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Work for us
Application tips, guidance and our process
The way we recruit and select our staff is designed to be fair, transparent and inclusive, and we want it to be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. You should expect great communication and a warm, welcoming experience. If you're invited to interview, we want you to feel at ease and able to give your best.
We've put together this guidance to help you prepare along the way.
Before you apply

Practical tips

Do

Do complete both forms

Complete and submit the JMSU Application Form and the Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form to be considered for the role.
Don't

Don't send your CV

To reduce unconscious bias, we remove the section of the application form that includes personal details before the shortlisting stage. We can't easily do this with a CV.
Do

Application form in Word format, please!

If you send it as a PDF, we have to convert it back to Word to separate your personal details before shortlisting.
Don't

Don't attach extra documents

Don't attach supplementary documents, such as a CV or cover letter, unless we ask for them as part of the selection criteria. Only your application form will be given to the selection panel, so everything you need them to know should be in that form.
Do

Do request adaptations

We want to make sure there are no barriers to recruitment on the grounds of any protected characteristic. Complete Section 1 of the application form to do this. The information in the Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form is only used for monitoring purposes.
Don't

Don't be late!

Applications received after the advertised closing date and time will only be accepted in extenuating circumstances.

Completing your application form

Our application form asks for your existing qualifications and previous employment history.
If you have any gaps in your education or employment history, please give information or evidence to explain the reason.
The supporting statement is a key part of your application.
Here, you must show how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role set out in the Role Profile. To do this clearly and concisely, we recommend this approach.
  1. Take each criterion (using headings is helpful) and write about how the qualifications, training, skills or experience you have meet these requirements.
  2. You can group more than one criterion together if it makes sense to do so.
  3. Use examples wherever possible, such as projects you were involved in or presentations you've delivered.
  4. Think about your transferable skills from volunteering, community work, leisure pursuits and so on. How might they apply to the criteria for the role?
  5. If you don't currently meet all the criteria, tell us how you're working towards them, for example through training or voluntary work. Although some criteria are needed to do the role effectively from the start, not all criteria are deal-breakers and you may be able to work towards them. Talk about how you might approach this.
  6. Finally, explain how your values fit with JMSU, why you want this opportunity, and how it will benefit you and JMSU.
Step by step

Our process

Some parts will differ depending on the nature and requirements of a role, but this should give you a flavour of what to expect.
Please be patient with us. We don't currently use an automated system to collate and respond to applications. We can receive a large number of applicants and, because we use the human touch, a response can take a little longer than we'd like. But we promise we'll get back to you.

  1. Step 1: Want to find out more about the job?

    The advert may have an email contact for the Recruiting Manager. You're very welcome to request a call for an informal chat about the role and/or JMSU if the advert or job pack doesn't answer your question.
    If you have a question about the process but can't find the answer here, contact jmsu-recruitment@ljmu.ac.uk.

  2. Step 2: Complete and submit your Application Form and Equality & Diversity Form

    We don't automatically confirm receipt of applications, but we'll provide one on request. Please note that this may not be until the closing date.

  3. Step 3: Following the closing date

    Applications are collated and the personal details section is removed. The anonymised applications are given to all the panel members for shortlisting.
    Information from your Equality and Diversity form is never shared with the selection panel.

  4. Step 4: Shortlisting stage

    All panel members review and score the applications separately. They use a points system to score how far each applicant shows they meet the criteria for the role:
    0 points
    No evidence / does not meet requirements
    1 points
    Partial evidence
    2 points
    Full evidence / fully meets criteria
    3 points
    Evidence of exceptional performance / exceeds expectations
    Half the points shown above are scored for desirable criteria.
    The points are totalled and, following a ‘sense check’, the highest-scoring candidates are invited to the interview stage.

