Application and selection methods
At Coventry City Council we use a variety of application and selection methods as part of our recruitment process to allow us to assess suitability for our roles in several different ways. This is because we realise that not one size fits all and candidates can shine in different assessment scenarios. We want to ensure that candidates get an opportunity to be their best selves to demonstrate their strengths and suitability for our roles.
We don’t always look for experience, we could be looking for someone who has an aptitude to learn, lives and resonates with our One Coventry Values or has transferrable skills.
The list below will provide you with an overview of the various methods and assessments we may use during a recruitment process.
Application methods
- Online application form (may be presented in the following format):
- Personal details: You will be asked to create a profile and complete your details only and invited to a further assessment stage.
- Personal statement: You will be asked to create a profile and complete/submit an online application form on our recruitment portal there you will be asked to write a personal statement demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the role aligned to the person specification.
- Application questions: As part of the online application form you may be asked to answer specific application questions relevant to the role you are applying for.
- Recruitment event: We may invite you to a recruitment event where you will hear further information about the role and have a face-to-face screening where you will be asked specific questions and/or undertake one or more assessment(s), on the day.
- Telephone screening: You will be asked to enter your details into our online application form followed by a telephone screening where you will be asked specific questions relevant to the role.
- Video/audio application: candidates can use a video recording/verbal recording to verbally demonstrate their suitability for the role
- Assisted support for candidates who require support to navigate the online application system/recruitment process; our Job Shop provides employability support and coaching.
- Assessment: you may be asked to complete one or more of the selection methods as an assessment of your suitability rather than a written description. This helps the hiring manager assess your ability in line with key criteria for the role.
Selection assessment methods
Candidates who are successfully shortlisted may be invited to attend an assessment and/or an interview.
Assessments are used to allow candidates to demonstrate other skills, strengths, and abilities where interviews are not the best or only method.
Assessment methods may include:
- Group discussions: working together to solve or debate particular issues to demonstrate leadership, team player skills, etc
- Role play – acting in a role in a work-related scenario exercises/telephone in a similar situational experience setting
- Presentations – using PowerPoint or another presentation resource to demonstrate your ability to present, engage, and to clearly interpret information on a given topic
- Work-related exercises – calculations, scenarios, multiple choice questionnaires where such skills are required to carry out similar tasks in the role
- IT exercises – computer/software work-related exercises including Microsoft applications etc
- Prioritisation exercises – in-tray work-related exercises to demonstrate your ability to understand the importance of tasks, time conscious, responsibility and delegation.
- Analytical exercises – working with data/information to interpret/solve exercises
- Practical skills assessment eg: driving assessment, health and safety, cooking, manual handling, assembling
- Interview - Face-to-face and virtual interviews are offered to candidates where you will be asked several competency/value-based interview questions relevant to the role.
If you would like further information regarding accessibility including support and/or reasonable adjustments to assist you when applying for one of our roles, please submit your request using our Accessibility Applicant Support Enquiry Form.
If you have already applied for one of our roles and require assistance, please contact resourcing@coventry.gov.uk.
We want all our applicants to have the best chance at showcasing what they can do, what skills they have and really sell themselves.
Further tips and guidance on our recruitment process can be found on our Advice for Job Seekers page.
