Candidate guidance

We want all candidates to have a positive experience when applying for a job with us. Below, we have set out what you can expect at the different stages of your application.

You can create an account on our jobs page, where you can set up job alerts and make applications.

 

We ask you to write an 8000 character written statement, using examples to show how you meet the job specific criteria.

 

  • You can find the job specific criteria listed in every job description. 

  • Write examples for each job specific criterion, your examples can be from your previous jobs, studies or hobbies. We recommend using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to help structure your examples. Learn more about the STAR method.

  • Where possible, use headings or numbers to indicate the job specific criterion you are evidencing.

  • You may find it easier to write your application offline and cut and paste the information into the box when complete.

  • Take time to review your application before you submit it. Once submitted you will not be able to make any further changes.

  • If you need a reasonable adjustment or support with your application please contact the recruitment team via e-mail: jobs@senedd.wales or telephone 0300 200 7588

If you’re invited to an interview with us, you will receive an e-mail notification from our online recruitment system. The link in the e-mail will invite you to book your interview slot and provide information about what to expect on the day so that you feel as prepared as possible.

 

You will be asked questions based on the competency areas and behaviours. The panel may also include a question based on the job specific criteria.

 

Prepare in advance – think of examples when you have shown the level competency areas and behaviours, taking particular notice of the descriptors.

 

  • Structure your interview responses using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method.

  • Listen to the questions carefully, don’t be afraid to ask for it to be repeated.

  • Sometimes, panel members ask follow-up questions to help you answer more effectively.

  • We want to hear what you did, always refer to the actions that you have taken. Say ‘I’ instead of ‘we’.

  • Explain how you did something rather than what you did.

  • Practice out loud or write them down to help you feel more confident. You can bring notes, but try to avoid reading directly from them.

 

If you need reasonable adjustments for a disability, please let us know by entering details on the online portal at the interview booking stage. If you’d like to speak to the team about reasonable adjustments you can via e-mail: jobs@senedd.wales  or telephone 0300 200 7588

In addition to the interview, we sometimes hold recruitment assessments that are designed to assess whether you have the right skills and experience needed for the role.

 

These assessments can vary per role and may include:

 

  • Scenario exercises (Situational Judgement)

  • Written Assessments

  • Presentations

  • Group discussion

  • Assessment days

 

If you need reasonable adjustments for a disability, please let us know by entering details on the online portal at the interview booking stage. If you’d like to speak to the team about reasonable adjustments you can via e-mail: jobs@senedd.wales  or telephone 0300 200 7588

We will keep you updated throughout your application journey. Please check your e-mail junk mail regularly as sometimes our system notifications are filtered there. If you are invited to an interview, we will send you all the details you need to prepare.

 

Our friendly recruitment team are happy to answer any questions. If you’d like to contact the team you can via e-mail: jobs@senedd.wales or telephone 0300 200 7588