Applying for a role

All our roles advertised in our vacancies section, where you will find a list of all our current vacancies. Once you have found the role you would like to apply for, you can apply by clicking “apply now” which will take you to our e-recruitment system Trac, where you will be able to create an account, complete and submit an online application form. We recommend that candidates read the job description and person specification for the role, and highlight their previous experience, including any transferable skills you may have for the role. You will be able to outline your experience, skills and knowledge relevant for the role in the supporting statement, as well as in the employment history section. Once you have submitted your application, we will receive this automatically.

Top tips for completing your online application:

  • If you have any questions about the role that are not answered by the job description, please get in touch with the named contact in the vacancy advert for an informal discussion.
  • Read advertisement and application form very carefully and make sure that you complete all the sections of the application form. The information you give in the online application form and supporting statement will be used to decide if you should be shortlisted for interview.
  • It is really important  that you read the job description and person specification thoroughly before you apply for any position. You need to be able to prove that you meet the requirements of the role you are applying for, and your application should show how you meet each of the criteria listed as essential for the role.
  • Tailor your application to the role: don’t copy and paste your CV into the supporting statement section. The 'supporting information' section is your opportunity to sell yourself; use it to your advantage. You can include any information here that has not been covered elsewhere on the form. 
  • Make sure your personal information is up to date and make sure you explain any gaps in your work or educational history. 
  • When you have completed your form, make sure you read it through for any errors or omissions before you send it: you cannot make any changes once you have submitted your application.
  • Check the closing date of the vacancy.
  • Don’t forget to check your online account: check your emails and online account regularly as this is the way we will contact you with updates on your application

Disability: The Equality Act 2010 defines disability as “a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse affect on a person‘s ability to carry out normal day to day activities". (You do not need to be registered as disabled). We are a ‘positive about disability’ employer. We welcome applicants with disabilities and we will guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability who meets the minimum essential criteria for the post. The recruitment team will be in contact prior to the interview to see if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments to be made with interview arrangements.

Shortlisting the post

Once the advert has closed, the shortlisting will commence. Our shortlisting process is done “blind” on our e-recruitment system Trac. It means that our hiring managers, are only able to view your employment history, supporting statement, educational qualifications and ongoing training and development qualifications, that you list in your application form. The shortlisting criteria’s is taken from the person specification and will include the essential and may include some of desirable criteria’s. Once the shortlisting has been complete, shortlisted candidates will receive an invite to interview via our e-recruitment system Trac.  

The interview

Normally the interview takes place face to face at the location where the post will be based, however, on some occasions, it may take place online. The interview usually last for an hour but may sometimes be longer depending on the role. For most roles, there will be a two-part assessment process i.e. the interview and a written assessment. The written assessment could be anything from a presentation to a tabletop exercise, or a literacy and numeracy test depending on the nature or the seniority of the role.  If you have not been for an interview in a little while, then remember, an interview is a two-way conversation, and it is also an opportunity for you to ask us any questions you may have.

Top tips for interview preparation:

Our Trust is all about people and individuality, so we want you to relax and be yourself throughout the recruitment process. Here are some useful tips on preparing for your interview:

  • Think about the questions you might be asked : we base interview questions on the job description, person specification and the information in your application form.
  • Prepare some examples : think of some examples that show how you meet the person specification criteria. Make these brief and to the point.
  • Do your research : it helps to know as much as possible about what the role involves, what goes on at the Trust and in the department that you are applying to.
  • Prepare some questions : Think about what questions you might ask. Don't forget that this is also your chance to see if the role is suitable for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, for example about the role, the team set up or development prospects.
  • First impressions count : think about your appearance and ensure you look smart. Be friendly but professional, smile, even if you're nervous inside – it helps you to relax and makes you look more approachable and enthusiastic.
  • Plan your travel arrangements : The interview could take place in any of our locations face to face or via a facetime method. Make sure you have the right location, and you know how long it takes to travel there.
  • Avoid distractions : Concentrate - make sure you switch off your mobile phone.
  • Be aware of your body language : make eye contact with everyone in the room. Smiling over introductions will help you to relax and ensure you appear approachable. Don't fold your arms during the interview; it can be seen as negative and gives the impression that you're not interested.
  • This about your answers : Think about how you answer your questions. Try to keep to the point and make sure you are actually answering the question. If you do not have relevant experience of a situation, don't be afraid to say so, but suggest what you would do in that situation or think of another way to demonstrate your ability or the skills they are looking for. Equally, if you don't understand a question, please ask for clarification.

  Successful candidates 

The recruiting manager will contact the successful candidate(s) to verbally offer the post to them subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks being received. If you accept the verbal offer of the post, you will be sent a conditional offer of employment by email to your Trac Jobs account, indicating what pre-employment checks are required.

Unsuccessful candidates 

The recruiting manager will contact all unsuccessful candidates to advise them of the outcome and to offer feedback on their performance at the interview.    The hiring manager will provide constructive feedback and outline what went well, and areas for improvement and/or lack of experience, so you are aware of these to help prepare you for a future interview.

Induction

All new employees take part in the induction programme. It forms part of your mandatory training and introduces you to the Trust, how we work, and provides you with essential employment related information. New staff will have a departmental induction referred to as local induction. This will cover details such as local procedures, facilities, key contacts, risks and risk management. 

You will also attend our corporate induction as an introduction to the Trust and our vision and values. This reflects our commitment to excellent care being delivered by excellent people as it ensures that all staff are competent in relation to their statutory and mandatory competence requirements.

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