UEL Get That Job

If you have requested an application form for a specific role or company, you are likely to receive this as part of a recruitment pack. The recruitment pack will contain some or all of the following information:

Accompanying letter

This letter should outline the closing date for submission and state how those shortlisted for interview will be contacted.

Job description

This document does exactly what it says - describes the job. It will contain:

• Job title, grade and salary.
• Person you will report directly to.
• The principle aim/objective of the role, providing a snapshot of what the company expects of the role and the successful candidate.
• A list of duties and responsibilities that make up the key components of the job.

Person specification

This document describes the person the organisation is looking for and the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications needed for the role. This specification is used as a benchmark to measure a candidate’s suitability for a role during the selection process.

The person specification is usually broken down into two categories:

• Essential Criteria - the compulsory qualifications, knowledge, skills, experience, attributes and qualities required. Candidates who do not fulfil the minimum essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
• Desirable Criteria – the qualifications, knowledge, skills, experience, attributes or qualities the employer believes would be beneficial but not essential in an ideal candidate.

Application form

The application form is the crucial part of the recruitment pack. You must fully and accurately complete the application form as this is what the employer uses to decide whether or not to shortlist you.

CVs are not accepted as an alternative to application forms, unless this is specifically stated in the accompanying information.

Equal opportunities

All companies are required by law to have an equal opportunities policy. This gives a commitment to potential applicants that the recruitment process will be conducted fairly.

It enables a company to monitor the background of the applicants and ensure that its recruitment practices do not exclude any particular groups.

The Equal Opportunities form is separated from your application form upon receipt and those involved in the selection process do not see it.

Company literature

The company you are applying to may send through some literature or leaflets about the company. It is important to read this literature as you can tailor an application form to fit in with their ethos or approach.

If you are applying for a job using an online application process, you may not be provided with any company literature. In this case, you should undertake your own search for appropriate documentation and links.