For all roles you’ll need to fill in an application profile online. You can do this by clicking ‘apply’ for the role you’re interested in and completing the form there and then before submitting your application. Or you can register and build your application profile in advance. It’s well worth doing this – it means that you can take your time to ensure your profile shows off your skills, experience and personality to the full. And you don’t need to do it all in one go. Once you’ve registered with a user name and password, you can save your profile and return to it at any time to update your details or complete the sections. Then, when you find a vacancy that’s right for you, you can apply for the role quickly and easily because you’ve already written and saved the information we’ll need from you. And we’ll help out by sending you regular Job Alerts.
Once you’ve applied for a role with us, you’ll receive an automated email telling you that we’ve received your application. We’ll advise you by email of the outcome of your application and if we do want to get to know you better then we’ll invite you to attend either an assessment centre or a one-to-one interview.
We do like to keep things straightforward for you, but depending on the role you’ve applied for we may ask you to complete some tests to show us your abilities – we’ll let you know in advance if that’s going to be the case. These might include numerical and verbal tests, IT skills testing, role plays, group or individual exercises or giving a presentation. It’s all because we only ever recruit based on your ability to do the job, and nothing else. So you’ll also get the chance to shine during your competency-based personal interview where it will be all about your personality and commitment to working the co-operative way. This is your chance to really impress us, so make the most of it!
Before you leave we’ll let you know when you can expect to hear from us about whether or not you’ve been successful. If you’re not successful we’ll be pleased to offer you some constructive feedback discussing your strengths and any areas for development that may help you in the future if you request it.
If we’ve asked you to come along to an assessment centre or interview, don’t leave it until the last minute to get prepared! Whatever role you’re applying for, we’ll expect you to have learned a bit more about what we do, who our customers are and what businesses we have. We’ll also expect you to have thought carefully about the job description, and how your skills and experience will meet our needs.
At the assessment or interview itself we’ll want to get to know more about you, so be ready to answer detailed questions about anything you’ve included on your CV or application. We’ll also ask you why you want to join our Society and how you’d like to progress your career with us. What we’ll be looking for above all are your ‘core competencies’ to help us both decide whether a role with us would be the right move for you.
If you’re applying for a management role we’ll also look for:
And if it’s a senior management role, as well as all the above you’ll need to show:
If we need you to undertake any psychometric tests or to prepare a presentation, we’ll let you know in advance.
Give your job search a head start – register online and start building your CV Profile so you’ll be ready to apply when the right role crops up
Register your interest in one of our varied Apprenticeship Schemes here. Our Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Central England Co-operative Limited is a Registered Society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Registered number 10143R.