Frequently asked questions
Applying to work for Warwickshire County Council
Your application is important to us and so the following advice has been designed to assist you with your application. Please consider carefully all the details in the recruitment pack and decide whether or not you think you meet at least the minimum criteria needed to do the job. The decision to invite candidates for interview is based on the details in your application, so please make sure you complete all the sections as fully as possible
How do I apply?
To apply you will need to complete our application form. You can download a copy from the website, request a pack to be sent out in the post or apply using our online application form. Please ensure you state the reference number and title of the post you wish to apply for on any correspondence.
Are CV’s acceptable?
CV’s alone are not an acceptable method of application. All candidates sending a CV only will be required to complete a WCC application form before the closing date.
Will I be notified that my application has been received?
If you have applied online and have provided an email address you will be sent an automated message to confirm your application form has been submitted. The recruitment team will endeavour to confirm receipt of applications sent in via email. Applications received via post will only receive notification of receipt if a self addressed postcard is attached to the application form.
If you are short listed you will be contacted with details of the selection arrangements. However, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We regret
that we are unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applications.
I want to apply online why do I have to log in using a Me@WCC id?
This is to increase security, give you the chance to save an application as a draft & lets you re-use the majority of your personal details for different applications.
How does the online application form work?
The tabbed look lets you see your progress through the application form.
The use of a Me@WCC login ID lets you save any application as a draft version to submit at a later stage. It also lets you store your CV & other details (known as a 'standard application' to use with any subsequent application form. We are now enforcing the use of a Me@WCC with the system, to ensure that all users have access to the 'save as draft' facility , as it has been found that some people without user IDs were disappointed at not being able to do this.
Equal Opportunities Monitoring details must be filled in. Central government requires that we produce statistics in this area: it is NOT used in the recruitment process to discriminate for or against any group.
Are there any restrictions to what I can enter on the online form?
Because of the way that the databases that our application system talks to work, we have had to impose a limit on how much text some boxes can take.
The following are all limited to 750 characters (a character corresponds to 1 letter, 1 comma or 1 blank space).
Current Employment - Duties
Previous Employment - Duties
Previous Employment - Reason For Leaving
Other Experience
Sickness Record
Disability Details
Reasonable adjustments for a disability
The Additional Information Box is unlimited.
Where restrictions apply, amber and red warning bars will appear as you get closer to the word limit. Once you have reached the word limit you will be prevented from typing any further text.
Does this mean I can't enter as much information as I'd like if I apply online?
It shouldn't do. You can record specific details of up to 50 previous employers & posts. Initially you will see boxes for 10 previous positions, but you can add more with the click of a mouse. In case you wish to record details of different posts with in the same organisation, the employer name gets copied down to the next available section as you progress. You can over type it if you like.
You can record details of 5 professional bodies. 3 can be chosen from a standard list of names, so that you don't have to type them in. There are 2 free format boxes just in case your organisation is not already on the list.
If you still want to add more information, then please add it into the Additional Details box, but only do this AFTER you have completed the proper boxes on the application. The system is set up not to accept an application if the mandatory boxes are not filled in
What about qualifications & other training?
Qualifications are easy to add. The drop down list lets you choose a qualification type (GCE, CSE, Degree etc). As you enter the details, the values you have added for Qualification type, Date, School / College / University & the Full time / Part time indicator all copied down to the equivalent boxes underneath (if they are empty). If needs be you can overtype them. This is to help you fill in details of school & college exams, where several exams were taken at the same time & in the same establishment.
Again this list shows 10, but you can add up to 50 qualifications, with the click of a mouse.
Other training lets you type in whatever you want.
Will I be able to submit my completed online application for future posts?
Although, each application form is for one specific post, it is possible to save all the information you entered for use with future applications. However, you must ensure that your personal statement reflects the criteria we are seeking, as outlined in the person specification. The danger of submitting an application form, only using previously stored details is that you may not adequately address the qualities we are seeking in the person specification and therefore may not be presenting yourself to the best of your ability. Before submitting any application form ensure that you read it carefully and have addressed the criteria as outlined in the person specification.
I saved a stored standard application before November 2007 & now the details look different.
The old system recorded certain details as big blocks of text, but this meant that our other computer systems couldn't automatically understand it, without it being printed off & typed in again by hand. In order to process applications forms more efficiently and prevent any chance of errors while re-typing, we have split many of the big boxes into lots of little boxes, where you are guided more closely as to what details you should enter where. Unfortunately this means that the details that were in the 'big boxes' are no longer available.
I have further questions...
If you are still having problems, you may wish to view our Technical Help Guide for Applying Online.
Further information regarding applying to work for Warwickshire County Council can be found in the ‘Best place to live and work’ document situated on the main page of the job section.
Alternatively please e-mail us at any time or during office hours, you can ring us on 01926 738500 or write to the Recruitment Team, Warwickshire County Council, Wedgnock House, Wedgnock Lane, Warwickshire, CV34 5AP.