What is this job advert implying?

[JumpingBackOn]

Apologies if this is a daft question, but I’m currently going back to work after a break to support family. I’m about to apply for a job I’ve seen on Indeed that I’m a very good fit for.

It says "To apply for this role please follow the Apply Now button above. When completing your application be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education or personal interests.”

But at the end of the advert it says "For an informal discussion regarding this post please contact the following…” giving the email addresses of two managers on the team.

It’s a public sector job and almost all jobs in this sector on Indeed have this at the end of the advert, but private sector jobs do not.

Am I to assume that they’re trying to say that you should apply to them directly rather than through Indeed?

No, you apply through indeed but can contact the managers for info on the role - I would do so as it shows interest

Sorry meant to add - good luck!

Thanks!

So you mean do the formal application on Indeed, but also email my CV to both managers and summarising why I'm a great fit for the job etc?

No - contact them for a conversation about what the job entails so you can get more of a feel for it before filling in the indeed application form.

Just apply via Indeed. Ringing to 'show interest' won't be linked to your application so is a bit pointless.

No, ask them some questions/comment on your interest about the role but not apply via email.

What is confusing you about the phrase “an informal discussion?”. It’s not a trick. You email them, say you’d like to find out more about the role and they arrange a time to give you a call to discuss.

Maybe something like:

’Hi, I noted your applying for x role and feel like I have a lot of the skills you’re looking for.

could you please tell me is this a new role or an existing position that you’re rehiring for?
Do you have any big projects upcoming that you need additional support for?
How do you like your tea and biscuits?

kind Regards’

This. They're not expecting you to apply, nor talk about why you'd be a good fit for the role if you email them. They're expecting you to contact them to find out more about the role if their job spec doesn't give you enough information to decide whether or not to apply.

Also, if it’s civil service type of role, they probably follow the STAR method of applications, it’s worth reading up on to tailor your application in advance.

Good luck with the job search!

You don't need to contact them before applying through Indeed. It can be for questions about the role, or even "should I apply if I want to work flexibly" etc. Things that you might need to know about the job that might determine whether or not you spend time applying. If you feel confident you don't have any such things then just go ahead through the application process.

This sort of thing is quite normal in my field- standardised application process but contact details for informal queries.

The application form may well be quite involved, so "CV and cover letter" won't do it.

It is for things like "the job spec says you need experience in XYZ code but I'm mainly experienced in ABC - would this be acceptable?"

Not the sort of thing you'd necessarily discuss in interview under "any other questions".

We always have this in our ads.

About 1 in 15 applicants take it up. They ask about company culture, direction, department size and configuration, strategies and projects - things that imply they are interested in how they can contribute long term.

One or two of them then went away and worked this into their application / presentations/ answers at interview. One decided not to apply after an honest conversation about job security and progression.

Certainly one candidate where I think it might the difference and she was appointed. However, most don't do it. Unless you really want the job or you are confident having this kind of conversation, I wouldn't worry about it. If doing it, do it before you apply.

Is this an NHS job?

It's really common in NHS to offer people the chance to find out more about the service/dept before applying, what the work will entail, how big the dept is etc.
I would encourage you to ring to find out more as it shows you're actually thinking seriously about this post and not just sending off loads of job applications randomly.

As others have said it's just a chat before you decide whether to apply or not. You can find out more about the role, the team, future team plans, general culture etc. There is no guarantee the person you chat to will be involved in the application sift.

If this is for a civil service or one of the arms length body organisation make sure you use STAR and if you search for it you might be able to find the capability dictionary each characteristic comes from and use that to help you fill in the application and answer the interview questions.

Thanks all - that's really helpful!

The role is a Projects and Partnerships Officer in the Employment and Skills department at a county council.

That last comment was for @BranchGold.

Would a county council use the STAR method?

I think a lot of employers do lead towards the star method, so it’s worthwhile following it.

if you google there’s the civil service behaviours, it breaks down how/what they are looking for you to demonstrate. A big element is the action and result, continuously saying ‘I did…’ and listing actions, and what the result at the end was.

I think a lot of women particularly struggle with the ‘I did…’ self grandiosity, and prefer to talk about how they collaborated as a team, but it’s what the employers seem to want.

Strongly disagree.

Contact them as @FUPAgirl and @cardibach have explained. It will allow you to better tailor your application and prep for interview if invited

Don't contact them just for the sake of it if you don't genuinely have any questions that aren't addressed in the job spec. Most hiring managers are very busy and it's generally obvious when people have made up an excuse to go around the formal process because they think it will give them an advantage. I would not thank you for sticking time in for a call with me if it was clear you just thought it would make you "stand out".

I'm in the NHS , I always do it.

When I worked in schools you were expected to call and look round before applying. Ask questions and see if you’d fit in. Not doing so meant your application was moved below those who had shown interest.

Ring them for a chat. See how you feel and apply through indeed.

Look at the job spec and answer those questions

I ah r showed resilience when a project was difficult and we pulled c out of the bag.

I was part of a team project and collaborated with x and y to achieve x

I am hardworking and was recognized by x promotion : pay rise / ground breaking prize award.

You do have to sell your soul.

Thanks @Scarletttulips - I already have achievements etc on my CV so can use those.

They list two emails not phone numbers btw, so it would have to be an email approach.

So do you think I should approach them directly before I apply just to get noticed?

No - this would be highly annoying as the line manager if everyone does this. Only reason out if you have good questions, as per the job ad states.

You need to include key words from the job description in your CV.

It won’t help you get noticed. Most, if not all, public sector applications are anonymised before going to the selecting panel.