Application Tips
The application form is your chance to tell us about the
competencies, skills and experience you have that are relevant to
the role you are applying for.
We are unable to accept CVs and letters of
application so it is important to submit an application form that
is well organised, relevant and focused.
As an ‘alternative format’ we are happy to accept word processed
applications which are set out to display the required information
in the same order as the original hard copy form.
To make the best use of this opportunity, please read our
Application Tips and Example Answers before completing the
form.
Firstly, before you write anything, read the form through
carefully to make sure you are clear about what is being asked.
You may find it helpful to do a rough draft to organise your
answers and avoid making mistakes. Try to keep your answers
relevant and concise.
Application Tips
Some of the questions on the application form are
self-explanatory but others may need further explaining.
Qualifications
Please list your qualifications, the grades and the date they
were awarded. You will only be required to provide evidence of your
qualifications at interview if requested.
Employment History
Try to give a brief outline of your work so we know what the job
involved.
References
Please give the full postal address and contact
name of any previous employers. We will take up references if you
are successful at interview.
Experience
It is important that you read the job description detailing the
skill (competency) requirements we have identified the post holder
will need in order to do the job.
In the Skills and Competencies section of the application form
(or on separate sheets that can be attached), you need to provide
evidence in the form of examples relating to the competencies.
These will be included in the application pack or website
advertisement. Your evidence will be used to decide whether you are
shortlisted for interview. You may find it useful to complete each
competency under a separate heading to help keep you focused on
each specific area.
It is not sufficient to list and describe duties you have
performed, or to simply say “I have good communication skills” or
“I am a good team worker”.
You MUST give specific examples that demonstrate how you have
applied those skills. Your examples do not have to come from your
current or previous work experience – think about your social or
domestic experiences, voluntary or unpaid work, time at college
etc.
Do your best to give examples of any of the following
specified for the role:
- How you have applied the particular behaviours
- Experience of the core responsibility areas described
- How you meet the special requirements section of the job
description
Shortlisting
When deciding which applicants to invite for interview, we
assess the Skills and Competencies section of the application form
to identify those that provide appropriate evidence of the
requirements. If you do not give an example of a particular
requirement, we have to assume that you do not have that skill or
experience.
If you are an external applicant and some requirements appear to
be specific to the police service, don’t worry. We recognise that
some areas will require a period of learning in the job and will
make appropriate allowances for those. Just give as much relevant
information as possible.
Convictions and Cautions
If you think you’ve been involved in the kind of
incident we need to know about, please enter the details here. You
may want to add an extra sheet if you feel clarification is
needed.
If you are in any doubt, please include the
information and let us decide what is relevant or irrelevant.
Equal Opportunities Monitoring
Please complete the equal opportunities page as it helps us
monitor our performance in this area. The slip will be removed
before your application form is passed for shortlisting.
Disability
You are invited to provide information if you consider you have
a disability, but there is no legal requirement to do so.
Information provided will be used only for the purposes of
a) identifying applicants who qualify for a guaranteed interview
under the Government ‘vv’ Scheme ( this will be any disabled
applicant who evidences they meet the minimum advertised criteria
for the job) and
b) to determine whether an applicant requires us to make any
reasonable adjustments if they are invited to interview.
Processing your application
Your application will be screened against the selection
criteria, and then, if successful you will be called before a
structured interview panel.
If you have not heard from us within 14 days of the closing date
you have not been shortlisted for an interview on this
occasion.
If you are successful at interview we will write to your
present/last employer for a reference and make security and medical
checks. If for any reason you would like us to delay requesting the
reference, please inform us at interview.
Checks can take up to three or four weeks. We will not contact
you during this time unless we have a query regarding any
information you have provided.
Finally:
- Read through your application form carefully to ensure you have
not missed anything out. All sections must be completed as we are
unable to accept incomplete application forms.
- Remember to sign and date the form.
- Return your application form to the address shown at the end of
the advert before the closing date. Late applications cannot be
considered.
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