YOUR APPLICATION AND THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
The Application Form
 
The application form plays a key part in deciding whether or not you are invited to interview, so it is important that it is completed as fully and as accurately as possible.   The shortlisting panel will decide whom to interview solely on the basis of the information provided in the application form measured against the person specification.   
 
We would prefer to receive your application online.  However, the application form, job description and person specification are available in hard copy.  Please contact jobs@lincolncollege.ac.uk or 01522 876245 if you require a hard copy.  In order to apply on-line, you will need to create an online account.  This will allow you to save applications which are in progress and view submitted applications.  Once you are ready to make an online application, please go to www.lincolncollege.ac.uk/vacancy and search for current job vacancies.
 
Registered Users
 
If you are already registered as a user and have submitted at least one application via this site your personal details, employment history and referee details will automatically feed through to any further applications you make.  Please ensure you check whether these details are correct.  If you need to amend them, use the Edit option.  If you wish to add additional information, please use the Add option.
 
Remember:
 
To complete all parts of the application form.   If you think some parts do not apply, write N/A (not applicable) in the spaces provided.
To make sure the information you provide is clear, precise and easily understood and appropriate to the job you are applying for.
That we will not make any assumptions about you or your abilities.   If you do not tell us, we cannot know.   
We do not take into account any previous applications or prior knowledge of you.
To use black ink if you are submitting a hard copy of your application form.
 
Do:
Use extra sheets if you need to provide additional information (Paper copies only).
Return your application on time.   Late applications will not be considered.   Please note that the submission date for application forms is midnight on the closing date quoted.
Include explanations for periods not in employment or education/training.

Do not:
Refer us to your current job description.
Say “I can do the job and will give details at interview”.   You need to show on the application form precisely what you have done and when you did it.
Leave out any relevant information on skills, knowledge or experience – for example, voluntary work or unpaid work.
Worry if you have gained your qualifications overseas.  If relevant, they will be taken into account.
Submit a CV.  Applications will only be considered if submitted on the application form provided (or in respect of disabled applicants, another agreed format).   
 
Making a case to be shortlisted
 
Section 8 of the application form headed Relevant Knowledge and Experience and Skills is where you ‘make your case’ for shortlisting for the post.   You should give as much relevant information as you can.
 
Look at the job description and then look carefully at the person specification.   Do you have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to carry out the duties of the post?  It is not enough just to say that you are able to do the job, as we will need evidence from you that you are able to meet the job requirements of the person specification.  
 
Give examples, where possible, of how you have used your skills and experience.   For example, if the person specification asks for experience of Customer Care, possible responses could be:
 
I have worked with customers in my previous two positions.

Poor example
In my previous two roles I have dealt with customers on a day to day basis, being responsible for welcoming people to the organisation, and assisting with enquiries both by telephone and face to face.   This has improved both my communication skills and my confidence in dealing with complaints and difficult situations.                                                                                
Better example
 It might be a good idea to make some rough notes before you actually complete the form.   If you have no directly related work experience you might consider any voluntary or community work you may have been involved with.
 
Shortlisting and Interviews
 
All application forms received on time are considered by a shortlisting panel.   Only those candidates who have demonstrated that they meet the job requirements in accordance with the person specification will be shortlisted for interviews.
 
If you are shortlisted you will be invited to attend for an interview.   For some posts, applicants may be asked to undertake written exercises or tests or to prepare a submission for presentation as part of the interview process.  If this is the case you will be informed of these in the letter inviting you for interview.
 
The interview will usually be before a panel of three, but for some senior posts there may be more people sitting on the panel.   The interview and written exercises are designed to allow you to expand on the information already given.   Panel members will be taking notes during the interview.   You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the job and the conditions of service.
 
What do I do if I feel I’ve been treated unfairly?
 
You have the right to complain if you feel you have been unfairly discriminated against at any stage of the recruitment and selection process on grounds of your race, colour, nationality, age, ethnic or national origins, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, former convictions or trade union membership.   You should first contact the HR Unit to find out which College manager will provide feedback as to why: you weren’t shortlisted (you must do this within 7 weeks of the closing date)
You weren’t selected at interview (you must do this within 10 working days after the interview has been completed).
 
If you still feel you have cause for complaint you should write to the HR Manager, stating the grounds on which it is considered that discrimination has occurred.   You should do this as soon as possible, but must do this within ten working days of receiving feedback.