By now we hope that you have found a vacancy that interests you and matches your skills. In this section we provide guidance to help you with your application. If you cannot find a suitable job at this time, we recommend that you set up a Job Alert to keep you updated on when roles become available.
Filling in the application form
Read the job advert carefully – it will set out exactly what you need to include. Most of our forms now have questions tailored for each job rather than asking you to write a supporting statement. We shortlist based on the information on the form and cannot refer to CVs or other documents. It is advised to submit your application by 22:59 on the closing date.
If you have limited work experience give examples from hobbies, college or your personal life. Show us you understand how the skills you developed might be useful in the workplace.
Our Equal Opportunities Monitoring section ensures the process is fair, it is not seen by anyone involved in selection.
Testing
Some roles need all applicants to take online tests, details will be in the advert copy. You may need to demonstrate verbal reasoning or show your judgement in different situations. If you are applying for a job that requires testing, please look out for an email from Skills Arena.
After the closing date
We review application forms in conjunction with any test results, rating responses to assess how you meet the job criteria. We then create a shortlist of people to invite for interview.
We contact everyone who applied to let them know if their application was successful or not. Due to the numbers of applications received, we cannot provide feedback after application stage. Our policy is to offer feedback after an interview.
Interview dates are usually set out on the job advert, if you have been selected for an interview we will phone you and then confirm details in writing aiming to give at least five working days’ notice.
For some roles you may need to attend an assessment centre before interview. Full information will be provided.
Interview
Managers are trained how to interview, this helps us recruit the best person for the job and ensure the process is fair and consistent. Everyone will be asked the same set of questions designed to see how their knowledge and experience align with what we need. We score interviews to help us compare candidates.
We need you to give examples when answering – tell us the situation you were working in, what you hoped to achieve, your role, the outcome and how you might do things differently. We are keen to find out how you might respond to different scenarios.
Please note that currently some interviews will be taking place online. If invited to interview, please discuss with your contact in recruitment team if you need assistance.
Following the interview
If you are successful at interview the hiring manager will contact you to make a verbal offer. HR will then email you a conditional offer to confirm details, ask for references and arrange for a DBS if required. At this stage you should not hand in your notice at your current job.
Once your pre-employment checks have been successfully completed, you will be sent an unconditional offer with start date and joining details.
If you weren’t successful at interview HR will contact you, they will provide feedback to anyone interviewed.
Criminal record
Current convictions and criminal offences should be declared on the application form. Some posts require you to declare all past convictions, including spent ones. The job description and person specification will clearly state if you need to do this. You should bring a written disclosure statement in a sealed envelope to interview. Managers will only open this if you are successful.
Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check
Hackney is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and of adults receiving particular services. Appropriate checks will be made of successful applicants and may include a police check (DBS); and a check of the ISA Barred list.
Read our guide on the declaration of criminal offences (Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974).
A Disability Confident employer
The Council is a Disability Confident employer. Jobcentre Plus runs the Disability Confident scheme on behalf of the Department for Work and pensions.