Now that you’ve decided to apply for a job with us, this section aims to provide as much information as possible about what you can expect from our recruitment process. However, due to the wide range of posts we offer, you may find that this varies occasionally. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, please contact us at the contact number given at the bottom of this page.
We want to ensure that every stage in our recruitment process is fair and that you are treated properly. We have a duty to ensure that no-one is discriminated against and we hope that even if you are not appointed, you will feel that you have been treated fairly.
When assessing your application, we will not consider any previous applications or personal knowledge of you. As we base this assessment only on your application form it is very important that you complete it as fully as possible and the sections which follow aim to help you with this. If you are unable to complete an application form in the standard format due to disability or some other reason, please contact us for advice.
Within the pack, you should find the following:
An application form
A Job Description: This sets out the main duties and requirements of the job.
A Person Specification: This details the skills, experience, qualifications and aptitudes we are seeking for the job for which you are applying. If you think that you meet all of the essential requirements it will be essential that you are able to explain and demonstrate how you do so when you are completing the application form.
Equality Opportunities Employment Policy Form: We ask all our applicants to help us to monitor the fairness of our recruitment process by completing this form. You may complete some or all of it and return it with your application form. Once received, we will separate it from your application so that it does not form part of the assessment process. This information is treated in confidence. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact our Recruitment Team at the telephone number given at the bottom of this page.
Completing the application form
The information provided on the application form is key information that will be used in the short listing process. It is therefore important that the guidance notes below are followed when completing the application form. This will ensure all the relevant information is available to make a decision on whether you will be short listed for interview. Short listing will involve assessment of the details provided on the application form against the criteria outlined in the Person Specification provided.
Applications will be accepted in other formats where an applicant has difficulty completing the standard form as a result of disability.
This section may have been already completed, but please check that all the details are complete and correct. If this is not the case please refer to the job advertisement for the post and complete this section.
Please enter your personal details fully and clearly, so that we may contact you about the application. We will usually write to you but we may contact you by telephone or e-mail. When entering telephone numbers please insert STD codes where appropriate.
This section is concerned with details of your present post. If you are not currently in employment, please leave this blank.
Please give details of any relevant qualifications you hold and where you obtained them. This should include the grade and level of qualification.
If you do not have any qualifications please draw a line through the box.
If you are shortlisted for interview you will need to bring your original qualification certificates with you. These will be checked and if necessary, we will contact the awarding body to verify the qualification.
This is a very important section as this allows you to state exactly how you think your skills, experience and training will enable you to meet the requirements of the job.
You should relate your supporting statement to the Person Specification and set out clearly what experience, skills or training you have for each requirement. Try to use examples of work you have carried out or training you have undertaken. This does not have to be work related if you think it is relevant.
Please tell us about any experiences, skills or training which you think is relevant to the job. When shortlisting, we cannot make assumptions so if you do not make it clear that you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification, we will not be able to take your application any further.
Please tell us if you are related to a Councillor or Employee of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, as we must ensure that shortlisting and interview decisions are not made by anyone related to the candidate as far as possible. You could disqualify your application if you do not disclose or try to influence the process via a relationship you have with one of the above.
You need only supply the number of days sickness and occurrences during the last 12 months. You do not have to reveal the reasons for your sickness. However, if appointed to the job, you will be asked to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire and may be required to visit our Occupational Health team for a medical, before an offer of employment can be made. The information you provide is strictly confidential and will only be accessed by our Occupational Health team.
Some of our jobs involve driving and/or the ability to travel. Please tick the appropriate box if you hold a current driving licence. See the Person Specification to establish the requirements for the post for which you are applying.
You MUST disclose any convictions, bind over orders, or cautions whether current or “spent”. In the event of you being provisionally offered the position a criminal record disclosure will be requested from the Disclosure and Barring Service prior to appointment, the level of which will depend on the nature of the post applied. In the event of employment, any failure to disclose these pending investigations could result in disciplinary action or dismissal.
Disclosure of a conviction or caution does not necessarily mean you will not be appointed, applicants with a conviction or caution will be treated fairly. Details supplied in this section will not be considered in the shortlisting process and the appointment decision will be made in the light of all information available considering applicants on their merits. All information supplied will be treated in the strictest confidence and will only be seen by those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process.
By the time you sign your application form, the hard work will be completed. Please read the declaration carefully and sign the date where shown. If you are applying on line, you will be unable to do this. In these circumstances, we will ask you to sign and date a copy if you are selected for interview.
What happens after you’ve sent in your application?
Once we’ve received your application, we will separate the equal opportunities monitoring form which will not form part of the selection process and will send the application form only to the shortlisting department. We will send an acknowledgement of receipt to all applicants.
Your application will then be assessed against the criteria (in a person specification) and the shortlisting panel will decide whether it can be shortlisted.
If you are not shortlisted for interview, you will be advised in writing, usually within six weeks of the closing date. If you have not heard from us by then, please contact us.
If you are shortlisted for interview, you will receive an email from us usually within 2-3 weeks of the closing date, advising the date, time and location of the interview. The email will also include details of assessment testing which is to be carried out and will continue the documentation which you are required to bring with you, if applicable to the role.
All those who attend for interview may be asked to bring the following original documentation:
- Passport/European Identify Card or Birth Certificate, and proof of National Insurance, P45, P60 or Government letter.
- If you are not a British national or the holder of an EU or EEA Passport, you must provide evidence of your eligibility to work within the UK. Acceptable forms of identity will be detailed in your interview letter.
- Certificates of relevant qualifications or proof of registration with a professional body if required.
- Other documents may be requested depending upon the requirements of the job e.g. driving licence.
These documents will be photocopied and retained along with your application form, for a period of 12 months from the date of interview. However, if you are successful, these documents will be held confidentially on your personal file.
After the Interview
We advise all applicants who attend for interview of the outcome either by telephone or by email. If you are successful, we will need to complete all pre-employment checks prior to offering you the post so there may be some delay. Once these are completed, we will agree a start date with you and provide you with further information relating to your employment, including a contract, employee guide, etc.
We hope that this guide helps you during the recruitment process and that you are successful in your search for a job with the Fire and Rescue Service.
Good Luck!
Requesting an application form and other recruitment enquiries:
01792 705144
Please return your completed application form and equal opportunities employment policy form to:
Human Resources Department
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
Fire Service Headquarters
Lime Grove Avenue
Carmarthen
SA31 1SP