How to Apply Online

There are 3 ways to apply for a vacancy:

1. Apply Online
2. Contact the recruitment line on 023 9279 4358 or email recruitment@lifeyouwant.org.uk for an application pack.
3. Send us your CV and we will contact you if we think you match the skills needed for a vacancy.  However, you would need to complete an application form if you want to be considered for a specific job.

Please remember to always quote the job reference number.

Guidance Notes for Completing the Application Form

Please read the following notes carefully as the decision to shortlist you for interview will be based on the information that you provide in the application. This advice is designed to help you complete the application form as effectively as possible.

Examine the job pack

For all YOU job there is a role profile which includes a person specification.  Read this carefully before completing your application. You can also find out lots of information about our organisation by browsing this website. .

Examine the person specification

The person specification sets out the minimum skills, knowledge and experience required to do the job. Your application will be assessed to see if you meet these minimum requirements.

Analyse your experience

Look at the person specification - what evidence can you provide to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to meet each item in the person specification?  Think wider than your current job.  What about outside interests, voluntary work, previous employment.

Presentation

• Use a clear font such as Arial on your application form;
• Read the completed form through;
• Have you answered every question?
• Save a copy of the form for reference;
• Make sure that your form arrives by the closing date.

Factual Information

Complete all the factual parts of the form - things like name, address etc.

Qualifications

The holding of a qualification will only influence shortlisting where this is specifically asked for. It is important that you include any training that has not led to any qualification/ accreditation, particularly if it is relevant to the post applied for.

Employment History

Type the names and addresses of present and past employers. Remember, if you have done community or voluntary work to list this also - this is as relevant as paid work experience. If there is not enough space to fill out your employment history you could always add an additional page.

References

If you have been employed, one referee must be your present or last employer. If not, think of someone who can say something useful and relevant about you, however this should not be a friend or relative, but someone who knows you in a professional capacity.  If you are known by a different name by a referee, make sure you include this on the form. Make sure that you have contacted your referees and that they are prepared to give you a reference.

Skills and Abilities

This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you meet the criteria on the Person Specification and make your case for the job. Make sure that you fill in this section; if not, we will be unable to assess your application against the person specification.

Do not merely repeat your career history but pick out the skills, knowledge and experience required by each aspect of the person specification and provide evidence that you possess them. Mention any relevant experience you have acquired outside work, such as community, voluntary or leisure interests.