Candidate guide
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Our recruitment journey
You’re interested in working for us and have found a job you want to apply for. What’s the next step?
This guide will set out what to expect at each stage and how to prepare.
Our recruitment process is in line with the Civil Service Fair and Open recruitment policy. We ensure anonymity where appropriate. We’re also committed to the Disability Confident Employer Scheme (DCS).
How we assess your application
We assess all applications using the Civil Service Success Profiles. We recommend reading this before you start your application.
Success profiles aim to deliver a better fit between you as a candidate and the job you're applying for. This also allows you to present all your skills and experiences. This enables us to take a more rounded approach when evaluating candidates.
Application format
All applications are submitted through our recruitment portal (iTrent). Please ensure you complete all fields, or you won’t be able to submit the application. If you've any technical issues contact the resourcing team.
Please note:
- we do not accept speculative applications or applications sent through email
- all applications should be anonymous
- you'll register your details on our system, so no identifying information is needed in the application
- please tick the Disability Confident Employer Scheme box if you meet this criteria.
We work with two methods of application:
1. CV and supporting statement
You must attach your CV and supporting statement as a Word document or PDF file. Please see the CV template and application guide to help you with your CV and supporting statement.
We’ll assess your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the job description.
2. Online application form (where applicable)
There are some limited occasions where you’ll be asked to complete an application form. The online application form has guidance notes and prompts on screen for you to follow.
There will be up to four behaviours noted within the ‘Success Profile’ section of the job description. We’ll assess your application against these behaviours and your experience. Find out more about Civil Service behaviours.
You'll have a text box to outline and provide examples of how you meet each behaviour. Each text box has a 250 word limit.
The interview
All information about your interview will be included in the invitation and confirmation emails. This would include any required presentations or practical activities on the day.
If you need reasonable adjustments for your interview, email the resourcing team.
These will focus on the Civil Service Behaviours and experience criteria from the job description. Try to make sure your answers are concise and informative, we recommend using the STAR template for responses (situation, task, action, result).
- situation or context - describe the situation by providing a background - set the scene for your statement
- task or target -outline the task you had to complete and describe your responsibilities
- action - explain the steps you took or the decisions you made (refer to the behaviour description to ensure it relates)
- result or outcome -explain the outcomes of your actions, the results should be positive
Make sure the statements are relevant to the question and reflect your own experience.
A presentation or exercise may be needed at the interview. This is at the recruiting manager’s discretion, and we’ll advise you of any requirements by email. All the relevant information will be in the initial invitation email.
Most interviews will take place in person. For some roles and situations, we may offer interviews online. If you cannot attend in person, you should still book an interview slot then contact the resourcing team to discuss.
Reappointment
If you worked with us or the wider Civil Service before, including the Northern Ireland Civil Service, you may apply to be considered for reappointment on a permanent or fixed-term basis. Please contact the resourcing team to discuss eligibility.
We hope you find the recruitment journey a seamless one and wish you every success.
Get in touch
Email our Talent and Resourcing team if you’d like more information: resourcing@forestryandland.gov.scot.