Your job application questions answered

How can I see all the vacancies?
Click on www.bedford.gov.uk/jobs and then click on the ‘View all Vacancies’ button. You can then scroll through the pages and view all the live vacancies. 

I am looking for a specific role, but there are none advertised. How can I be notified when a suitable advert is published?
You will need to create a candidate account. You can then set up an alert that will send you an email when a vacancy is added that you may be interested in. You will just need to select the job type.

Can I filter all the roles so I just see ones I am interested in?
Yes, you can search for roles in different categories by using the menus on the home page. If there is nothing in your chosen category, then please check again in a few days, vacancies are added regularly.

I am looking for a role that can be done from home, will the advert say whether this is possible?
This should be included in the advert, if it isn’t then please email us.

If I am unsure if a role is suitable for me, can I talk to someone?
We cannot advise you on whether you should apply or not, you should look at the job description, selection criteria and advert for the role and make a decision on whether you feel your experience, skills and qualifications match up with what the role requires. 

How do I apply for a role?
You will need to create a candidate account before you can apply for a role. You will just need to complete a short online form and you can then apply for roles by uploading a CV for each role.

I don’t have a CV, can I still apply?
You will need a CV in order to apply. An optional CV template is provided, and it should be tailored for each vacancy you apply for to show that you have the right qualifications, skills and experience for the role.

I have never created a CV, is there any help available?
The Jobs Hub will be able to help you to create your CV.

I want to apply for two roles, can I use the same CV to apply for both?
Your CV should show the hiring manager that you have the right qualifications, skills and experience for the role, so you may need to make some changes to your CV depending on the requirements of the role.

I don’t have access to a computer or laptop, can I still apply?
Yes, all Bedford Borough Libraries have computers available for use, or you can use a smart phone to create an account and apply.

I can’t create an account, what can I do?
Check you have completed all the required steps and make sure your email address has been input accurately so that you receive your password.

I have created an account but have forgotten my password, what can I do?
Click on the ‘Forgotten Password’ link on the home page, and a temporary password will be sent to you via email.

How do I know that my application has been received?
You will receive an email to confirm your application has been received. 

How long will I have to wait to find out if I have been chosen for an interview?
Most of our adverts show the date the interviews will take place, so you should find out well in advance of this date. If no date is given, we will try to make sure all applicants are updated as quickly as possible.

Do you have a guaranteed interview scheme?
We do. Bedford Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and part of the Armed Forces Covenant, and we guarantee to interview to any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for under these schemes.

How will my application be scored?
The Hiring Manager will use your CV and a set of application questions to determine who will be invited to interview. You will need to make sure that your CV covers the requirements for the role.

I am an overseas applicant, can I apply for a role?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept applications from overseas, unless you already have eligibility to work in the UK. 

I am based in the UK, but I will need to be sponsored to work in the UK. Can I still apply?
We will only consider visa sponsorship for applicants applying for Social Worker roles in Children’s or Adults' Services, or Care Assistant roles in Adult Services.

How long will my application be retained if I am not successful?
Unsuccessful applications will automatically be removed from our system after six months.

Will my interview be held virtually or in person?
This depends on the role. Where possible interviews will be held in person, but we will try to be flexible where possible.

Is there a dress code for interviews?
Not really, we would expect applicants to be dressed smartly and appropriately for the role they have applied for.

Do you pay interview expenses?
The Council does not pay interview expenses.

Where can I park when I come to interview?
There are a number of public car parks in Bedford town centre and the surrounding area, got to our Council car parks webpage for more information.

Do I need to bring anything to interview?
This will be confirmed in your interview invite.

I need to reschedule my interview for a different date/time, will you do this?
This will depend on the availability of the panel, we will try to be flexible but it may not always be possible.

How will I find out if I am being offered the job?
If you are the successful candidate, a member of the interview panel will contact you to offer you the role.

Will you tell me if I have been unsuccessful at interview?
Yes, you will receive an email from us.

Can I ask for feedback if I am not offered the job?
Yes, just email us and we will arrange this for you.

Can I reapply for the same role if I see it is advertised again in the future?
You can apply for the same role more than once. If you were not successful in being invited for interview you may need to update your CV to improve your chance of being selected for an interview.

I have just been offered a role, should I resign from my current job?
No, don’t resign yet.  The offer will be conditional as we have a number of pre-employment clearances to obtain first. 

Will I receive a letter to confirm the offer?
You will receive a formal offer from us that confirms the offer and sets out the pre-employment clearances that we need before you can start in the role.

Will you need to get references for me?
We will need two references, the requirement varies depending on the role you have been offered and this will be confirmed to you by email.

This is my first job so I don’t have anyone that could provide an employer’s reference, will this be a problem?
No, we can accept references from Universities, Colleges, Schools, organisations where you have done voluntary work etc.

Will I have to apply for DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance? Do I pay for this?
If the role requires you to have DBS clearance this will be confirmed in the advert and in your offer letter. Applications are made electronically, and all costs are met by the Council.

How do I prove my right to work in the UK?
This will vary. We use an online system where possible to verify candidate’s right to work in the UK, but we can also verify documents in person or on the Home Office website.

How long does it take to get all the pre-employment clearances?
This will vary depending on the number of clearances and how quickly referees respond. 

Can I resign from my current job before all the pre-employment clearances have been received?
We do not advise you do this. Until we have satisfactory pre-employment clearances the offer will remain conditional.

When will I receive my contract?
You will receive your contract before you start, it will be part of your ‘Onboarding’.

How will I know when you have received all my pre-employment clearances?
Your Line Manager will contact you to discuss a start date, at this point you can resign from your current job and work any required notice period.

How will I know where to come on my first day?
Your manager will arrange this with you, they will confirm all agreed details through the ‘Onboarding’ process.

When do I start on my first day?  Do I need to bring anything with me on my first day?
Your manager will arrange this with you, they will confirm all agreed details through the ‘Onboarding’ process.

Will I need to provide my P45 and bank details before I start?
We will collect all the information we need from you thorough the ‘Onboarding’ process. You may not receive your P45 before you start with us, so you can provide this whenever you receive it.

When will I get paid?
Payday is 27th of each month (or the nearest working day before the 27th). Depending on your start date, you may get paid the month you start, but it could be the following month.