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We recognise that applying for jobs can sometimes be daunting. In Enfield we want our recruitment process to be clear and easily understood. We have prepared these guidelines to help you understand our approach to recruitment, and so that you know what information we need from you.
Our application is online and consists of 8 sections. You must ensure you have completed all 8 before you will be able to submit your application. One section will ask you to upload your CV so please have your CV available electronically before you start.
What do we want to achieve in the Recruitment Process?
Quite simply, we will appoint the best person for the job, in a manner that is fair to all applicants. Our application process aims to ensure we have sufficient information to make timely, fair and equitable decisions that are based solely on merit. As such we aim to give you the opportunity to provide up to date information about your abilities and experience, as they relate to the post you are applying for.
For each position you apply for you will find a job description and person specification. These are the key documents that give you information about the job, skills and other attributes that we believe are necessary to make a success of this role. We advise that you consider them carefully before you decide whether to apply.
Application Methods
For the majority of our vacancies the application method is via our online application system. If a paper based application is available for a vacancy it will clearly state this in the job advertisement.
For our on-line application you will need to upload your CV, address the key selection criteria as outlined in the person specification, complete some additional information and click to submit. It’s as easy as that. Our aim is to make our application process as simple as possible to provide you with a positive experience of applying for a job with us.
If you would like to assistance compiling your CV, there are numerous websites offering free tips and guidence.
Please find below further information on completing your application
The Job Description
This aims to give you a full description of the main purpose of the job. The list of duties is not exhaustive, but provides an overall summary of the scope of the job, and what we will expect of the successful applicant.
The Person Specification
This describes the skills, abilities and experience that are needed to do the job successfully. You should think about these carefully when applying. We use the person specification as a benchmark against which we assess all candidates.
We will shortlist only those applicants who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential selection criteria. You should therefore make sure that your application demonstrates how your previous experience, skills, qualifications and abilities match all those on the person specification. Please note that if there are a large number of applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job then the desirable criteria may be used to shortlist.
Therefore it would be beneficial to your application for you to complete these sections.
Completing your Application
Remember-your application is the only information we have about you, and it is your opportunity to demonstrate that you are able to meet the requirements of the job.
You should carefully describe the kind of work you have done and relevant
experience that you have had. Do this in terms of your actual role and responsibilities, for example in a project, work area or team, and give examples where possible. We want to know about your individual achievements, not those of your organisation!
Any experience gained outside of paid employment may be equally relevant, so give considerable thought to this area. Describe any relevant skills that have helped you develop.
When outlining your skills and abilities, try to give examples of your successes and achievements. Simply saying 'I have an understanding of...' is not enough.
Ensure you set out the information you are providing in a well organised, logical and concise format. It is vital that you address all the key selection criteria in your application, as outlined in the person specification.
References
All appointments are subject to the Council receiving satisfactory references, and the application asks you to identify two individuals for this purpose. Your referees should have first hand knowledge of your work skills and abilities and have been your direct line manager.
We require your present or most recent employer to be one of the referees wherever possible. It is essential that any referee you give is authorised by the organisation to provide a reference. We do not wish references to be given in a personal capacity, i.e. friends, relatives etc. If you are a college or school leaver then please provide a teacher/tutor as your referee.
Equal Opportunities Information - what's it for?
In line with Equalities Code of Practice, the Council collects and maintains information on the gender, ethnic origin, age, disabilities, faith/belief and sexual orientation of its employees. It would therefore be appreciated if you could complete this form. It will be separated from the rest of your application before shortlist selection takes place and is not used in any part of the process.
You can be assured that this information will be treated in confidence and will not be available to shortlisting officers or interviewers. It does however provide us with valuable equalities and diversity information for monitoring and strategic purposes.
The Council monitors the catagories outlined above to ensure our policies are effective. Unless we know who is, and more importantly for equality purposes, who is not applying for posts we cannot tell if we are achieving our equality policy aims of employing a workforce that reflects the community.
The Council also wants to ensure that it employs and engages with people from all groups within the community. This helps involve all sections of the community in the local democratic process. It also shows that we take account of and value the boroughs diversity.
Monitoring enables the Council to assess its actual performance against its targets.
Applicants with disabilities
When you complete your application you will be asked to indicate whether you have a disability. The Council needs to know this as it offers a guaranteed interview to all applicants with a disability (as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act), if they meet all the essential criteria for the job. If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be asked if you require any special aids, adaptations or conditions for your interview.
Interview Process
The purpose of an interview is to identify the best candidate for the job. A panel of two or three people will usually interview you. The length of the interview will depend on the level of post but, on average, it will last for about 30 to 60 minutes.
Other Selection Methods
In addition to interviews, other selection methods may also be used to help choose the best applicant for a job. Common selection methods include work related tests to examine your computer, organisational, team working, writing or numerical skills. For senior jobs, you may be tested on your analytical or presentation skills. If other methods are to be used you will be notified in advance in the e-mail or letter inviting you to interview.
If at first you don't succeed.
If you are unsuccessful at interview, ensure you ask for feedback. This feedback will be constructive and enable you to use this opportunity to improve in weaker areas. Review your knowledge and experience and take advantage of any opportunities to learn new skills, which may help you in future applications.
After you have submitted your application
Should you be shortlisted for interview, we will contact you by e-mail inviting you to log on and book an interview slot of your choice. If you have completed a paper based application we will contact you by post.
Should you be successful at interview, the recruiting manager will let you know in the way/timeframe as was stated at interview. Human Resources will then issue an offer of employment subject to certain clearances. This offer may be sent to you electronically for speed and we would be grateful if you could complete and return the relevant documents within 5 working days.
Pre-Employment Clearances
If you are the successful applicant, Human Resources will, electronically if possible, send you an offer of employment subject to a number of the clearances listed below:
- Pre-employment health declaration
- Complying with the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996
- Satisfactory clearance of a Criminal Records Disclosure check if relevant to the post. Please visit www.crb.gov.uk for further details about what this check entails.
- Declaration of criminal offences in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The type of declaration will be relevant to the post and require either declaration of both spent and unspent convictions and cautions or just unspent. This will depend on whether the post involves access to children and vulnerable people.
- Satisfactory references
- Proof of qualifications and registration if applicable
- Complying with the council's Code of Conduct
- Declaration of any secondary employment
You will be required to complete all relevant documentation and return by e-mail where possible. Once we have gained all satisfactory clearances, we will then contact you to confirm the offer of employment and arrange a start date, enabling you to hand your notice in if you are in employment.
The determination of whether the references, health check and disclosure of criminal background check are considered satisfactory lies entirely with Enfield Council.
A Final Word
Your application is the only information we will have about you - it's your selling point before an interview, so take care when completing this. Keep a copy of the application with the Job Description and Person Specification, and any other details for future reference.
Further Advice and Guidance
If you wish to discuss any aspect of our recruitment procedure please e-mail the team at recruitmentcentre@enfield.gov.uk
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