Applications

You will be asked to either complete an online application form or provide a CV and cover letter when applying for a role with us.

Linked in every job advert is an overview of the position, called a Job Accountability Statement (JAS), the skills needed for the role are outlined in the person specification. From time to time, depending on the role, candidates may also receive additional information, which usually relates to the role being advertised.

When completing your application, we strongly advise that you use these documents to help you identify the key skills, personal qualities and knowledge you need to have for this role, as well as demonstrating how you are the most suitable candidate for the role.

During the shortlisting process (one of the main areas), we will be looking for evidence (such as examples of the relevant skills, attitude, behaviours or knowledge you have) that demonstrates why you are the most suitable person for the role.

If you would like help in completing an online application form, contact the Digital Access Support Team on 01206 282452 or email the Digital Access Support Team.

If there is not a current vacancy that interests you or if you are unsuccessful at the interview stage, we would still like you to consider working for Colchester City Council.

We would encourage you to regularly check our website for jobs and register with our jobs e-mail alert service.

We do not accept speculative CVs or applications.

Hints and tips

Before applying, it is important that you feel that Colchester City Council is the right employer for you. Have a look around our jobs page, main website and on social media to gain a better understanding of who we are and what we do.

All our job adverts include a named contact. If you have found a role that interests you, contact the recruiting manager to chat about the role in more detail.

Your application form is the main source of information we will use to decide if we will offer you an interview. You need to show us that you meet all the essential criteria, so make sure you clearly show how you meet each item.

Sell your experience and knowledge, demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the role. We will compare applications to our person specification to decide who will be shortlisted for an interview.

Preparing for an interview

Candidates selected for an interview will be emailed within 4 weeks of the closing date with details of the assessment and selection process that they are being invited to undertake.

Our interview processes can vary but will typically involve either an in-person or virtual panel interview With at least 2 interviewers.

For some roles we may also carry out additional stages including practical assessment or virtual assessments.
 
Part of your interview will include some competency-based questions. These help us to assess your abilities against the essentials of the person specification.

We will ask you to provide examples of how you meet these competencies. So again, remember to read the person specification before your interview and think carefully about how you meet these criteria. The examples you use do not have to be all work-related.
 

Interview tips

• Prepare as much as possible for the interview. This will provide you with confidence and ensure your experience will be a more positive one and will assist the panel to find the right person for the job.
• Be prepared to share examples of how you have demonstrated knowledge and skills from your previous experience. These can be transferable skills from previous roles or education.
• You may also find it helpful to check out our website, social media feeds and our vision, values, and behaviours.
• If you are unsure how to dress for your interview, find out more on dressing for a job interview.
• Make sure you know where and when your interview will be held and plan your journey accordingly. It is important that you arrive on time so that we can carry out a full interview and enable you to shine.
• Bring your right to work documentation, and any other documents requested in your interview invitation.
• Prepare any questions you may want to ask at the interview and, if necessary, write these down.
• Listen carefully to the questions being asked, if you do not understand, then do not be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat the question.
• Most importantly, relax, be confident, enjoy and be yourself – we can’t wait to meet you.