Information on Sifted Applications

Information on Sifted Applications:

The sift process is carried out against the agreed sift criteria for the post, in accordance with the scoring system that is used consistently throughout the selection process. The selection panel looks for evidence that each candidate has demonstrated the competencies required and takes into account the strength of each example given. The core competencies are ranked in order of relative importance and these will remain constant throughout the selection process. The weighting is on a scale of 1 to 3 with 3 being the most important:

Essential – will be weighted as 3
Desirable – will be weighted as 2
Advantageous – will be weighted as 1

The competencies are all scored on a 6 scale basis, i.e.:

Strong evidence – scores 5 or 6 points
Acceptable evidence – scores 3 or 4 points
Weak evidence – scores 1 or 2 points
No evidence – scores 0 points

The applicant is scored on the importance of each competency in relation to the post (i.e. 1, 2 or 3) multiplied by the strength of each example provided (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6).

Once the individual sifts are complete, the whole panel discusses the individual scores for each applicant. Any strong deviations in the individual scores for any applicant are discussed and justified and the panel will reach a consensus score. They will agree a final shortlist of candidates who have reached the agreed minimum standard of competence and should be invited for interview.

Completing the Application Form

The application form gives you the chance to describe your suitability for a vacancy by providing specific examples against the competencies in the job specification. The application form contains three main sections:-

Personal Details
All sections must be completed and it should provide up-to-date information about you and your employment details.

Career History
This will be a summary of your career history starting with your most recent post. You should include the dates, job title, key responsibilities and in particular any achievements that are relevant to the post for which you are applying.

Personal Statement
This section is very important. It is your opportunity to provide evidence to demonstrate that you possess the necessary key competencies.

You should:

Identify the relevant competencies you think you have gained and provide examples of how you have used these competencies in current or past situations. Provide relevant concise examples of jobs, tasks or projects you have done and how you did them.
Not make simple statements such as “I am a good communicator” without providing an example of a situation to demonstrate how you have used this skill to a good advantage.
Show you have potential for development in areas where you have less experience rather than limit your evidence to areas where you feel most experienced.
Try not to exceed the 2 pages provided but provide sufficient relevant information against all the competencies to demonstrate you meet the criteria for short listing within this space.
Provide examples that are concise and hold the attention of the selection panel. If you succeed with this you will have plenty of opportunity at the interview stage to elaborate further on your skills and knowledge.

Typical job application process

Job is advertised