How to apply
We prefer to receive applications via our online recruitment portal.
Certain roles require applicants to send a CV and optional covering letter, but the advert for each role clearly states how to apply.
If you cannot apply for a role online, call (01788) 533564 or email recruitment@rugby.gov.uk for further assistance.
Can I just send you a CV?
We only accept CVs as an application when a specific role requires it.
Our online application process gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your experience, qualifications, skills and suitability for a role.
Having a standardised application form also helps us to ensure the recruitment process remains fair.
Can I apply for more than one job?
You can apply for more than one role which interests you. However, you must submit separate applications for each role.
Do I receive confirmation of my application?
Online applicants receive a confirmation email on receipt of an application.
If you've applied for a role which requires a CV and covering letter, you'll receive confirmation within a few working days.
If you do not receive a confirmation, check your email's 'Junk' folder or email recruitment@rugby.gov.uk
'Essential' and 'Desirable' criteria
All of the vacancies on our online recruitment portal have a 'job profile' for each role, listing 'essential' criteria and 'desirable' criteria.
'Essential' criteria covers the skills, experience and qualifications required for the role.
'Desirable' criteria covers the skills, experience and qualifications which can further support your application.
It's important your application details how you meet both the 'essential' and 'desirable' criteria.
Don't worry if you only meet some of the criteria rather than all - we'll still welcome your application.
What happens after I've submitted my application?
We contact all candidates selected for interview by email to confirm the details.
Candidates not selected for interview also receive an email.
We send all emails via our online recruitment portal, iTrent, so check your emails' 'Junk' folder if you have not received notification.
Our interview process varies depending on the role you have applied for.
We want the interview process to provide candidates with the best platform to showcase skills and experience, while demonstrating how a candidate fits our corporate values framework.
Tests and presentations
Certain roles require candidates to take a test or give a presentation at interview.
For presentations, candidates receive guidance on topic and duration. Presentations must be submitted before interview as we do not allow external devices to be connected to the council's network.
All candidates receive the same deadline to submit presentations to ensure fairness. As such, we cannot except presentations submitted after the deadline.
Can I ask questions during the interview?
Of course. We make sure you have the opportunity to find out all you need to know about the role and the organisation.
Can I rearrange an interview?
We advertise the interview dates for a role at the application stage.
While we can try to rearrange interviews, we have to consider the availability of the interview panel and avoid causing significant delays to recruitment.
Can I request a remote video interview instead of face-to-face?
To ensure fairness, we like to interview all candidates in the same way, typically a face-to-face interview at the Town Hall or other council site.
We can accommodate a range of reasonable adjustments to enable candidates to attend a face-to-face interview, so please contact recruitment@rugby.gov.uk with your request.
When do I hear about the outcome of my interview?
We aim to update all candidates as soon as possible after the final interview for a role has been completed.
Successful candidates receive a telephone call from the hiring manager, conditionally offering the role.
We notify other candidates by email. However, we're always happy to give candidates interview feedback.
What's a conditional offer?
Our offers of employment remain conditional until we have completed the necessary pre-employment checks (e.g. checking references, confirmation of DBS check, verifying professional qualifications).
We want you to start your new role as soon as possible, so we may ask for your help to chase outstanding pre-employment checks.
When do I receive my contract?
Once a candidate formally accepts our offer of employment, we send you your contract as soon as possible.
You'll always receive your contract before your first day of employment.
Pre-employment checks
We ask all candidates to bring Right to Work documents to interview so we can check you're legally entitled to work in the UK.
A full list of eligible Right to Work documents can be viewed on the Government's website.
Depending on the role, we might conduct further checks, such as requesting evidence of qualifications, a driving licence or DBS check.
All candidates should submit at least two references with an application. We only contact references when we receive permission from the candidate.
Do I need to disclose a criminal record?
Whether you need to disclose a criminal record depends on the role you're applying for and whether your conviction was for a crime covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Applicants for roles which involve working directly with children or vulnerable adults must disclose convictions otherwise considered spent.