  5. Step 5: Guaranteed interview scheme for ethnically diverse applicants

    We know applicants from ethnically diverse backgrounds may have experienced additional barriers when applying for a new role.
    We're taking positive action to address under-representation in our core staff team, and offer internal and external candidates from ethnically diverse backgrounds a guaranteed interview where they meet the essential criteria for the role.
    For guidance about the scheme, see our Work for Us page.

  6. Step 6: Invites to interview

    We'll email you an invite to interview at least 5 days before the interview date. This may be less where the interview date was given in the job advert.
    We'll attach a candidate brief outlining:
    DateArrival timeLocationMapSelection panelWhere and who to report toSelection methodsTimings for the dayAny preparation needed beforehand
    Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements that would make interviewing more comfortable for you.

  7. Step 7: Unsuccessful applications

    We receive a high number of applications and unfortunately can't contact everyone who isn't selected for interview. If you haven't heard from us by the advertised interview date, please assume you've been unsuccessful.
    You're welcome to contact jmsu-recruitment@ljmu.ac.uk to check this, and if you'd like feedback on your application, please let us know.

  8. Step 8: The interview stage

    The selection process may differ depending on the nature and seniority of the role, but is likely to involve at least two of the following elements. Student staff will normally attend an online interview.
    • A tour of the building, so you can get a feel for our environment and working style
    • An in-person panel interview (questions will be provided in the brief)
    • A pre-prepared report or presentation (the topic will be included in the brief, and you'll usually need to submit it before the interview, with delivery and discussion on the day)
    • An unseen written job-related exercise (you'll be given this on the day, with a set amount of time to complete it)
    The interview will start with the panel introducing themselves and chatting about the role and the structure of the interview. You'll also have the chance to find out more about JMSU and the job you've applied for, and to ask any questions you have.
    All candidates are asked the same questions but, depending on your answer, the panel may probe further for clarification.
    We recognise the process is challenging, and we want you to be comfortable and give your best.
    • We're happy for you to bring notes to the interview and refer to them as needed.
    • Feel free to ask the panel to repeat or rephrase a question, pause to take a break, or come back to a question later in the interview.
    • We give our assurance that your ability to maintain eye contact, or being nervous in an interview, will not affect our judgement of your ability to do the job.

  9. Step 9: After the interview

    • The Recruiting Manager will let you know when you can expect to hear from them.
    • This may be by phone or email, and you'll be offered feedback.
    • Equally, if you decide the role or JMSU isn't for you, we'd be grateful if you could let us know as soon as you're sure.

  10. Step 10: You've been offered the job! What next?

    The Recruiting Manager (or a nominated colleague) will contact the successful candidate to make a provisional offer of employment. They'll discuss with you:
    • Starting salary (we always appoint at the minimum of the salary scale)
    • Whether you need to give notice to a current employer, and a potential start date
    • Any individual requirements, such as agreeing to honour existing holidays, a specific work pattern or hybrid arrangements
    • Consent to contact your referees
    If you're happy to verbally accept the offer, you'll be sent a provisional offer in writing. Your appointment will be subject to pre-employment checks. Your letter will outline the main terms and conditions and details of the pre-employment checks needed.

  11. Step 11: Pre-employment checks

    All offers are subject to the following pre-employment checks:
    • Proof of your right to work in the UK (see our separate guidance)
    • Two satisfactory references, one of which should be your current or most recent employer
    • A DBS disclosure (where identified in advance as a requirement of the role)
    • Evidence of qualifications stated on your application that are a requirement of the job
    • A 6-month probation period
    If the pre-employment checks aren't satisfied, the offer of employment may be withdrawn.

  12. Step 12: Confirming the offer and onboarding

    Once pre-employment checks are complete, your Recruiting Manager or the HR Manager will be in touch to confirm your start date, and you'll be sent written confirmation of the offer with your contract of employment.
    Your Recruiting Manager will stay in touch throughout and will be planning your induction to help you get off to a flying start and welcome you to the team!

Got a question about the process?

If you can't find the answer here, get in touch with our recruitment team at jmsu-recruitment@ljmu.ac.uk