Questions and answers
Accessibility
How can I make the website accessible to me?
As a Disability Confident Employer, we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process, please see our accessibility information.
How can I get in touch with you?
If you would like further information regarding support and/or reasonable adjustments to assist you in applying for our jobs, please submit your query using our Applicant Accessibility Support Enquiry Form.
Is your recruitment portal accessible?
Our current recruitment portal is supplied by Tribepad. Tribepad should be accessible to everyone, regardless of technology or ability, and continually work to increase the accessibility and usability of their products. Their platforms should not add to the stress of finding a job or applying.
You should be able to change colours, contrast levels, and font size, and change zoom levels without breaking the intended layout. Navigate the product using just a keyboard or speech recognition software, and read pages using a screen reader.
What if I can't access your recruitment portal to apply for a job?
If you require an alternative method or reasonable adjustments to assist you to be able to apply for one of our jobs, please use the Applicant Accessibility Support Enquiry Form, and one of our colleagues will respond and assist you.
If you are experiencing technical issues, please contact the Resourcing Team at resourcing@coventry.gov.uk.
Why does the Job Application ask if I am neurodivergent, have a disability, or have a health condition?
Coventry City Council is committed to hiring neurodivergent applicants and those with disabilities or health conditions. You will be considered under the “Disability confident scheme’ if you have been or will be affected by any of the conditions for more than 12 months. As you have declared a disability on your application form you will be guaranteed any interview if you meet the minimum interview criteria for the job.
What is the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?
If you declare you have a disability you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the minimum interview criteria for the role.
I have a disability, can the recruitment process be adapted for me?
Yes, if you require adaptations or reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply, please use the Applicant Accessibility Support Enquiry Form, and one of our colleagues will respond and assist you.
I have a neurodiverse condition, can the recruitment process be adapted for me?
Yes, if you require adaptations or reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply, please use the Applicant Accessibility Support Enquiry Form, and one of our colleagues will respond and assist you.
English is not my first language, who can I contact to help me ?
Our Coventry Interpretation and Translation Unit (CITU) provides an accessible, confidential, equitable, quality service to people whose first language is not English or who have a sensory impairment.
What are reasonable adjustments?
Reasonable adjustments are changes or adaptations to allow you access to apply or partake in our recruitment process or whilst working in our employment.
If you require adaptations or reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply, please use the Applicant Accessibility Support Enquiry Form, and one of our colleagues will respond and assist you.
How do I request a reasonable adjustment?
If you require adaptations or reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply, please use the Applicant Accessibility Support Enquiry Form and one of our colleagues will respond and assist you.
How can I find out about your diversity and inclusion commitment?
Coventry City Council is committed to its continuing duty as a public authority to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and any other conduct prohibited under the Equality Act 2010. Visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.
How do I hear more about your values?
Our ‘One Coventry Values’ have been co-created with the support and input of all employees across the Council so they are reflective of how we want to be represented both as colleagues and to the wider community.
How can I find out about the rewards and benefits of working for Coventry City Council?
As an employee you are entitled to a great rewards package, you can view these on our Rewards and Benefits page.
What other opportunities do you have?
Coventry City Council has other employment opportunities. To find out more visit our Future Talent page.
What are job alerts?
Job alerts are emails that are sent to your email address when a role comes up that’s right for you. To sign up for job alerts, you’ll need to create an account and set your alerts by telling us what position you’d like. Then, when a job that suits you is available, we'll send you an alert to let you know.
How do I set up job alerts?
On your account, you can subscribe to job alerts by different preferences such as Country, Location, Distance, Job Category, and Contract Type. In the search jobs complete your preferences and these will be saved for future job roles.
Questions about my online application form
What if I have forgotten my password?
Please make sure you follow the 'Forgot your password?' link without completing any other fields. You will soon be asked to enter the email address you initially registered with. Once you have done this, your username and a new password will be emailed to you.
Should you experience any technical difficulties, please get in touch with the recruitment team at tribepadqueries@coventry.gov.uk . Sending as much information as possible, such as screenshots, is helpful so we can try and fix the problem.
How can I change my password for my career website account?
On your dashboard open ‘settings’ on the top right of the page. There you can change your account settings and password.
Can I save the details of my application and return to it later?
Applications are broken into sections which you can complete in any order. You can use the option to “save and come back later” at any time. The closing date will be visible on the page, but the manager may close the vacancy early. To return to application select “Your applications” and then “Continue application”.
