Help applying for a job

Applying for roles

To apply for any of our current job vacancies, you will need to complete an application form using our online portal. A separate application form will be required for each position you want to apply for. CV’s can be submitted via the online portal, however, an application form is also required.

Completing the form

Make sure you complete all sections of the form and follow the instructions provided. 

Pay attention to the 'experience, skills and achievement' section

The 'experience, skills and achievement' section is the most important part of the application as this will be used for shortlisting by the hiring manager. Use this section to highlight your experience and give examples of your relevant skills. You will need to address each point on the person specification in your supporting statement. 

How you'll hear from us

If your application is successful, we'll send you an email inviting you to an interview.  If you are unsuccessful, you will receive an email notifying you that you have not been shortlisted. We do not provide feedback at the shortlisting stage. 
 

You can increase your chances if you spend some time preparing for your interview: 

Get familiar with the job profile

The interview questions will be based around the job profile so think about what questions you could be asked and how you might answer them based on your experience and skills. Think about what you could bring to the team.

Research the council

Find out key facts and information such as our values, our approach and our services. Think about what you can bring to the council.   

Think of some questions

The interview is also an opportunity for you to get to know us, so make sure to come prepared with questions you'd like to ask the panel. Be enthusiastic and let your personality shine. 

Here's what to expect on your interview day. 

Interview location

Most interviews take place at our offices in Surrey Heath House, Camberley. If you are applying to work in Camberley Theatre, they take place at the Theatre.  

On arrival you should report to reception. Someone will come to greet you and take you up to the interview room. 

Your interview will take place in a private room with a panel. There are usually two members of staff on the panel. One of the panel will be the manager of the advertised role.

Travelling to your interview

Camberley Train Station is a 10 minute walk from Surrey Heath House. If you are driving, Knoll Road car park is a five minute walk from the office. 

Dress code

If you have an interview at Surrey Heath House, you should wear normal business dress.

Interview format

The panel will ask questions and make notes of your answers.  Remember the panel is on your side - they have invited you for interview and want to know more about you.  You'll get an opportunity at the end of the interview to ask any questions so you can find out more about the role or the council.

Tests and assessments

Your invitation to interview will let you know whether there will be a test; this will either be before or after your interview.

Hearing back from us

We will let you know at the end of the interview when you can expect us to inform you of the outcome. Sometimes interviews take place over a number of days. Please bear with us while we interview everyone and make a decision. 

Unsuccessful candidates will receive an email with the contact details for the hiring manager. You may request feedback on your interview performance. 

Offer

The Human Resources team will call the successful candidate to make the offer of employment. An offer letter will be issued via an email. Once we have received your acceptance, pre-employment checks will commence. 

Pre-employment checks

Pre-employment checks include:

References

We will require references covering a period of three years. Ensure that the names of referees that you supply relate to people who you know in a professional capacity. At least one referee should be your current manager or college tutor. Previous managers or tutors can also be named. Where possible, you should avoid providing names of colleagues or friends as referees.

Right to work in the UK

The Asylum and Immigration Act makes it a criminal offence for employers to recruit staff who are not entitled to work in the UK. Therefore any offer of employment will be subject to the provision of documentary evidence to demonstrate that the successful candidate is entitled to work in the UK.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Some posts may be subject to an enhanced or standard DBS Police check.  This will be stated in the advertisement and job profile. 

Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard

Some posts will have access to the secure public services network and is therefore subject to the Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard check. This means you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and apply for a Basic Disclosure Certificate

Pre-employment health check 

We will do a pre-employment health check via our third party provider called Optima Health to ensure you are fit to work or identify any adjustments that may be needed. The information that you share will be confidential between yourself and Optima Health.

Contact 

If you have any questions, please email recruitment@surreyheath.gov.uk (link sends email).