Our recruitment process runs in partnership with Hoople Resourcing. All vacancies within the Community Wellbeing Directorate are placed on the Hoople website where you can read full details and apply online. For consistency we ask all applicants to complete an application form. The application form should refer to your skills, abilities, qualifications and experience in line with the job description and person specification or role profile.
You can also upload your CV and some sections will be automatically filled in for you. You can find a job description attached to every advert. It will describe the job and list the tasks and duties which you will perform if you are successful. The person specification shows the ideal skills, knowledge, and experience for the job. It separates these requirements into ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ categories.
We shortlist against the person specification criteria. In the application form, describe how your skills and experience meet the criteria. This can help you move to the next stage of the recruitment process. To avoid the risk of bias, shortlisting is completed by at least two people and is based on scores relating directly to the person specification.
If you don’t see a role that matches what you’re looking for right now, please sign up for job alerts. Tell us about the type of roles you are interested in and we’ll notify you if they become available. Do keep an eye on our website as we frequently post new job openings that you might find interesting.
Preparing for your interview
Interviews can be a daunting experience for many. This guidance has been developed in order to help shortlisted candidates understand the process and be confident and well prepared when arriving for an interview at Herefordshire Council.
If you have been offered an interview, it means that you have already been successful at the first stage of the selection process and been selected from a number of applicants. You should confirm your attendance at interview as soon as possible. If you can’t attend or want to discuss a different time slot, you can contact the Hoople Resourcing Team as stated on your invitation.
You should:
- prepare as much as possible for the interview. It will provide you with confidence and ensure your experience will be a more positive one. This will assist the panel to make the right employment decision and find the right person for the job.
- read the job description and person specification as the questions will be linked to this. You will be able to access the document by referring to the advert details from your recruit dashboard.
- familiarise yourself with our THRIVE values and Council Plan 2024 – 2028 which you will need to be able to demonstrate through the way you work.
- make sure you know where and when your interview will be held.
- make sure you familiarise yourself with the route accounting for traffic allowing time to find a car parking space. Directions from Hereford city centre: Follow the Whitecross Road/Eign Street which is off the ring road by Steels car sales. Go straight over the first set of traffic lights (passing Sainsbury’s on the left). Just after the Shell garage on the right, turn right into Plough Lane. Plough Lane offices and reception are in the first large building on the right, opposite TPG Disable Aids.
- prepare any questions you may want to ask at the interview and write these down if necessary.
- inform the reception team when you arrive.
Normally you will be interviewed by either two or three panellists. Whenever possible, your interview invitation will provide the names and job titles of the panel members. Some interviews may include a work-based assessment or a short presentation or case study, details of which will be outlined in your invitation email.
The interview
During your interview, you can:
- take time to clear your mind and concentrate on your breathing in a quiet place before arriving
- ask the panel questions at the end of the interview if you are unsure about any aspect of the job
- ask them to repeat any questions that you did not understand.
At the conclusion of your interview, we will let you know when to expect the outcome.
The next steps
If you are the successful candidate, we will contact you by telephone and offer the position. The offer of employment will be subject to certain pre-employment checks, depending on the position to which you are being appointed. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered a position, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. We are happy to give feedback if you are not selected for the role.
When we offer you a job:
- we will get in touch to let you know about the pre-employment checks
- you will receive a formal offer letter
- once your checks are complete your new manager will be in touch to agree a start date.
Thank you for taking the time to complete your application and for preparing for an interview. We would like to wish you all the very best and we look forward to meeting you.
Equal opportunities
Herefordshire Council is an equal opportunities employer. Our recruitment and selection process and practices are based on the principles of providing everyone with the same opportunity. We will give the same information and the same recruitment and selection process to all. We make reasonable adjustments for candidates that require them. Please let us know when you confirm your attendance so that we can accommodate your needs.
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:
- Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our committment to the “Disability Confident Scheme.
- Those who indicate that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Those who indicate that they are a Herefordshire Care Leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.