TOP TIPS FOR APPLYING TO CITY YEAR UK

Firstly, can we say how pleased we are that you’re considering City Year UK as your next challenge! With our 2017 August programme just around the corner we’ve put together some handy hints for anyone thinking about applying to join us in London, the West Midlands or Greater Manchester.

Have a read, and if you have any questions about the application process, please feel free to get in touch with the recruitment team at recruitment@cityyear.org.uk. We’d love to hear from you.

• Before you apply, make sure that you understand what City Year UK is about, are aware of the time commitment and the reasons why our work is so important. Ask yourself ‘Can I do this’? ‘What would I get out of this experience’?

• City Year UK is a leadership development programme, so consider what type of leadership qualities a full-time volunteer needs when working with children and teachers in a school and make sure this is reflected in your application.

• You have 500 words to tell us something interesting about you as a person and the things you have done; tell us what’s driving you to really want to do this, and show that you really connect with the opportunity.

• We are looking for someone passionate and driven, and although you don’t need to have experience of working with children, we are looking for people who can show us their leadership potential and a real drive to make a difference. Make sure you read our list of competencies and demonstrate that you have skills in these areas.

1. THE APPLICATION FORM

THE APPLICATION FORM

THE INTERVIEW

ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT

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• If you are successful at interview you will be offered a conditional offer on the basis that you pass an academic assessment. This will involve a short literacy and numeracy test which will take about an hour to complete in total. Make sure you read the questions carefully and take your time - you will be unable to go back and re-answer questions once you have started. There is the option to take a couple of practice questions before you start the full test to help you get used to the system.

• Make sure you take our online academic tests somewhere with a reliable internet connection where you won’t be disturbed. If you do not have a PC at home please let us know as we can accommodate you in our offices.

3. ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT

Finally, if you have any questions, all you need to do is ask! Whether you see us online, are in the process of completing an application or are at one of our assessment centres, we’re more than happy to help. We also hold information sessions at our offices so feel free to come in and chat to the recruitment team and find out more about what it takes to be an inspiring role model, mentor and tutor to children in disadvantaged communities.

Good luck with your application!

2. THE INTERVIEW

• Once you’ve completed an application form and have been invited for an interview, think carefully about what the role involves; what you will do well in and any challenges you may also face. Consider beforehand how you might overcome these difficulties.

• Make sure you let your personality shine through at interview stage. We are looking for candidates who can communicate and build rapport. This also helps us to see which school or team a person may best be suited in.

• This is a competency-based interview so make sure you are familiar with our competencies and are able to demonstrate your skills in these areas. You can find our competencies listed on our website here.

• As part of the interview process there will be a group task where you will have to work as part of a team to come up with a solution to a situation that might occur in a school. Although part of a team for this task you will be assessed individually.