Help with your application

The online application and CV submission are the first steps in the recruitment process. Here are some tips on how to do your best when completing an application.

The online application provides an overview of your:

  • education
  • work experience and history
  • knowledge
  • skills

Tips on completing your application

Take your time to complete a detailed application. This demonstrates your commitment, interest and understanding of the job.

  • The panel selecting interview candidates will only see the information you provide on the form. Please use this opportunity to show us that you are the candidate we’re looking for.
  • It's important to make sure that the information you provide is accurate.
  • The job description and person specification are essential parts of the recruitment process as these are what the hiring manager will shortlist from. Make sure you thoroughly understand what the role is asking for and how you can best show that you meet the criteria using examples.
  • All our recruitment notices will offer an informal discussion with the hiring manager. It is recommended that you do this to discuss the role and any application you are considering making.
  • The type of role that you are looking for may not be currently available. However, you can start preparing for a role now so that you are ready to apply when a suitable vacancy is advertised.

Your supporting statement

This is the key document in your application and will be what the hiring manager reviews. At a minimum, your application will normally be shortlisted against the essential requirements of the person specification.

When writing your supporting statement, make sure it reads well and is relevant to your application. You can lay it out how you choose. You may wish to have the essential criteria listed as subheadings and write under each one, or you may have one long narrative that addresses the person specification. Shortlisting will take place on content rather than how you set it out.

Evidence of meeting skills

You must support any statement with evidence and examples and explain how you meet this skill.

Bad example

"I am great at customer service."

Good example

"I am great at customer service as I've received written compliments on many different occasions. I'm regularly asked to train new employees due to my skills, knowledge and experience in dealing with our residents."

Qualified by experience

If you don't meet some essential criteria, still strongly consider applying. You could be qualified by experience, so it's important to show this in your statement.

Bad example

"I don't have the Level 3 Leadership and Management qualification required."

Good example

"I have strong leadership and management experience as in my current role, I have a team of four people reporting to me. I am responsible for completing their monthly one-to-ones, appraisals and supporting them in their day-to-day tasks. I also manage the recruitment, and the team's performance and outcomes making sure we meet our targets. I am willing to complete any relevant qualifications needed."

Transferable skills

If you are relying on transferable skills in your supporting statement to show as evidence that you meet the essential requirements, make this clear. Explain that you don't have the required knowledge, but what you do have is relevant and transferable skills.

Bad example

"I don't have experience completing and processing housing benefit claims."

Good example

"Although I don't have experience processing housing benefit claims, I have strong experience processing Universal Credit applications, which follows a similar strict compliance procedure. I can use these transferable skills and knowledge to quickly learn new regulatory processes and deliver a quality service."

Other considerations

Closing dates

Our vacancies usually have a closing date. The hiring manager can close the vacancy early or shortlist and interview whilst the vacancy is still live. If you are interested in a role, do not delay an application. The role could be filled before the closing date.

Hybrid working

Some of our roles support a balance of home and office working under our hybrid working policy. These arrangements depend on the service and job role and are at the line manager's discretion. They are subject to any initial and ongoing learning objectives.

Redeployment policy

We have a positive redeployment policy, which allows us to retain the skills and experience of valued employees. Any staff on our redeployment register will be given reasonable priority for suitable vacancies.

Equal opportunities

North Norfolk District Council is committed to equal opportunity for all staff. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or marriage and civil partnerships.

You can also view our statement on recruitment of ex-offenders.

If you have a disability and require the hiring manager to consider amending the recruitment process, please let them know.

Working in the UK

We welcome applications from all candidates with evidence of their right to work in the UK. If you need more information, please visit the UK government's right to work website.