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Applying for jobs at MMU: how it works

Completing the Application Form

It would be helpful to both the short-listing panel and to your application, if you respond separately to each item in the person specification explaining carefully what particular experience you have that contributes to you fulfilling the requirements. In the event of there being insufficient space on the application form please use continuation sheets.

Remember

  • It is not appropriate to simply say that you have a particular skill or quality required. You must provide examples of how you have demonstrated this requirement in your present or previous job or in some other area of your experience, eg in voluntary work or during your education.
  • We will not make any assumptions about your abilities. It is up to you to tell us even if you already work for the University.
  • Tell us in the space provided of any particular requirements you have, e.g. in relation to access or dates when you can attend.
  • Please complete the form in black ink or typescript.
  • Please provide all relevant contact telephone numbers, email addresses and fax numbers.
  • You may be able to answer ‘no’ to the question on criminal convictions even if you have been subject to criminal proceedings in the past. Please read the details provided in the pack.

CVs

For Academic positions you may submit a CV with the completed application to provide additional, relevant information.

Eligibility to Work in the UK

We have a legal responsibility to ensure that only individuals who are entitled to live and work in the UK are employed by the University.

In all cases, before you commence work, we are required to confirm your eligibility to work. To confirm this eligibility, shortlisted candidates will be asked to bring specified original documents, as required by the UK Border Agency, to interview.

All offers of employment are made subject to verification of eligibility to work in the UK and to undertake the employment offered by the University.

MMU subscribes to a specialised website for international staff moving to UK universities if you want to find out more about moving to, and living in the UK.

Taking up References

Our normal practice is to seek references only for short listed candidates and for this to be done prior to the interview taking place. If there is any reason why you would wish us not to contact your employer prior to an interview, please let us know.

You have been asked to provide the details of people who we can contact to provide a reference in support of your application. The first referee (only one is required for support positions) must be your current employer or, if you are unemployed, your most recent employer. If you have never been in employment then please give the details of someone who knows you well. However, this should not be a friend or relative. For instance, University students should give their course tutor, College leavers their College Principal and School leavers their Head Teacher.

If for any reason you have changed your name e.g. by marriage or deed poll then please indicate the name by which the referee will know you.

How do I get shortlisted for interview?

MMU has a very specific way of deciding who will be shortlisted for interview. Assessing the information provided by you on the application form will be the only means by which the short-listing panel will decide who to invite to interview.

The short-listing panel will consider whether you have demonstrated that you fulfil all the ‘essential’ requirements identified in the person specification. In the event of there being a large number of people who meet these requirements the panel will consider which candidates meet those requirements seen as ‘desirable’ in the person specification.

The University regularly reviews its job application form to ensure that only information relevant to the recruitment process is sought.

What happens after the interview?

  • It is normal to advise candidates of the outcome of the interview by telephone (where this is possible) at the earliest opportunity. Timescales for achieving this will be discussed at the conclusion of the interview.
  • The initial offer of appointment may be provisional, subject to medical clearance, reference or other checks where you are not already employed by the University.
  • Evidence of relevant academic and professional qualifications will be required if you are the successful candidate. You will be advised of how to comply with this requirement.

How does the recruitment process work?

Application Stage

Positions are generally advertised for a for minimum of one week for internal vacancies or two weeks for external ones. The closing date for each vacancy is listed on the advert along with the location of the post, the grade, hours and other relevant information. You can also download copies of the job description, person specification and application form from this location.

If you find a role you would like to apply for you must submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

Please download a copy of the application form from the website and submit this via our online system. In the ‘additional information’ section of the application you should demonstrate supporting evidence of how you meet all of the criteria laid out in the person specification. The clearest way to carry out this activity is to address each point separately, in turn.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, such as a different format of the application form, please contact the recruitment team on 0161 237 3502.

After you submit your application form it will be considered at shortlisting stage by the recruiting panel. Typically you can expect to hear back with the outcome of your application within two weeks of the closing date.

Shortlisting Stage

At shortlisting stage your application will be reviewed by the recruiting panel against the essential criteria listed in the person specification. Each panel member will independently review your application before the panel collectively make a decision regarding which candidates to carry forward for assessment. Typically shortlisting takes two weeks from the date the vacancy closed.

If you are unsuccessful at shortlisting stage you will be notified via the online system. Feedback is available at this stage by contacting the recruitment team on 0161 237 3502.

If you application is successful at shortlisting you will be invited to attend an assessment.

Assessment Stage

If you are successful at shortlisting stage the recruitment team will contact you to arrange an assessment date. You will usually be contacted with assessment information by phone call and email.

Your assessment will usually involve an interview but may also include other activities such as written tests, in-tray exercises, role plays and group exercises.

At this stage we will advise you of the time you need to attend the assessment and where it will be held. If you are disabled and require any specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to attend your assessment you should contact the recruitment team with details at this stage on 0161 247 3502.

You will also be required to bring original copies your eligibility to work in the UK. For guidance on what documents we need to see to prove your eligibility, please read the Evidence of the Right to Work in the UK document.

You assessment will be usually be conducted by a panel of three colleagues and will be led by the ‘Panel Chair’ who has received specialist training in order to lead assessments.

Typically, you will be advised of the outcome of your assessment by email within 7 days. If you require feedback on your performance at assessment a member of the recruitment will contact the panel chair to make this request, this is usually provided over the phone.

Offer Stage

If you are successful at assessment the hiring manager will contact you to discuss your offer of employment. During this discussion the hiring manager will aim to provisionally agree your salary and start date. Your information is then forwarded on to the recruitment team to draw up your offer letter and contract.

If you are an existing employee you will be issued a new offer letter for your new role, this should be signed and returned to the recruitment team as soon as possible to avoid delays with payment of your new salary.

If you are an external candidate and will be joining the University for the first time you will receive an offer letter, contract, various pro-forma you need to complete and an induction booklet and joining instructions. Please return your documents as soon as possible to ensure we have everything ready for your start date including your ID card and computer access, and to ensure prompt payment of your salary. You can also access some of the online forms you will need to complete.