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?

OP, is there anything you're actually unsure of about the role, practicalities of the job etc? If so, ask.

If not, apply based on the job description and person spec. You'll probably have to clearly write down specific examples of how your experience applies to the job spec, as per the application form.

Good luck!

I worked in a university, which is public sector. Applications were not anonymised. Can't speak for county councils.

Contact them if anything is unclear, otherwise just apply.

It won't necessarily help you get noticed if you contact them.

This. It’s not a code!

We didn't anonymise applications and often remembered anyone who had called for an informal chat. It can be a good idea, and the people listed are very likely to be on the interview panel so a prior good impression could help.

For us (council). It’s often used to arrange informal visits.

gives applicants a feel for the role, what is involved, to ask other staff any questions.

it can help with applications/interview as the more you know about the role the more you can tailor to meet criteria.

it also saves people wasting time applying/interviewing when they find out they role can’t be done around childcare, flexi means 8 hours between 7 and 7, not 4 days a week, the office is in the arse end of nowhere with no bus etc. The most common one is public sector roles always state “this role is suitable for job share”, but unless there’s someone else to share the job which is unheard of, then it isn’t.