reference. Referees will be asked to confirm some of the information you provide in your application and to comment on your suitability for the post. Your referees must not be related to you.
One of your referees must be your present or most recent employer, unless you have not worked in paid employment, when you may provide the name and address of anyone who knows you well. If you are a School or College leaver you should provide the name of a teacher/tutor. Your second referee may provide a work or character reference, please indicate which by ticking the box provided on the application form.
References are requested for shortlisted candidates only and depending on circumstances may be requested either prior to or following interview. If you do not wish your referees to be contacted prior to interview please tick the box provided on the application form.
Employment History
You should provide details of your employment history to date, accounting for any periods not spent in employment or full time education. For example you should include periods of unemployment or voluntary work and time spent running a house, caring for relatives or abroad.
Scottish Borders Council reserves the right to contact past employers to check details of employment given on your application form.
Qualifications and Training
You should detail any qualifications or training undertaken which you consider relevant for the post. For example this may include standard grades, highers, SVQs, HNDs, Degrees, membership of professional bodies, safety certificates, first aid certificates, lifting and handling training or other short courses.
Please provide as much detail as possible. For qualifications please detail the subject/course title, College/University attended, start and finish dates and qualifications obtained; for membership of a professional body state the professional body, level of membership and date obtained; for other training and short courses state the course title and start and finish dates.
Supporting Statement
This section is particularly important as it gives you the opportunity to explain how you meet the requirements for the job and explain your suitability.
When completing this section you should think about the requirements for the post you are applying for and detail the experience, skills, knowledge and achievements you have which are relevant. This will normally include the duties and responsibilities of your current and/or recent posts. Where you have management responsibility you should include the numbers and types of staff you manage (eg professional, clerical or manual) and the size of budgets you set or monitor.
Relevant experience is not always obtained in a formal work setting, so (particularly if you have never been in paid employment or have not worked for a long time) consider any voluntary work, courses, student placement, leisure activities or other activities undertaken. For example in running a house you may have managed a budget, organised your time and developed your interpersonal skills.
When you have completed your application form please read it through thoroughly, checking for any errors or omissions, then sign and date it.
If you wish your application form to be acknowledged please enclose a stamped addressed envelope. The shortlist is normally drawn up within two weeks of the closing date, and at this stage you will receive a letter to confirm whether or not you are invited for interview.
Equal Opportunities
Please complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form enclosed with the application form. This helps us to monitor our recruitment strategy and to comply with our Equal Opportunities Policy.
If you have any queries or require any further information please contact Human Resources on 01XXX XX 5052/3.
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