Our Recruitment Process
Thank you for your interest in working at Beamish Museum
This information is to help you to understand how our recruitment process works and how to best fill in your application form. It also explains how we aim to make each stage of the process as equitable as possible.
A little bit about the information you need to make an application
As part of your application, we ask you to read the Job Description for the role you are interested in. The Job Description outlines the purpose of the job, the main duties, what you will do and, in the “About You” section, the skills, qualifications and experience we are looking for. It is this document that you will be measured against during the recruitment process.
We ask you to complete an application form to collect relevant information about you. We ask all candidates to complete this form, instead of a CV, to ensure we ask everyone the same questions, and make sure we are comparing everyone as favourably as we can
How our recruitment process works
A selection panel is formed, made up of at least two people, usually including the manager of the job. The panel agrees the content of the Job Description including the criteria for the role. A job advert is then written.
When we receive application forms online your personal information and the Equal Opportunities Monitoring data is separated from your application. Your personal information and Equal Opportunities data is not sent to the panel. This is designed to reduce the chances of unfair discrimination.
Each panel member then compares the information on your Application Form with the criteria set out in the About You section of the Job Description. They separately review all the applications forms then discuss and agree who is shortlisted to the next stage. If there are a lot of applicants who meet the criteria of the role, the panel will review this group of applicants, shortlisting those who best meet the criteria.
If you are shortlisted you will be invited to the next stage which may be an interview and / or other selection activities, such as practical work tests. You will always be told about these activities in advance.
References are then only requested if you have been successful at interview.
What do we value on Application Forms?
We are only looking for the things we have listed on the About You section of the Job Description.
Qualifications or Experience?
We strongly value the achievement of, and progress towards, academic, professional and vocational qualifications. We also believe, however, that there are extremely talented people in the jobs market, including those who, for one reason or another, have not developed their skills and abilities through an academic route or gained formal qualifications. So, we also value other things such as previous job experience, research projects, personal study, work placements, voluntary work, social experience or personal life experience. Obviously for some jobs in the Museum, a professional qualification is essential. In this case we will ask for the relevant qualification in the About You section of the Job Description (e.g. a teacher must have a nationally recognised Teaching Qualification). You may be asked to provide certificates to verify your qualification.
How to best fill in your Application Form
The panel are looking for candidates who can give real examples of when they have displayed the criteria set out in the About You section of the Job Description. It is quality, not quantity that is important.
Here are some helpful hints when completing the form, and remember to have the Job Description at hand throughout
Use a spare sheet of paper to make notes first.
Prepare answers to all questions but leave the “How you meet the essential requirements” until last. You can save this as you go in Job Train. Most candidates find this the hardest part to complete.
Give details of your employment history. If you have a gap in your employment, eg to have a family, because of illness etc, this will not be considered or held against you.
Give details of any referees to whom we can ask information about you. (We only ask for factual information, not that person’s opinion about you). If you are employed, include details of your current employer. If you are unemployed, give details of a previous employer. If you have never been employed, please give details of a school, college or university tutor, or put a line through the box.
Now focus on the criteria in the “About You” section of the Job Description. Take each criteria in turn. Take time to think about all of your previous experiences and give examples of where you have best displayed the criteria that are asked for. Simply stating that you have each requirement will not be considered as suitable evidence. Remember you can use examples from your work life, study, personal life, voluntary work, social experience, vocational training etc. Why not ask your friends or colleagues about times when you have used these skills?
Answer the points in the same order as on the "About You" section. You can present this as a list and use numbering if you wish. Remember – Quality over Quantity.
Giving you a Fair and Equal Opportunity to work for Beamish Museum
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. To do this, we need to know if you feel anything may prevent you from demonstrating your full potential. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please inform us as early as possible, and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Access to Employment for Disabled People
We are committed to equal opportunity in employment for disabled people. This means that we will not unfairly discriminate against a candidate with a disability, or an employee that becomes disabled whilst working for us.
Data Protection
The information you provide on the application form will be used to assess your suitability for the post and will be viewed only by those involved in the recruitment process. If you are successful, the information will be used to create your employment record. If you are unsuccessful, it will be destroyed after 6 months, except in the event of a dispute.
Personal information that you provide in the “Equal Opportunities Monitoring” section of your application will only be used for the purpose of equal opportunities monitoring and statistical analysis only. This helps us to continually improve our equal opportunities policies and practices and our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
By submitting the Application Form, you are consenting to the recording and use of the information for the purposes mentioned above.
Any other questions
If you have any questions or comments about any aspect of the recruitment process, please email the People & Culture Team recruitment@beamish.org.uk.