Some of our roles require you to submit a full application form and some don't. The great news is that all of our application forms are mobile device and tablet friendly.

Here are some useful tips to help you complete your online application.

• Some questions on the application form are mandatory. You must answer them to be able to submit your application.

• Please complete the education and employment section of the application form in chronological date order. Start with your current or most recent job and work backwards. Always include dates.

• We know completing application forms takes time, that is why you have the option to save any unfinished applications, and return to them at a later time.  Always ensure applications are submitted by the advert deadlines to avoid disappointment!

The human element of recruitment remains key to our selection decisions at St Helens, and we encourage hirers to engage directly to understand more about the individual, knowledge, skills values and attitude. 

We understand that some people may use AI tools when preparing job applications however, it is important that your application is your own and you are confident discussing your experience as you progress.

AI can be useful for improving writing, checking grammar, organising your ideas or undertaking research for a role however, if your application looks too generic or doesn’t reflect your experience, it won’t stand out. 

We want to get to know the real you, and the best applications are personal and authentic

Below is some useful guidance on submitting your CV with a short application form.

• Always ensure your CV is up to date with your most recent experience.

• Education/Qualifications: Specify where and when each qualification was obtained (e.g., the name of the school, university, etc.), the title of the qualification, the grade achieved and any subject content. 

• Employment history:  Start with your current or most recent job and work backwards. Include details of past employers, the positions held, employment dates, reasons for leaving, and a brief description of your key responsibilities and achievements. Explain any gaps in employment.

• If the vacancy requires a specific qualification, driving licence, or membership as an essential criteria in the person specification document, be sure to include this on your CV. 

• Check your contact details on your CV are up to date so we can reach you!

The supporting statement is your opportunity to clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria. 

• You can include any current or previous paid, unpaid, or voluntary work, or work at home, qualifications, interests, and training that meet the criteria specified. 

• Please read both the job description and person specification documents before completing.

• Add information in a clear well organised way; addressing each criteria on the person specification in order, with headings or insert breaks between criteria. Some applicants use a table format.

• You should address all criteria. If there are 10, include all 10.

• If you are applying for more than one vacancy, avoid copying the same information for different roles.

We think you should have the opportunity to consider what type of organisation you may be joining and whether it would suit you so here's a list of the essential expectations we have of our applicants.

• This is what makes us TICK: Trust, Integrity, Collaborating and the drive to keep innovating. You can find out more about working together at St Helens on this site.

• That you are willing to provide the necessary information we ask for at each stage of the hiring process. Demonstrating how you meet the requirements gives you the best chance of progressing.

• Take time to familiarise yourself with the role you are applying for and understand how you will make a difference.

• Respond in a timely way during the processing of pre-employment checks providing all required information to enable our teams to complete your on-boarding and get you started in your new role!

• Demonstrate your commitment to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy.

Talent Networks are communities of job seekers or potential future hires who are interested in working with us now or in the future. Joining our Talent pools offers you great flexibility and allows us to stay in touch about future roles. Here are the ways you can join one of our Talent Pools.

• See what Talent Pools are available in the Talent Network at the bottom of our vacancies page.

• We may ask you if you would like to join our talent network to be considered for alternative or future roles across the council at any stage of the hiring process.

• Submitting an Expression of Interest Form via this site for recruitment events.

  
  

The council always aims to foster a more inclusive recruitment experience and provide a fair, inclusive and transparent procedure for the recruitment and selection of all employees. This is reflected in the measures, processes and practices that are put in place to attract, assess and appoint candidates to vacant job roles. 

Disability Confident Employers lead the way in helping to take action that changes attitudes, behaviours, and cultures for the better and act as Disability Confident champions in local business communities

The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within the interview/selection process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, you can tell us about this by answering the reasonable adjustments questions section of your online application form. Alternatively, If you need to speak to a member of the team, please contact us at recruitment@sthelens.gov.uk

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives. 

In line with our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and our Armed Forces and Reservists Employment Policy St Helens Borough Council offer a guaranteed interview for all ex-forces and reservist personnel who meet the essential criteria of job posts. You can tell us on your application form if you or a family member are, or have been a member of the Armed Forces. 

The Futures Team provide Employment, Education and Training Support for St Helens Care Leavers.

If you are a St Helens care leaver applying for a job at St Helens Council , we will guarantee an interview if you are able to demonstrate you meet the criteria in the person specification for the role. 

If you wish too, you can tell us on your application form if you are a St Helens Care Leaver. As part of your application you will need to provide a letter to confirm that you are a St Helens care leaver.  You can do this by contacting your PA or contacting our Education and Employment Advisor by emailing Futuresteam@sthelens.gov.uk

If you need to apply using a paper based application form, or require in-person support, please contact the relevant hiring manager in the first instance using the contact details or telephone number included with the advert. You can also email recruitment@sthelens.gov.uk if you require additional support. 

The Ways to Work scheme is an employment programme delivered by St Helens Borough Council. The project employs a number of key workers and employment coaches who work one-to-one with participants to provide all kinds of support, including job search and interview support, depending on the needs of the individual. If you feel you would benefit from employment support, are 16+, living in St Helens and not in employment or education, you can refer by ringing 01744 676131 or emailing waystowork@sthelens.gov.uk.

If you have a learning disability and would like support to apply for any of our vacancies the Supported Employment Team can assist with applications , interview preparation and can also come along and support you with your interview. The team also provide job coach support to settle new starters into their new role.

You can contact the team by emailing supportedemployment@sthelens.gov.uk or calling- 01744 675858.