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How to apply for a job with us

Guidance on applying for a job with us.

The application form

Your application form is very important – the information you provide in your application form is the only information we will use in deciding whether or not you will be shortlisted for the selection process. 

The application forms asks you for your personal details, your qualifications and education history and asks you to outline how you think you measure up to the essential requirements for the post

Please do not send in a CV unless the advert for the post specifically asks you to do this – only completed application forms will normally be considered.

In line with our environmental policy and our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint we will contact all shortlisted candidates by email via the email address provided in your application. Please ensure you access your email account regularly to receive any correspondence from us regarding your application.

The job description

The job description outlines briefly what you would be required to do in the job, who you will report to and the responsibilities (for people and resources) attached to the job.

The person specification

The person specification highlights the essential skills, knowledge and abilities needed for the job. It may also indicate information about the means by which the requirements will be assessed, either via the application form, by interview or by testing. 

When you complete your application form you will need to explain how you think you meet each of the essential requirements listed in the person specification.

Try to give practical examples from either your personal or working life wherever possible. Give examples of the work you have been involved in and write in a positive way. Always remember to write about your individual responsibilities, e.g. ‘I was responsible for…’; ‘I introduced…’ Always gear your application to the specific job and ensure it is relevant to the person specification.

When you complete the online application from, it will be automatically e-mailed back to us on completion. You will receive notification that your form has been received. Always save a copy of your application form for your own reference.  

Applicants with a disability

We are committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. If you tell us that you have a disability we can make reasonable adjustments at interview, where you work and to your work arrangements. 

If you have a disability and are unable to meet some of the job requirements specifically because of your disability, please tell us about this in your application. If you meet all the criteria, your application will be forwarded to the initial shortlist stage.

Shortlisting

Completed application forms are matched against the essential requirements outlined in the person specification. 

Only people who have demonstrated in their application form that they have met all the essential criteria on the person specification can be shortlisted for interview. 

In some cases, if there has been a large response to an advert, the manager may decide to carry out a testing exercise before inviting people who have successfully passed the tests to a formal interview.

Contact

Lewisham Council recruitment (excluding schools)