We want to provide you with all the help we can to make the process of applying with us as easy as possible.
We’ve put together a few useful hints and tips below.
Before writing your application form you should look carefully at both the job advert and the person specification to understand:
Your application form needs to demonstrate how you meet the majority of the “roles and responsibilities” from the “post specification” section of the job listing.
The roles and responsibilities act as a checklist that the hiring manager uses to determine if you can be shortlisted for an interview. So ideally, you should provide working examples for each requirement to help you move to the next stage.
For example, imagine one of the essential criteria is ‘Experience of delivering training’. Instead of just writing:
“I have experience in providing training to new team members”.
You could make this better by writing:
“I have actively been involved in training new team members, including the creation of a training guide which is used to assist with formal training. This guide is now regularly referred to by all staff, encouraging and promoting skill and knowledge retention.”
You should list all your education and qualifications that are relevant to the specific vacancy for which you are applying, ensuring you detail any qualifications requested in the essential criteria. If you are successful in the role you have applied for, you will need to provide an original copy of this so make sure you still hold this qualification for a copy to be verified.
Employment history often plays an important part in your application form, especially where the vacancy you are applying for asks for previous experience. It can be an exhausting task to list every job you’ve held over the years. We’ve put together a few helpful tips to try and make the task easier:
All new starters to the council are required to have two satisfactory references, one of which should be from your current or most recent employer, we currently cover your last two years worth of employment. To avoid delays later down the line if you are successful, please ensure that you provide accurate referee information in your application form.
This should include:
- Full name
- Preferred email address
- Company Name
- Full postal address, including postcode
Always ensure that you have informed the people you choose as referees to avoid any issues. Although we won’t request your references at the application stage, if you are successful at interview, references will be sought as soon as possible after you have verbally accepted the post.
As well as completing the supporting statement section we encourage applicants to elevate their application by including a cover letter.
Here are some hints and tips to help you write the best supporting statement you can:
Lastly, before final submission, meticulously review your application - especially your spelling and grammar. If it helps, ask someone else to check it for you, sometimes they can pick up on things you don’t see. Remember to complete all mandatory fields marked with a *.
We are dedicated to ensuring a fair and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact our Resourcing Team (resourcing@cumberland.gov.uk) before starting the process. We'll work with you to accommodate your needs and ensure you can fully showcase your skills.
When preparing for your interview, consider incorporating the STAR Method. This technique provides a structured approach to answering competency based interview questions, enabling you to showcase your skills and experiences effectively. Here's how it works:
Briefly explain the context or scenario that made you take a particular action or make a specific decision. Provide relevant background information to set the stage for your response.
Clearly outline what you were required to do. Explain the purpose of the task or project and any specific objectives or goals you needed to achieve.
Detail the specific activities you performed and the steps you took to complete the task. Highlight your role and responsibilities in the process, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
Share the outcome(s) of your effort. Describe what you achieved and how it benefited the company or project. Quantify your results whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your actions.
By using the STAR Method, you can provide clear and concise responses that highlight your qualifications and demonstrate your ability to handle various situations. Practice using this technique before your interview to ensure you're prepared to answer questions confidently and effectively.
Follow these tips to craft a compelling cover letter that effectively showcases your qualifications and skills.
Address your cover letter to the hiring manager if stated on the advert if not use a generic greeting.
Customise your cover letter for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you're applying for.
Grab the reader's attention with a compelling opening paragraph. Mention the specific job you're applying for and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Use specific examples to illustrate your accomplishments and contributions in previous roles. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.
Demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by the service and how you can help address them.
Use your cover letter to showcase what sets you apart from other candidates. Whether it's your unique skills, experiences, or passion for the industry, make sure to convey what makes you special.
Aim for a cover letter that is no longer than one page. Focus on the most relevant information and avoid repeating details from your CV and/or application.
Maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter and proofread carefully to ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos.
End your cover letter with a strong closing paragraph that reiterates your interest in the position and expresses your enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss further. Invite the employer to contact you for an interview.
I started my Customer Service apprenticeship in 2017. Throughout my time as an apprentice, I worked with Lakes College to successfully complete a Level 2 Customer Service NVQ and an IT Functional Skills qualification.
At the end of my apprenticeship, I had an interview for a full-time job role within Customer Services, which I was successful in securing. Now, almost 7 years later, I am still very much enjoying my role within the Customer Services team.
Being part of the transition to Cumberland Council has been very interesting and my role is expanding daily. We are covering a wide range of services over the phone, face to face and via email. As a Customer Services Officer, I get great job satisfaction knowing I am helping so many customers every day.
