Thank you for your interest in applying for a role with us.
We want to recruit a dedicated, passionate, and skilled workforce. To do this we assess your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
We also look for applicants who share our commitment to our behaviours. We will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the selection process.
Our recruitment process is open, fair, promotes equality. The process will be proportionate to the role advertised. We have a duty to ensure that anyone who applies to work with us is not discriminated against in any way.
We are continually reviewing this process in line with:
- best practice
- changes in employment legislation
- responses to feedback from applicants
- responses from recruiting managers
We hope that our recruitment process can put you at ease, bring out the best in you. We want to make you feel welcome at Dorset Council.
The application process
1. How to apply
See the application process for Dorset Council.
2. Review and shortlisting
To avoid the risk of bias, shortlisting:
- is done by at least two people
- is based on scores relating directly to the person specification
3. Selection process
Our preparing for your interview guidance will help you to:
- understand the selection process
- be confident and well prepared when arriving for an interview with us
If we invite you to interview, you will need to bring certain documents with you.
4. Selection process outcome
One of the interview panel will call you to let you know the outcome of your application. If you are successful:
- we will talk you through the offer (conditional to any checks)
- answer any questions you may have
We are happy to give feedback if you are not selected for the role.
5. Checks
When we offer you a job:
- we will get in touch to let you know about the pre-employment checks
- you will receive a formal offer letter
- once your checks are complete your new manager will be in touch to agree a start date
Hints and tips
A contact on advert
Every job advert includes a contact name and phone number. If you would like to understand more about the role, this is who to get in touch with.
Person specification
Tailor your application to the essential requirements on the person specification.
Your application form is the main source of information we will use to decide if we will offer you an interview. You need to show us that you meet all the essential criteria, so make sure that you clearly show how you meet each item.
We will compare applications to our person specification to decide who to interview.
Applying by CV
If the application process lets you apply by CV, make sure that your CV:
- shows your full employment history
- explains any gaps in employment
- shows how you meet the job requirements
Preparing for interview
It is likely that your interview will include some competency-based questions. These will assess your abilities against the essential criteria on the person specification. Read the person specification carefully and think about how you meet those criteria. Once you have read it you should gather examples that evidence where you meet the criteria.
You may find it helpful to learn more about Dorset Council, so have a look at: