Our Process

Application

Once you’ve found a job you like the look of, you’ll need to make an online application. You’ll be asked to set up a candidate account and to upload your CV.

When answering the questions please bear in mind we place great value on the written information you provide to support your CV. We recommend that when providing details of your skills and experience, you revisit the job advert and job description to match your response to the requirements of the role. As you complete your application it will be automatically saved and you can come back make amendments up to the point you press submit. Once submitted, we’ll send you an email to confirm we’ve received your application.

We understand that it takes time and effort to complete an application; therefore we promise your application will be carefully reviewed by both the recruitment team and hiring manager, usually within 7 days of the closing date, and we will let you know the outcome, whatever it may be.

Interview

If you’re successful, we’ll get in touch to arrange an interview. As part of the interview process it’s likely we’ll ask you to complete a task; we do this as we believe that it creates a better opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills and suitability to the role. Part of our process will also include a competency-based interview. We’ll ask you questions which focus on how you’ve used your skills, knowledge and experience in specific tasks in previous roles. You’ll be providing us with relevant examples of your work experience which demonstrate your ability to do the job you’ve applied for.

You’ll need to bring along evidence of your right to work in the UK and any educational qualifications and professional certificates. Information about the type of evidence we require can be found here.

Offer

Once your interview or assessment is completed, we’ll be back in touch to let you have our decision. In some cases, we may invite you back for a second interview. If we offer you a job, we’ll usually do this by phone and we’ll confirm it in writing, too. We’ll also let you know if you haven’t been successful.

All our roles are subject to reference checking and some will also require a criminal reference check.

FAQs

1. I need to update my details

You can update your name, email address and contact details by logging into your profile.

2. How do I update my CV?

If for any reason you want to change your CV just email the updated version to hr@nfer.ac.uk.

3. What if I want to change an answer to a question on my application form?

This is a tricky one. If you have already submitted your application then we’re unable to make any changes to the answers you have provided. However, you can advise us of the change by email and we will add a note to your application.

4. I am having issues with my application. How do I get help?

For any technical issues or queries that you cannot find the answer to please contact our resourcing team at hr@nfer.ac.uk

5. When will I know the outcome of my application?

We understand that waiting to hear back is a frustrating part of the process, so we keep in contact with you at each stage. You’ll get a notification email after you’ve applied and we then aim to assess all applications within 7 days following the closing date for the role. Some of the roles produce a high volume of applications which take time to carefully review and consider. When this happens we will keep you informed by sending a quick email just letting you know how we are getting on. If you’re unsuccessful we will update you via email, and if you have any questions you are welcome to contact us at hr@nfer.ac.uk to discuss your application.

6. Will you let me know even if I am not shortlisted?

Absolutely! We’ve all been there when applying for jobs and know the frustrations of not hearing back. We respect the time and effort you have taken to complete an application and do our best to keep you updated with its progress; we let you know whatever the outcome.

7. Can I send you my CV?

If you know the area or type of work you are interested in then we recommend you sign up for job alerts. We will then email you when a job you may be interested in becomes open.

8. Can I get feedback regarding my application?

If we consider your application to be unsuitable you can contact our team who will be happy to give you feedback and discuss why your application was unsuccessful.

9. Can you assist me in gaining a UK work permit?

NFER has a Home Office sponsorship licence and can therefore sponsor non UK candidates through the UK Skilled Worker route. If the role is open to sponsorship it will usually say so within the advert. If you are interested in a role that does not mention this please contact us at hr@nfer.ac.uk and we will advise.

10. Do you have a graduate scheme?

We have decided to pause our graduate scheme while it is under review. At the moment there are no dates planned as to when it will be reopened.

11. I’m interested in an internship, do you do this?

We do take interns to come and work with us for four to eight weeks. You will be involved in project-related work. If this is something that interests you, you’ll need to email us and provide details of the type of work you would be interested in and an overview of how this experience matches your studies.

12. Why do I need a DBS?

Our offers are on the condition of a satisfactory DBS Disclosure Certificate. The level will depend on the nature of your role, for example if your role requires you to go into a school you’ll need the have a cleared enhance DBS and barring check.  On your application form you’ll be asked to disclose previous criminal convictions and charges and any pending prosecutions or cautions in line with the level of check that you would undergo for that role. We understand that sometimes the mistakes of our past stay with us so you will not be automatically disqualified if your check comes back with convictions; just be honest on your application and we will review it fairly against the requirements of the role. You can find out more about our Policy for Recruitment of Ex-offenders online or feel free to contact us for a confidential chat at hr@nfer.ac.uk

13. When does a job close?

In most cases, we include a closing date on the advert and the job will close at midnight on the date given. Unfortunately, if you miss the deadline we are unable to accept late applications.

14. Why has the job been re-advertised?

There are times when we may re-advertise a role even though the closing date has passed. This is by no means related to the applications we have received; we prioritise these applications but leave the advert running as sometimes it is still active on other job boards.

15. How can I check if the vacancy is still available?

As soon as a job is filled or passes its expiry date it is automatically removed from our site. You may still find a job listed on external boards but if there is no listing on our site then it’s no longer open for applications.

16. How long will the selection process take?

It varies but we understand the pressures of looking for work and will do our best to make quick decisions and take decisive action wherever possible. You can always track your application through the Careers Portal when you log in.

17. How does the interview process work?

We use competency-based interviews, psychometric testing and assessment centres but there are a variety of other selection tools we use where necessary. You will be given details of any assessment when you are invited to interview.

18. What if I need some additional support with my interview?

If you have a disability and require any reasonable adjustments or have particular access needs, we would be happy to discuss these with you. Please email hr@nfer.ac.uk or call us on 01753 637269.

19. Are there flexible working options?

Our teams value social networks and relationship so we make opportunities to come together. This means it’s rare a role with us will ever be 100% remote. However, as a flexible and collaborative organisation with a hybrid working model our aim is to enable you to work as effectively as you can depending on what it is you need to do. We are open to exploring flexible working so don’t be afraid to ask the question. 

20. Is there an equal opportunity policy?

Yes, click here to find out more. It helps us attract, develop and retain outstanding talent – regardless of background. Our selection and assessment processes are free from bias or discrimination. Everyone is given access to opportunities within the organisation.

21. Why are you asking me personal questions on my application?

We monitor the equality and diversity of candidates who submit applications to us and we do this by asking each candidate the same eight questions at the start of their application. The answers provided are not included in the application form and are not shared with anyone at any point. The information you provide remains 100 per cent confidential and will only be used for reporting purposes. It is optional but we hope that you will share this information with us to enable us to monitor the demographics and diversity of our candidates.

22. Is there a limit to the number of times I can apply?

Some of our roles are popular and there are times when we have more candidates than opportunities available. While there are no limits as to how many times you can apply, if you have been unsuccessful on a few occasions you may find it helpful to discuss the reasons with us.

23. Where can I find your Privacy Notice?

You can find our privacy notice here

24. Do you work with Recruitment Agencies?

Please be advised that we do not work with agencies on a speculative basis. We have a direct sourcing model and when we need that little extra support we have strong partnerships in place to provide the necessary expertise. We ask that agencies do not contact us as we will not respond.