Applying for a job with us


We want to take this opportunity of thanking you for your interest in coming to join the Isle of Wight Council. Good luck with your application!
Your application form will play a very important part in the selection process. These guidance notes have been put together to help you to produce the best application you can.

If you do not hear back from us on this occasion or you are unsuccessful at the interview stage please do not let it deter you from applying for other jobs with us.

Take the time to carefully read these notes along with all the information provided about the job.

The information you provide on your application form will help us to decide
whether your skills, abilities, experience, knowledge and qualifications meet the requirements of the job as set out in the Person Specification.

To be short listed you will need to show on your application form how you meet all the essential requirements of the post, or, where we receive a large number of applications for a particular job, how you meet the requirements of the job to the highest level.

As part of our commitment to Equal Opportunities we have committed to shortlist people with disabilities who are considered to meet the essential criteria of the post. If you indicate under the Personal Details section on the application form that you consider yourself to have a disability then we will process your application accordingly.

Completing the application

  • It is important that you complete all sections of our application form; a curriculum vitae (CV) cannot be accepted as a substitute.
  • At the top of the application please ensure you have filled out the details of the job you are applying for. Look at the advert to get the job reference number.
  • We ask that you provide us with your date of birth but this is only used for monitoring and administrative purposes not as part of shortlising/selection criteria.
  • If you are filling in the application by hand please fill it in, in black ink to aid photocopying.
  • If you are filling in the application online then please keep to the format of the form and do not change any of the fields.
  • Make sure the information you provide is clear. Ideally if hand writing your application, use block capitals for your personal and contact information or for the whole application if your writing is poor.
  • Use extra sheets of A4 paper if you need to but make sure they are securely attached to the application form.

Some other things to remember:

  • If you are short-listed, your referees will be contacted before your interview, unless you have indicated on the form that you do not wish us to contact them at this stage. Please note that references will be required as part of our pre-employment checks. Check with your referees that they are happy for us to contact them before you name them. This will save time!
  • Try and keep free any interview date mentioned in the advert or other information sent out- we cannot promise to rearrange.
  • Please return the application to the section named person detailed. Be sure to return it to us on time, applications received after the closing date will not normally be considered.
  • It is always useful for you to keep a copy of your completed application form for future reference.

First job? Not filled in a job application for a while?

Click here for some more comprehensive guidance on completing your application.
We want you to use your application form to tell us about yourself. We will not make assumptions about your skills or abilities even if you work or have worked for the Council previously. Be clear on the form about how you feel you match the requirements for the job.

Pre-employment Checks

Before any offer of employment is confirmed we need to undertake various checks to ensure your suitability for the post. For further information on these checks please see the pre-employment checks section.



Page last updated on: 29/09/2006