The application form is your opportunity to highlight your skills and experience and explain why we should interview you.
We've put together a guide on how to complete our application form and perform well at the interview.
Top tips for your application
- Always check your spelling and grammar.
- Always save any work as you progress through your application.
The decision to shortlist you for an interview will be solely based on the information you provide in your application form.
Certain fields on the form are mandatory.
Employment History
- Always list your most recent work experience, going back by five years.
Supporting Information
- In this section, you will evidence how you meet the shortlisting criteria selected in the 'Application Form' column of the Person Specification in the Job Description document.
- Give real-life examples to demonstrate how you match the criteria. You will only be shortlisted if you are deemed by the panel to meet the essential requirements of the Person Specification.
- Keep your information relevant, concise and factual.
- This is your opportunity to highlight any transferable skills and how you would adapt them to the role you are applying for.
We have deliberately omitted any requests for educational background from applications.
Sustrans strives to remove any possible unconscious bias relating to education status and educational establishments, as part of our 'For Everyone' commitment.
We note that qualifications are specified on the Personal Specification for certain roles - such as those within Design, Engineering, IT and Maintenance - and will be required to be submitted should you be successful at interview, prior to starting.
Additional Questions
- For some roles, instead of a Supporting Information section, there will be a section to answer specific additional questions set by the hiring manager.
CV and Cover Letter
- For a select number of roles, instead of a Supporting Information section, there will be a section to upload a CV and cover letter.
- Only when requested, CVs and cover letters should be uploaded through our application portal.
Interview Preparation
- Preparation is critical to a successful interview.
- Do your research. Please look at our website and find out what we do.
- Pay close attention to the 'At Interview' column when preparing for the interview. Using the selected criteria, draw on your experience to provide evidence during your interview; you may bring notes and refer to notes to focus your answers.
- Take time to read through your application form before your interview.
- Your interview will be either face-to-face or virtual. If attending a face-to-face interview, please ensure you know the interview location. If you are running late, don't hesitate to contact the Recruitment Team on 0131 378 9995.
- Some of our interviews will also involve an interview task. Details will be sent with your interview confirmation.
At the interview
- Turn up on time - ideally, arrive five minutes early.
- Express engaging behaviours such as not crossing your arms and maintaining eye contact if you feel comfortable.
- Always speak clearly and keep your language clear and concise.
- Be enthusiastic and motivated about the role that you're applying for.
- Interviews are a two-way street: you can sell your skills and ask questions about the organisation.
- You will be given time to ask any questions you may have.
Remember
- Do not criticise your current or previous employer(s).
- You can ask for the question to be repeated or, if in a virtual interview, written in the chat.
Contact the Recruitment Team
We understand that the path to securing a role can be challenging and that some individuals may require specific adjustments to ensure a fair and accessible interview process.
Please don’t hesitate to let us know on jobs@sustrans.org.uk if you need assistance.
Here are some examples of adjustments you can request:
- application forms in a different format
- a copy of interview questions up to an hour in advance
- access to your own notes and the ability to write notes during the interview
- extra time for interview questions and tasks
- to ask interviewers to repeat questions
- for interviewers to type the interview questions in the chat box of virtual interviews
- for a British Sign Language interpreter.
If you have any reasonable adjustments in mind that are not mentioned above, please let us know, and we will do our utmost to accommodate your request.
Please see Acas’ page for further information regarding reasonable adjustments.
Please also note that all Sustrans hubs are wheelchair accessible, ensuring that physical access is not a barrier to your engagement with us.
For other queries, you can get in touch with the Recruitment Team:
Good luck with your application.
