• The application form

  This asks you for your personal details, your qualifications/education history, details of your previous work experience and importantly, how you think you measure up to the essential requirements for the post (these are identified in the person specification - see below). When completing the 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 your personal/working life wherever possible. Remember to write neatly in black ink or type. If there is not enough space for your answers on the form itself, you can always continue on a separate sheet of paper.

• The job description

  This outlines briefly what you would be required to do in the job, to whom you would report and the responsibilities (for people and resources) attached to the job.

• The person specification

  This highlights the type of person needed for the job. It lists the essential, and sometimes desirable, requirements (e.g. skills, knowledge and abilities) for the post. It may also include information about the means by which the requirements will be assessed - the application form, certificates, interview, test etc. In Wales a person specification may state that it is either a required or desirable skill to be able to communicate in Welsh. Don’t forget that it is very important to read the person specification carefully and to be able to relate your own skills and experience to what is required.

• Shortlisting

  Completed application forms are matched against the essential requirements within the person specification to create a shortlist.

• The interview

  • PreparationHopefully you will have had some experience of interviews at school, college, university or during your working life to date. If not, you can often book practice interviews with careers advisers to help you get an idea of how the interview will proceed.

    Before the interview re-read the information sent with the application pack and refresh your memory as to what you put in your application form. You might like to photocopy your application form before you send it off, so that you can remember what you wrote. Also, it is a good idea to find out about the council, the surrounding area and current issues affecting it - one way to do this is by checking their website.

  • Structure and content of the interviewThere will usually be a panel of two or three interviewers who will ask you questions, mainly relating to the requirements listed in the person specification. The length of the interview will depend on the post you are applying for, but will probably last between 30 and 45 minutes. At the end of the interview, you will be given some time to ask questions yourself. It is always a good idea to try and think of some questions beforehand.

• Other selection methods

  In some cases there may be other aspects to the selection process depending on the job you are applying for. You may be asked to do aptitude, typing or psychometric tests, or you may have to do an in-tray exercise showing how you would prioritise certain tasks.

  Sometimes you may be asked to participate in group exercises to show how well you work with a team. You will however, receive prior notice as to whether you can expect a test at the interview.

• What happens if you’re not successful?

  Don’t give up! Competition for jobs is fierce and getting to the interview stage is a success in itself. Whether shortlisted for interview or not, you should always contact the council for feedback. You can use this feedback as a guide to what you did well and the things that need improving for next time.

Further Advice

• The recruitment process
• Top 10 tips for finding a job