Each role in the Partnership is unique. So each recruitment journey will be a little different. We want to make sure you’re the right fit, so everyone’s journey is specifically designed to make sure we get to know each other properly.
We encourage everyone who works for us to think about their potential to do better, do more or do something different in their working life. We want you to be the best you can be, whether that’s when you apply for a role with us or throughout your Partnership journey. Take time to consider what drives you and what will give you a happy and fulfilling career with us and we will do the same for you.
Here are some of the more common questionnaires/tests and stages of the recruitment process to give you a good idea of what to expect. We have also included some hints and tips to help you along the way.
Please be aware that not every stage will be applicable to every role.
The Partnership is unlike anywhere else. And that means it might not be right for everyone. We’ve put together a series of questions (and videos for some roles) designed to show you what it’s like to work here so you can decide whether we’re the right fit for each other before you apply. These can be found on the appropriate job information pages on this site.
Our application form asks you a series of questions so that we can assess your suitability for the Partnership. As well as detailing your experience and qualifications, you’ll have an opportunity to tell us why you are right for the role and the Partnership. For some roles you will be required to upload a CV.
Please be aware that when you are invited to complete any of our online tests as part of the selection process we recommend completing these tests as soon as possible as some vacancies may close early due to high numbers of applications.
Being a Partner is a unique experience, sharing the responsibility of ownership as well as its rewards. In recognition of this, we’ve developed a questionnaire for candidates to find out if they’re aligned with this unique way of working. We sought insight into the day-to-day activities of Partners to truly understand what it means to be a Partner and the difference of working in a co-owned business. For some roles, questions will also include specific scenarios that you’d experience in the role you’re applying for. They help us to understand how you’ll respond to a variety of challenges which you may encounter on a day-to-day basis and assess your potential for the role.
Depending on the role you have applied for, you may have further questions to answer at this stage relating to the skills and experience required.
At this stage, you will also be asked to provide information on the hours you are available to work.
We are a people-focused business so, for most of our roles, you’ll need to come to one of our branches or to our offices where you’ll meet with team members to complete an interview and assessment exercise. This could be a group exercise or one that you’ll complete on your own. You will be assessed against the Partnership Capability framework and you may be asked role specific questions.Tip; familiarise yourself with the Partnership Capabilities and consider your experience, either in work or studies/hobbies, where you have demonstrated the capabilities.
Be yourself! We want to know the real you.
Read our Partnership Capabilities and the job outline beforehand as this is what you will be measured against.Contribute during the assessment exercises – it sounds obvious but you can only be assessed on what you say and do, so try to participate as much as possible.
Make sure you answer the question! It sounds really simple and obvious but so often when asked a question candidates start explaining a situation but don’t answer the question. Keep the question clearly in your mind and keep referring back to it while you answer, don’t be afraid to note it down using pen and paper, or ask the interviewer to repeat, an interview isn’t a memory test.
When using examples of what you’ve achieved with teams, think about the part you’ve played and what was your individual contribution.
Use the job outline to help you prepare. Think about what you have done in the past which demonstrates why you would be good in the role.
If the role you are applying for is in a local branch, pop in before your interview to get a feel for the atmosphere and to check you know how to get there and how long the journey will take!
For some roles, your assessment may take place virtually. You will be sent clear instructions on how the assessment will take place, including the technology required.
Tip; Ensure you are in a controlled environment where you will not be disturbed by phones ringing, someone knocking on the door, dogs barking etc etc!
For some of our roles a telephone interview may be used as part of the early stages of the selection process. This is conducted on a one-to-one basis – you’ll be asked questions based on the Partnership Capabilities and skills and experience required for the role.
The Partnership must make sure that anyone we’re looking to employ is legally allowed to work in the UK before their employment begins.
You must give the right documents showing you can work in the UK which will be checked when you have an assessment or interview. If the right documents aren’t provided your application won’t progress any further.
For more information on what documents you can bring to show you’ve the right to work, go to the Check if a document allows someone to work in the UK of the gov.uk website.
Check what you need to show
You automatically have the right to work in the UK if:
You might have a right to work in the UK if you’ve got a visa with a time limit. This is called having ‘limited leave to enter or remain’. If your leave has ended, you don’t have the right to work in the UK.
Check if you’re a British citizen
You should check if you’re a British citizen if you’re not sure – for example, you might be a British citizen if you:
To check go to the Check if you’re a British citizen on the gov.uk website.
If you’ve got limited leave to enter or remain
You’ll have limited leave to enter or remain if you’ve got a visa with a time limit.
You’ll usually have a document which says if you’ve got the right to work – for example, a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
You might have restrictions on the type of job or work you can do, or the number of hours you can work.
For more information on what documents you can bring to show you have the right to work, go to the Check if a document allows someone to work in the UK of the gov.uk website.
If you’ve got a student visa
You’re only allowed to work a certain number of hours. If you’re not sure how many hours you can work, you should check your immigration documents or talk to your education provider. More information on the rules about working with a student visa can be found on the Student work page of the UKCISA website.
You will be informed during the final stage selection, the timescales of when you should expect to receive an outcome, as these will vary from role to role. Please check the candidate home link and your emails regularly. If you are successful in being offered a position with us you will be notified and be able to formally accept the Employment Agreement online. We would encourage you to read the details and make a decision on whether to accept as quickly as possible. Any offer will have a built-in expiry date, so it is very important that you respond to any offer as soon as you can otherwise the offer will be withdrawn on the expiry date given.
At various points in the recruitment process, all candidates will have been asked to provide documents to show they have the legal right to work in the UK. Please use the links below to find out which documents we accept and what you will be asked to do.
Accepted Documents – this will take you to the Government Website for the most up to date information
Should we make an offer of employment, you will be able to formally accept the position online as well as completing any pre-employment checks and your health questionnaire.
Once we’ve agreed a start date with you, you will have access to Workday where you’ll find out more information about what to expect from being a Partner and the business. You will also be able to input your bank details which must be done prior to your start date to ensure you are paid correctly and on time.
We believe that becoming a Partner is something to be proud of. Earning Membership is a simple framework for new starters to our business. It is in place to ensure that new Partners share our values and that the Partnership is the right for them as well. Find out more here.
Realistic Job Preview
Making Your Application
Online Assessment
“Make sure you really tailor your application to the role you are applying for and consider each of the questions asked on the application form carefully.”
“Regularly check your communication centre once you have applied, so that you know exactly how your application is progressing. You will only have two days to complete online tests so make sure you don’t miss key deadlines.”
Stand out from the crowd and differentiate yourself – use your application to demonstrate why what you’ve got to offer is unique.
If attaching a CV, make sure it’s up-to-date and well-presented. Keep it concise and ensure the recruiters can quickly and clearly see evidence that you’re suitable.
We may need to know whether you have the skills and capabilities to do the role you’re applying for so we may also ask you to complete some tests specific to your industry knowledge, e.g. coding exercise, accountancy skills or Excel.
Additional Questions
Assessment
Right to Work
Offer
Things to do before you join us
Earning membership
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