Our Approach to Recruitment

 

"With the support and development from the Council, I have progressed within the service, this enables me to lead the planning and development of the day centre. The challenges, opportunities and working as part of a team gives me great pride and sense of achievement." 

 

Sharon, Supervisor

Together we are Collaborative

A colleague with a backdrop design of our values

Your Journey Starts Here: Guidance for Applicants

Thank you for your interest in joining Westmorland and Furness Council. We are committed to building a diverse and skilled workforce that reflects the character of our community.

We believe in treating all applicants fairly and without bias. Our recruitment process is designed to be open, inclusive, and supportive, ensuring that you feel valued and able to demonstrate your strengths. We aim to make the process as transparent and equitable as possible for everyone.

Before you complete your application, we encourage you to review this guidance page, if there are any other queries you have on our recruitment process then please don't hesitate to contact us.

The Recruitment Process

Step 1 - Applying

Start your job search by finding a role that aligns with your knowledge, skills, and experience. 
Once you’ve spotted the perfect role, simply click ‘Apply Online.’ You will then be prompted to log in to your account or create a new one by selecting ‘New User Registration.’ After logging in, take your time to complete the application thoroughly, ensuring you demonstrate in your application how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. When you're ready, click submit, you will receive an automated email confirming that your application has been successfully submitted.

Application Hints and Tips

  • Explore our Council website, social media posts, and contact the listed person in the advert to discover more about working with Westmorland and Furness Council and to help you decide if you would like to work with us.
  • Check the details in the advert, post specification and role profile to help you identify the essential criteria for the role and assess if you meet the requirements.
  • Tell us about you and why you would like to join Westmorland and Furness Council, how your values and objectives align to ours, and why you are interested in the role.
  • Showcase your relevant knowledge, skills, behaviours, and experiences with real-life examples to demonstrate why you would be a great candidate.
  • Plan ahead by talking to your referees and getting their contact information.
  • Remember to review the information provided in your application for accuracy, especially the email address you have provided as we will use it to contact you.
  • Be sure to save a copy of the post specification, role profile, and advertisement for easy reference if you're invited to an interview.

Step 2 - Shortlisting

The details you have shared in your application will be assessed against the criteria outlined in the job’s post specification to determine if you are a match for the role. We will be in touch to let you know whether you have been selected for the next stage in the process, so be sure to keep an eye on your inbox!

Step 3 - Interview

If you are successful at shortlisting, the recruiting manager will invite you to an interview, either online or in person at one of our offices. This is your chance to shine and prove you are the ideal candidate for the role. Take the time to prepare by thinking of specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the role’s criteria.

Top tip: The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a great way to structure your answers and make a strong impression.

Step 4 - Offer & Pre-employment Checks

Once we have completed all interviews, the recruiting manager will be in touch to share the outcome of your application.
If you are the successful candidate, congratulations! You will receive a conditional offer email from our Recruitment Administration Team, detailing the necessary checks that need to be completed before you can officially join us. 

If this time the role isn't the perfect fit, don’t be discouraged. We would love to stay connected, so be sure to sign up for our job alerts or follow us on Facebook (Westmorland and Furness Council Jobs and Careers) to keep an eye out for future opportunities.

Step 5 - Onboarding

As soon as all your pre-employment checks are completed, your recruiting manager will reach out to you and agree your start date. In the meantime, we will be busy preparing for your first day and planning an induction to welcome you.

Reasonable adjustments

At Westmorland and Furness Council, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. As part of this commitment, we recognise the importance of making reasonable adjustments to accommodate the needs of candidates with disabilities.

Reasonable adjustments are modifications or accommodations made to support candidates with disabilities, aiming to remove or minimise barriers they may face during the recruitment process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any point throughout the recruitment process, please let the hiring manager know or alternatively reach out to the Recruitment Administration Team using the contact details below, and we would be happy to discuss.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Job Applications

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini, are powerful tools that can be helpful during your recruitment journey.  

They can support you with writing, organising your ideas, researching the role and preparing for interviews. However, AI should be used as a support, not a replacement. Your application must still show your real skills, experience and personality. 

How AI can help you

You may use AI to: 

  • make your writing clearer and easier to understand 
  • check spelling, grammar or clarity of what you have written 
  • get ideas for describing your skills and achievements 
  • improve the structure and flow of your application 
  • research the organisation, job role, secor, or public information about the Council 
  • practise interview questions and build confidence 
  • support clarity, if English is not your first language 

How not to use AI

Avoid using AI to: 

  • claim skills you do not have 
  • create experience you haven’t gained 
  • list qualifications or training you haven’t completed 

Do not: 

  • copy and paste AI-generated text without editing it 
  • give AI tools personal, sensitive or confidential information – add this yourself 
  • use AI during live or virtual interviews to help answer questions 

Why this is important

We want applications that are genuine and truthful. Heavy reliance on AI can make an application sound generic or misleading. 

If an application is found to be dishonest or heavily AI-generated, it may affect your chances of being offered the job. 

Amy
an apprentice working in the office
Customer Service desk in Barrow

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who should I contact if I am having technical issues submitting my application?

HR Systems can support with technical issues. Please email HR.Systems@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk and include the job title, WMF reference and a description of the issue you are experiencing. 

Can I apply for more than one position?

Yes, any role that you feel is suited to your knowledge, skills and experience, we would love to hear from you. Once you have created an account with us and submitted an initial application your basic details will be saved and can then be transferred to any future applications. Please note, each role you wish to apply for will need a separate application completed to be considered.

Can I submit a CV alongside my application?

To ensure consistency of applications received we currently do not consider CV's, our application form gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their suitability for the role and will solely be used to shortlist all candidates.

How will I know if my application has been successfully received?

Upon submitting your application you will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. Once the advert has closed and shortlisting has taken place you will also receive email communication from either the recruiting manager or our recruitment administration team, to inform you if you have been selected to progress to interview.

When will my references be requested?

If you have been successful and have accepted our conditional offer of employment we will send out your initial offer letter. Once this has been sent we will contact the referees you provided in your application to request your references.

Once I have a start date, what are the next steps?

The recruiting manager will make the necessary arrangements ahead of your start date for any equipment to be ordered, they will also keep in contact with you and will be available to answer any questions you may have.