How to Apply

Applying

It's easy to Apply Online, in three easy steps:

1. Upload your CV.
2. Answer the screening questions.
3. Provide a personal statement telling us about your skills and experience. 

How to write a strong job application

A well‑written application is essential to being shortlisted for a role at Stevenage Borough Council.

We assess applications against the criteria in the job advert and person specification, so it’s important that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements.

1. Read the job advert carefully

Before you start your application:

• Read the job description and person specification in full
• Identify the essential criteria – you must meet these to be shortlisted
• Make sure you understand the main skills, experience and behaviours required
• Treat the essential criteria like a checklist and talk about each one in your application

2. Use your supporting statement effectively

Your supporting statement is the most important part of your application.

This is your chance to:

• Show how your skills and experience fit the job
• Give clear examples of your achievements
• Prove you have the skills and experience we are looking for

For each of the criteria explain what you’ve done that matches it. Good applications show evidence of how your actions made an impact. For example, rather than just saying “I have good communication skills”, explain how you used them and what you achieved.

Tips for writing an effective supporting statement:

• Make sure your application is specific to the job you are applying for
• Use short paragraphs and keep your answers focused
• Use headings to organize your writing if it helps
• Provide specific examples or evidence rather than making general statements
• When describing your experience explain what you did, and the outcome or result
• Be careful if you use AI (artificial intelligence) to help. Sometimes it makes mistakes, and it can make your application sound less personal.
• It’s sometimes easier to draft your supporting statement separately, then copy it into the application form

3. Check your application before submitting

Before you submit:

• Carefully check spelling and grammar
• Make sure you have explained how you meet all essential criteria
• Ensure your application is clear, accurate and complete
• If you can, ask someone else to read it and give feedback

Attending an interview

Come to Stevenage for a face-to-face interview or meet us virtually.

You may be required to complete a task on the day or have a presentation prepared.

For face-to-face interviews bring your Right to Work and proof of ID documents.

Receiving an offer

If successful, we will offer you the role verbally.

Once you accept the offer we will follow this up in writing with a conditional offer letter, and start our pre-employment checks.

Your contract 

Once all the checks are received a start date will be agreed and we will issue your contract of employment.

Please note

Stevenage Borough Council works with agencies on our approved supplier list/framework. We do not accept speculative CVs or candidate details from agencies. Receipt of an unsolicited CV/details does not constitute an introduction or contract. No agency terms will apply unless expressly agreed in writing in advance.