Making an application

For every post advertised you must ensure that you complete a separate application form and provide us with a CV that is tailored to the skills and experience required for the post.

Yes, A CV may be submitted to in addition to the information provided in the application form.  

You cannot submit a CV instead of completing the application form.

Using an application form ensures that all applicants provide the information in the same format, which helps the selection panel easily compare the applications that they receive.

The application form requires details relating to your three most recent roles. A CV is a good way to provide a supplementary overview of your full career history.

You should detail your most recent employer first within your application form.

We utilise screening and criteria questions as part of the application form process so that we can fully assess your experience fairly and transparently.

Please ensure you compete the application form in full and provide evidence against each question stated and give an overview of your experience in relation to the person specification.

Due to the volume of interest we receive, we are unable to accept directly emailed CVs. We would encourage candidates to complete our online application form for any vacancy of interest.

The University of Birmingham has a broad range of vacancies and career opportunities, some are more general and some are very specialist.

As an equal opportunity employer we encourage applicants to apply demonstrating as much evidence as possible against the criteria.

Where gaps are identified flexibility may be applied by the hiring manager.

It is key to use the application form as an opportunity to really sell your experience, key achievements and outputs.

To obtain as much information about the vacancy as possible and to assess your suitability, we encourage direct contact with hiring managers.

Their preferred method of contact will be detailed in the advert.

Allow plenty of time to complete your application form to ensure you present the best version of your experience. By allowing yourself ample preparation time you will avoid mistakes, grammatical errors and technical challenges.

The recruitment portal allows you to save your content, edit it and re-visit it at a later date.

You may also wish to prepare your evidence in MS Word first and then transfer it into the application form when you are content it is ready for submission. This will also allow you to ensure you are within the permitted word count.

It also advisable to ask a peer to review your application prior to submission.

Your referees must be able to assess your suitability for the post.

One of the nominated referees should be a manager from your current or most recent employment.

If you have just completed full-time education, your course tutor, or other academic staff member familiar with your work, could be selected.

Family members or personal friends should not be named as referees.

All vacancies close at midnight (UK Time) on the closing date stated.

To ensure we treat all applicants fairly vacancies cannot be re-opened for late applications.

The University aims to update candidates within 4 to 6 weeks of submission on the progress of an application. If you have not heard back from us during this time please assume your application has been unsuccessful. 

If you are successful in your application you will be shortlisted for assessment/interview and you will be able to see this by logging into your account and reviewing your application status. You will also receive an email advising of next steps.

Due to the volume of applications we receive we are unable to provide feedback at application stage.

However, anyone who has attended an interview or assessment centre will receive feedback.

Unfortunately, once you have submitted your application form online you cannot make and further changes.

If you have submitted an application in error, please contact  workhere@contacts.bham.ac.uk and we will remove your application from the vacancy, allowing you to re-apply.