How to apply

We advertise our job vacancies on our online recruitment system.

How to apply for jobs on the online recruitment system

To apply for jobs you will need to register on our system. You will need a personal email account to do this as all correspondence between you and Bradford Council will be by email. Don't worry if you do not have one as we will provide you with information and simple guidance on how to get a free email address. You can also find guidance on setting up an email address and using computers at your local library.

Top tip: please be aware that all correspondence will be sent to the email address that you have used to log on to the system. Please review the junk filters on your email account as sometimes emails can be directed there instead of your normal inbox.

You can also view copies of the correspondence on your candidate page.

Applying for a job with Bradford Council

Find out:

Cleaning and catering jobs

If you are looking for a job within the Council’s Catering or Cleaning Service you will need to visit Find a job at gov.uk which lists available vacancies within Bradford Council.

If you want to search for a vacancy the following search job titles will help you:

  • Catering vacancies: Kitchen assistant (schools), Assistant Unit Managers, Unit Managers, Cafe assistants working at recreational venue or within the city centre
  • Cleaning vacancies: Cleaners, Site Supervisors, Caretakers working in either schools or Council buildings/offices

Completing the application form

Jobs can only be applied for online. Please see our vacancies website for more information.

Do I need to complete all of the application form?

The form is divided into several sections. You need to complete each section with the information we ask for. Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself from one section to another if you think it is necessary to cover all your skills and experiences.

Top tip: on each section of the application form there is additional guidance available. This is highlighted in orange.

Can I submit a CV instead of an application form?

The Council accepts both application form and CV, however how you apply is stipulated in the job advert.

What is the purpose of the job profile?

The job profile outlines the duties you would be expected to undertake if you were in the role. The section called Special Knowledge defines the key technical knowledge you would need to undertake the role. You must clearly demonstrate in your application form that you meet these criteria.

The section called Experience defines what previous experience you need to undertake the role. You must demonstrate that you have this in your application form.

The section called Qualifications lists the essential qualifications that you must hold to undertake the role. You must clearly demonstrate that you have these qualifications in your application form.

The Core employee (and, where applicable, management) competencies section highlights the key competency areas that you would be expected to hold.

Applicants will be shortlisted using special knowledge, experience and qualifications. That’s why it is essential that you demonstrate your abilities against these three key areas in your application form.

The competencies section is not used at shortlisting stage, but we will ask you questions about them at the interview.

Providing evidence of meeting the competencies

You will be expected to provide examples of your special knowledge, experience and qualifications.

Use words such as “I planned” or “I organised” to show what your previous role was and what you were responsible for. You can also include examples of voluntary work. For example, have you held a position of responsibility in a community association?

If you are completing a paper application form and you need more space, use extra sheets of paper. Please put your name on these sheets with the post reference number – shown on the front of the application form.

Top tip: when completing your online application form, you may wish to compose your answers in a word processing package, and then copy and paste your answers into the form. That way you can spell-check your text and will have a backup version of your answers.

Disability

If you consider yourself to have a disability, you need to be clear about this on your form. The Council has a policy to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential special knowledge criteria (these are marked with a X). You must also be able to demonstrate that you meet the experience and qualifications criteria.

Find out more about job applications from disabled people.

Rehabilitation of offenders, protection of children and vulnerable adults

Some Council jobs, particularly in the Department of Children’s Services and Health and Wellbeing Services, are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Others are subject to provisions concerning the protection of children and vulnerable adults. If you fail to disclose any previous convictions it could lead to dismissal or disciplinary action. Any information you give will be confidential and will only be used in relation to the particular post applied for. The information you give us will be checked by the police, because we have a legal duty to protect our clients – this is known as a disclosure check.

Disclosure Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service

If the post needs a disclosure check, you will have to apply for and disclose a DBS check as a requirement of the post.

References

You need to give us details for two referees. They must be people who can confirm you have the previous experience you say you have.

You must ask them if they would be prepared to complete a reference form for you if required.

If you are in work one of the referees must be your present employer. If you are a student, one of the referees should be your school or college tutor.

Please do not attach any references with your application form. If you wish to withhold permission to contact referees, you should give clear instructions on the application form.

Equalities monitoring information

We collect and monitor the following information about job applicants: age, disability, gender, race and ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Why monitor equalities data?

This helps us prevent inequality amongst staff and take account of the diverse needs of our staff, which benefits the Council, our employees and other stakeholders.

Who has access to equalities data?

Only staff in Human Resources and Employee Administration have access to individual equalities data. You can be assured that your personal details will remain strictly confidential.

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