Guidance Notes – Completing the Online Application
Thank You for your interest in working with us!
The following notes will help you when completing your online application form.
Hyndburn Borough Council receives a large number of applications for each vacancy. Unfortunately, we are not always able to acknowledge receipt of applications or let you know if you have been unsuccessful. If you have not received an invitation to interview within 4 weeks of the closing date, then please assume that your application was unsuccessful.
Before beginning your application, carefully read through the Job Description and Person Specification for the vacancy. It is also useful to have them to hand whilst you complete your application form as a reminder of the points and criteria you need to meet.
Helpful Hints!
- We decide who to interview based on the information you provide on your application form. Please make sure you give evidence or examples of how you meet all of the Essential Criteria for the job, (Essential Criteria can be found on the Person Specification). If you do not show how you meet the Essential Criteria, you will not be shortlisted for an interview
- Please make sure the information you provide is honest and accurate
- Check through your application for any spelling or grammatical errors before you submit it
- Please submit your application form before the closing date
The Online Application Form
Current and Previous Employment
Please complete this section in date order, starting with your most recent or current job. You can also include details of any voluntary work you have taken part in. If you have had any breaks in employment, enter the details and explanation, e.g. childcare, further education, redundancy etc.
Education, Qualifications and Training
In this section, please list all school, colleges or universities you have attended and what qualifications you gained. If you are currently studying for a qualification, please also include details of this. You should also include any other relevant training or qualifications such as NVQ’s, formal training courses etc.
If the post requires professional qualifications as part of the essential criteria, you will need to list the membership body, type of membership and the title of the qualification.
Supporting Information
This is the most important part of your application form!!
It is an opportunity to tell us why you are the right person for the job! Refer to the Person Specification when completing this section.
In your supporting information, please give evidence or examples of how you meet each of the Essential Criteria points from the Person Specification. You usually won’t be shortlisted if you don’t show how you meet all of these points.
The examples that you provide should be relevant, demonstrating your ability in the area. You should try to use an example within the last 2 years.
The following structured approach may assist you:
Set the scene: When and what is the example about? What was the scenario or situation that you faced?
Task: What did you identify needed to be done? What were you tasked to do? What was your role?
Action approach: What did you do? Why? Were there options? Why did you select that particular course of action?
Result: How did it go? Was it successful? Why? With hindsight, would you have done things differently?
If you meet any of the Desirable Criteria points, please also demonstrate this in your supporting information.
Hyndburn Borough Council values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to share these values. Please ensure that all the examples you use in support of your application are representative of your own experience. For more information, please see our Guidance on AI use
References and Medical Clearance
We require a minimum of 2 references from you, and these need to cover the last 3 years of your employment history.
One of your referees will be your current employer, (or your last employer if you aren’t currently working).
If you are a school or college leaver, you can use a teacher or lecturer who knows you well for a reference. You can also submit a personal reference.
References will only be sought after an offer of employment has been made.
References from relatives and partners are not accepted.
If you haven’t been employed before, or have any questions regarding references, please contact us at recruit@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.
All appointments are subject to a satisfactory medical report from the Authority’s Occupational Health Practitioner.
Right to Work in the UK
The Asylum & Immigration Act 1996 makes it a criminal offence for Hyndburn Borough Council to employ any persons who do not have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom.
All British citizens must complete their national insurance details. If you are a non-British citizen but have the right to work and live in the United Kingdom please ensure you complete the sections on work permits and/or visas and national insurance number (if applicable).
If successful in your application you will be required to provide documentary evidence of your right to live and work in the United Kingdom prior to commencing employment with the council.
Additional Information
Once a job offer is made, we may carry out some additional checks including;
- Criminal Records Check (DBS)
- Proof of Qualifications
- Proof of Eligibility to work in the UK
- Drugs and Alcohol Testing (for Safety Critical Roles only – this will be specified on the job advert)
Equal Opportunities
Hyndburn Borough Council is an Equal Opportunities employer.
The Council will ensure that the selection, training and promotion of employees is based solely on the criteria of merit and ability. No job applicant, or employee, will receive less favorable treatment on grounds of sex, race, age, disability, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
Applicants with a Disability
If you have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, and fulfill all of the essential criteria of the vacancy then you will be guaranteed an interview.
This information is to help you to complete the job application form, in order that our short-listing panels can select the most suitable employees for interview. If you need any further help, or require the application form in a different format, please contact us.