Application guide

Please note the closing date and time, and any other key information. For example, some advertisements state that applications may close early if very many people apply. So start work on your application as soon as possible: don’t miss the opportunity for what could be your next great role!

Read the job description thoroughly and if anything is unclear, please contact us: [email protected].

The job description includes:

1. An overview of the team, role and list of duties. This should help you decide if the role is for you.

2. What we’re looking for. This section shows you the criteria we use to assess applications and applicants’ replies to interview questions. Each role has essential and desirable criteria.

3. AIUK commitments. This section shows you what we expect of all our employees. We are looking for people who share our values, so we are likely to ask about this in your interview.

If any aspect of our recruitment process needs adjustment for you to be at your best in the interview, please contact [email protected]. Further information on possible adjustments can be found here.

There is guidance on the application form page on how to respond.

Your answers on the Employment / voluntary history page will tell us how your experience is relevant to the role you are applying for.

The Supporting information section asks you for examples of how you meet the criteria in the job description (What we’re looking for). We recommend listing each criterion and writing a few sentences with examples that explain how your experience meets it. The experience could be in paid work, volunteering or hobbies. An example response could be:

Excellent presentation and workshop facilitation skills

In my current role I regularly deliver presentations about the progress of projects. However, I have also presented to larger groups during awards evenings as part of an out of work hobby. I’ve learnt how important it is to rehearse and adapt content to be most relevant to the audience for the presentation to go smoothly. Additionally, I volunteer locally and run workshops which involve generating discussion about sensitive topics. I find it’s important to listen carefully to what workshop participants say so that I can adapt my responses and invite others to speak. I try to monitor the participants and bring in those speaking less, or checking in on them separately if they seem uncomfortable.

It may be tempting to list all your achievements, but a considered and concise response is all we need. You should not exceed 150 words per criteria.

Use of the STAR method can ensure your answers are clear, concise and demonstrate clearly what your role was in a specific example.

Situation - Explain the context and relevant information

Task - What specific activities were you involved in?

Action - How did the situation evolve and what did you do?

Result - What was the outcome? What did you learn? What was implemented as a result?