Application form guidance

Your application form is the most important document in helping us to decide whether to invite you for an interview. It is therefore essential to complete it to the best of your ability, as it forms the first impression of your application. The shortlisting panel will only use the information on your application form to make their decision to shortlist.

We use an application form, rather than asking for CVs to make sure that we treat all applicants fairly and equally. The application form ensures that all applicants present their information in the same standardised format and only tell us what we need to know.

Please do not attach a CV - even if you do, we will not consider it.

All applications must be submitted on an official application form. Bedfordshire County Council’s application forms have guidelines attached to help you complete the form.

The guidance below may help you when completing your application form.

• Please read the application form guidelines before you complete the application form which will help you ensure you meet our requirements.
• Please complete all sections of the application form. Use an additional sheet if necessary; please use blank A4 sheets as continuation sheets. Make sure that you mark them clearly with your name, the job title and reference number.
• If you are posting your application please type or write in black ink. If you are handwriting your application, please ensure it is completed legibly.
• You should describe the kind of work and relevant experience that you have had. Do this in terms of your actual role or responsibilities, for example in a project, work area or team, and give examples where possible. Any experience gained outside of paid employment may be equally relevant, so give considerable thought to this area, particularly if you are not currently in paid employment.
• The Person Specification gives details of the experience, skills and abilities needed to carry out the duties. Every application will be compared against the person specification. 
• Please tell us in your application, in the section marked Additional Information how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification and demonstrate how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the job.
• Please note that late applications will not be considered without good reason.

Bedfordshire County Council is committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. To demonstrate our commitment we use the Disability Symbol which is awarded by the Employment Service. As a symbol user, we guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. If you have a disability please complete the Guaranteed Interview Scheme form.

The documents are available in both Word and PDF| formats