How do I know my application has been received?
You will receive an email confirming that your application has been received. The “All applications” page will show “In process”.
Is there a character count when applying for a job with the Coventry City Council?
There is no character limit in the “Personal Statement” text box or when you are answering application questions.
Why does the application ask if I have a criminal record?
You will be asked if you have unspent convictions. This information is needed so Coventry City Council is aware of any information that may come up in your pre-employment checks. We use this information to make sure rehabilitated ex-offenders receive a fair opportunity when applying for a job.
Will I have to have a criminal records check (DBS Disclosure)?
Not all roles require criminal records checks. It is required if you are: teaching, training, coaching, caring, transporting, advising/guiding on physical, emotional, or educational wellbeing and/or supervising children or vulnerable adults; carrying out work in a school, college, or childcare premise; providing personal or health care.
Why does the form ask Equality and Diversity questions?
This is to make sure employees from all ethnic backgrounds have equal access to career opportunities and receive fair treatment in the workplace.
Can I apply for more than one job?
Yes, you can. We encourage you to apply to roles that are appropriate to you. Think about your skills and goals and what roles suit these.
I would like to withdraw my application.
Please email resourcing@coventry.gov.uk and detail your name, the job you are applying for, and the reason why you want to withdraw.
I received an “unsuccessful” email before I completed my application. What happened?
Some of our job roles need a qualification/registration if you have answered no to the application question you will be screened out and sent an unsuccessful email.
Who reviews my application?
The hiring manager and the selection panel will review each application using the selection criteria relevant to the role. Read tips on how to get your application shortlisted.
Will I receive feedback on my application form?
Unfortunately due to the volume of application forms received, hiring managers will not provide feedback on your application form. Guidance on how to get shortlisted will assist you on future application forms.
I have some questions about the interview process
What can I expect at the interview?
You’ve made it through the application process, which is the first hurdle completed. Your invite to interview email will outline what to expect as part of your interview process. Our list of applications and selection methods will give you a flavour of what you might expect.
Read our guidance for getting ready for your interview.
How do I book my interview?
You will be emailed an invitation to book an interview slot, click on the link, and then you can select a suitable interview time.
I cannot book my interview via the system. Why?
Please contact resourcing@coventry.gov.uk
I cannot attend my interview. How do I notify you about this? Can I reschedule it?
Please contact the hiring manager if there are any issues with your interview date, you can do this by replying to the “invite to interview” email you will receive.
How long does it take to hear about my application?
The recruiting managers should be in touch no longer than two weeks after the closing date. Some managers will shortlist before the closing date so you will hear earlier especially if they have confirmed the interview date in the advert.
Can I ask for feedback after my interview?
After you attend your interview, you will be contacted by the recruiting manager to let you know the outcome, you can request a time for the manager to give you feedback on your interview.
I have some questions about the referencing/safeguarding process
How many references do I need to provide?
For most roles, you are only required to provide 1 professional reference from your current or most recent employer. If you are applying for a safeguarding role ie working with children, vulnerable adults or have access / exposed to sensitive data and/or systems, you will be required to provide an additional reference. This can be either a previous employer or educational reference.
What are your safeguarding checks (DBS)?
The level and type of check will depend on the role and the amount/regularity of contact with children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All applicants need to provide the following: proof of their identity, address, and National Insurance Number (only for staff roles); fill a safeguarding form with a five-year address history; at least two satisfactory references that cover five years. If applicable Criminal Record Checks or Overseas Check will be performed.
Can I get sponsorship?
Coventry City Council does offer sponsorship for some of our roles depending on government guidelines.
I’ve been offered a job and have some questions about what happens next
I have been offered the position. What happens next?
After being successful in your interview and before you can start, you must go through a series of pre-employment checks to ensure you are suitable for the role and safe to work at Coventry City Council.
What are pre employment checks?
The level and type of check will depend on the role. For all roles, you will need to provide proof you have the right to work in the UK, evidence of any required qualifications, medical clearance, and references (1 reference is required for all roles, and for safeguarding roles, our policy requires at least 2 references covering the last 3 years). If the role requires you to work with vulnerable adults or children, you will also be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS).
When can I start my new role ?
Once all the background checks are complete and satisfactory, you will be contacted by the recruiting manager to agree on a start date. Then you will be ready to join our team.
