The Recruitment Process

Applications Online

The easiest way to apply is via our online application form on this website. You will be required to register your details when you click the online application form link if you have not previously done so.
However, if you are unable to apply online, you may download a Word version of the application form as an alternative.

The following information is designed to assist you in applying for a position with us, please read carefully before starting your application.

Job Description and Person Specification

Every advertised post has a job description and a person specification. The job description outlines the main duties of the job. The person specification sets out the knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience required of the postholder and provides the criteria against which you will be assessed.

We decide whom to invite for an interview by comparing what you tell us in your application form with what we have asked for in the person specification. It is therefore vital that you clearly explain how your skills and experience match the requirements outlined in the person specification.

Completing the Application Form

If not applying online applications should be typewritten or completed legibly in black ink to allow for photocopying. Please do not send in your CV. In the interests of fairness, all applications must be made on NSHousing's application form.

We want to try to ensure that everyone applying for a job with us has a fair opportunity and this form is the first stage in the recruitment process which may lead to a job offer. It is therefore very important that you complete all sections of the application as clearly and fully as possible. If you need any help to complete the application form, or if you have any questions, please contact Human Resources on 01275 398 014 who will be happy to help.

Qualifications and Training

Please use this section to provide details of any qualifications or training that you have completed or are currently undertaking. Include any special skills training, day release, or evening classes. You will be asked to bring evidence of qualifications if invited for interview.

Employment

All experience is valued and we recognise that many people have worked in a variety of situations even if it has not been full time paid employment. Please use this space to tell us about any work experience you have which you think would help you in the job for which you are applying, including voluntary work, temporary jobs, part-time or vacation work.

Additional Information

This is where you tell us how you meet the selection criteria for the job. The criteria against which you are assessed are the knowledge, skills and abilities in the employee specification. Do not repeat your job history, but look at the specific requirements of the job and provide evidence that you have the skills, abilities and experience to meet those requirements. Give specific examples if possible. The evidence you provide does not necessarily have be work based - it may be experience you have gained at home raising a family, doing voluntary work or from activities that you do in your spare time. 

References

Two references will be required for all jobs. Wherever possible your current employer should be named as someone who can be approached for a reference. It is NSHousing policy to approach current employers, regardless of whether candidates give them as referees. If you request that a referee is not approached before interview that will be respected.

Other references should include previous/most recent employers. If you have not been employed before, you should give the names of teachers or lecturers who know you sufficiently well to comment on your ability to do the job. You can also give the names of professional people who know you well, and who are not friends or relatives. It is helpful if your referees are aware that you have used their name before we contact them.

References will be taken up only once a job offer has been made.

Criminal Records Bureau Checks

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act an individual who has a conviction for a criminal offence is, after a specified time, allowed to treat the conviction as if it never occurred i.e. spent. However, under this Act, some occupations and employments are exempt and applicants for these posts are not protected by the Act.

NSHousing has a number of such posts and successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced level disclosure check for any such post. If this applies, it will be stated in the advertisement and the person specification.

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