1. Completing the Application

The application form is divided into a number of sections.  You should complete the form carefully, following any instructions that you are given.

What nationality must I be to become a permanent IWM employee?

In order to become a permanent IWM employee you must be a UK National or:

a) a commonwealth citizen (i.e. having the status of a commonwealth citizen under the British Nationality Act 1981).  This includes British citizens, British Dependent Territory citizens and British National (Overseas) citizens, and British Overseas citizens;

b) a British protected person; or

c) an EEA (European Economic Area) national of other Member States; and certain non-EEA family members; or

d) hold the requisite work permits and entry visas as deemed necessary for residency and work in the United Kingdom

What educational qualifications do I need to have?  And do I need to provide proof of my qualifications?

You must provide details of your qualifications, starting with your secondary education.  Please ensure that you give full details of any qualifications or relevant experience specific to the post that you are applying for. 

Where specific qualifications are required for the post (i.e. GCSE or equivalent for administrative posts, a science qualification for scientific posts), you will need to bring the original certificates when requested.

Please also ensure you provide details of any relevant professional/vocational qualifications and other relevant training.

How much of my employment history will I need to provide?

You should provide details of your employment history for the past 10 years to date, starting with your current/most recent position.  Please give details of all full and part-time work, including periods of self-employment.  Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary, ensuring that your full name is at the top of each additional sheet.

Must I account for all my time from leaving full-time/part-time education?

Please provide details for any time that has not been covered in any other section of the form.  This is an opportunity for you to tell us about other activities that you may have been involved in such as voluntary work, running a household, travel etc.

Who should be my referees?

You are asked to provide the names of people who can provide references about you.  You should provide details of a senior representative from your current/most recent position.

References will only be requested if you are made a conditional offer of employment, or in advance if you have given your permission, and this will form part of our pre-employment checks.  All references (together with further pre-employment checks) must be satisfactorily received before an offer of employment will be made.

Is the Personal Statement and Competencies section important for my application?

This section is one of the most important sections of the application form.  This is where you need to demonstrate that you meet the requirements for the post.  It is not sufficient just to reiterate the criteria.

The person specification describes the skills and ability, knowledge and experience that are required for the post.  Using the person specification in the job description, and with practical examples, please describe how you meet the requirements of the job.

I am emailing my application form back to you.  How will I sign it?

If you are short-listed for interview, and have emailed you application form, you will be asked to sign the Declaration section of your application form at interview. 

You should therefore make sure you are in agreement with the declaration section of the application form.  This section details the Museum's process in relation to pre-employment checks and the Museum's responsibilities and process in relation to the Data Protection Act.  All information you give will be treated as confidential and will only be processed subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Why must I submit the Monitoring section with the application form?

By completing both these sections, this information will assist the Museum in continuing its commitment to the principle of equal opportunities in employment and the provision of goods, services and facilities to the public.

What do you mean by disability?

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and adverse long-term effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Is the application close date rigid?

Yes.  Your application must be submitted in good time to meet the closing date deadline.  We do not accept late applications and cannot accept responsibility for applications that are delayed in the post.

2. Selection Stages

The selection stages for the post that you are applying for will be set out in the Job Specific Information document (see Job Opportunities page and clink on the link for the relevant job you wish to apply for).

What does short-listing mean?

Once you have submitted an application, your application form will be reviewed against the advertised criteria to assess your suitability for the post.  If you pass this stage, and you have met the eligibility criteria for appointment, you will be invited to the next stage of the process.  This may be an assessment centre with a panel interview or just a panel interview.

Will I be required to attend an Assessment Centre?

The Imperial War Museum uses Assessment Centres for some posts, usually for senior positions or for generic recruitment to management grades.  The purpose of an assessment is to objectively test a candidate's ability to do the job.  The assessments provide additional information to help the selection panel decide whom to appoint.  Candidates are asked to attend an assessment centre, usually between a half and a whole day to undertake a number of exercises, which are designed to mirror the key aspects or situations of the job for which they have applied.  These exercises are designed to test your knowledge, skills and ability against the requirements for the job and are set out in the personal specification.

You will be informed if an Assessment Centre will be used in the application process for the post, which you are applying, and any arrangements as appropriate.

Who will be at my interview?

The interview panel will normally consist of 3 members, who will want to discuss with you, your skills and achievements, as well as issues relevant to the post. You should be prepared to answer scenario based questions and to expand on the responses given on your application form.

One of the panel members will probably be the manager of the post for which you have applied.  During the interview panel members will be making notes of your replies.  The panel uses these notes to recall what was said when making their final assessments.  Try not to be put off by this.

Will I be informed of the progress of my application?

Yes.  You will be informed in writing if you are short listed for interview.  However if you have not received an invitation to interview three weeks after the closing date stated, then you should assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

The interview panel will tell you when you will be notified of the final outcome of the recruitment process.

Are there any specific documents you might require from me?

Yes.  If you are recommended for appointment, we will need to complete the remaining relevant security and/or CRB, health checks and reference checks to ensure you are qualified for appointment.  Whilst these checks are being undertaken, you may be offered a "conditional appointment".

When all enquiries have been completed satisfactorily, we will inform you and your appointment will be confirmed.  To enable these enquiries to be undertaken, you will need to bring the following documents with you to interview:

I. Your educational certificates
II. Evidence of your identity (an original birth certificate or passport)
III. Evidence of your right to work in the United Kingdom (such as work permit and/or visa) if necessary

These documents will be photocopied and returned to your after your interview.

Will I get feedback on my performance?

Wherever possible you will be offered feedback, particularly if you have attended an interview.  However, in large exercises where there are many candidates this may not be possible because it would be too resource intensive.

Once you have been notified of the outcome of your application, if feedback is being offered you may be asked if you wish to receive feedback by telephone or in writing.  One of the panel members will normally deliver this.

Are the interview arrangements flexible?

The dates for the selection stages will be set out in the relevant Job Specific Information and you should try to ensure that you keep these dates free or notify us if you are unavailable.  Whilst every effort will be made to accommodate individual circumstances we cannot guarantee that they will be met.

To whom should I direct questions concerning the selection process?

If you have any questions about the recruitment process or your application, or you have any comments or suggestions about our recruitment process, please email the Imperial War Museum Recruitment Unit: recruit@iwm.org.uk

3. Deciding to Apply

There is so much to consider.  How do I know if I should make an application?

Self-assessment is an important step for you. To help you make this decision, please read carefully through the job description and person specification and the Job Specific Information available on this website.

• The job description will give you an idea of what the role actually involves.  Is this something you would like to do?  Will it be fulfilling?  Will it match your needs?
• The person specification will tell you what skills, ability and knowledge are required for the post.  Do you have these?  Do not be tempted to exaggerate your qualities.  Even if you succeed and are offered the position, if you don't have the knowledge, ability or skills necessary you will struggle in the job.

If you think that you can meet everything on the person specification and you think the job matches your needs, you should now go ahead and apply.