Recruitment FAQs
Read on to find answers to some of our FAQs about recruitment.
How can I stay up to date on job openings?
Please check our website regularly to stay up to date with our job vacancies and volunteer opportunities.
We also recommend following us on social media as we frequently post about new roles, events and opportunities available. You can find us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
What forms do I need to submit with my application?
Our application pack consists of:
- Job application form
- Rehabilitation of offenders’ form
- Equal opportunities monitoring form
You are required to complete our application form and rehabilitation of offenders’ form. It is optional to complete an equal opportunity monitoring form and the information you provide on this is used for monitoring purposes only.
Each of these forms are attached to the job advert.
Specific additional forms may be required for certain positions. If so, these will be listed in the job advert.
If you require a printed copy of our application pack, please contact HR@alliance-scotland.org.uk or by telephone on 0141 404 0231 providing your postal address.
You must return a completed application pack to our office address 310 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5RU before the closing date listed on the job advert to be included in shortlisting.
Do you accept CVs?
No, we do not accept CVs. To apply for a vacancy at the ALLIANCE, you are required to complete our application form and rehabilitation of offenders’ form as a minimum.
Can I apply for multiple jobs at once?
Yes, you are welcome to apply for multiple roles. Please ensure each application form is tailored to each specific job role to highlight your ability to meet the relevant criteria for the posts.
If there is more than one post available for the same role, you only need to submit one application form. But please clearly state which post(s) you are applying for.
Can I apply if I don’t meet all the essential criteria?
The ALLIANCE recognises that in real life, great people don’t always ‘tick all the boxes.’ Even if you don’t meet every point on the job description, if the role and our organisation feel like a good fit for you, we still want to hear from you.
I’ve submitted my application, what happens next?
Once you submit your application to HR@alliance-scotland.org.uk a member of the HR team will confirm receipt of your application via email.
Your application form will be anonymised and then shortlisted by the interview panel. By anonymise we mean that we will remove information stating your name and address, whether you live with a disability and your referees. Any information you include in the application form e.g. in the personal statement, which may identify you will not be removed.
If you have been shortlisted, you will be contacted by HR via email with an invitation to interview. We aim to give candidates at least one weeks’ notice to attend an interview.
If you have not been shortlisted, you will be contacted by HR via email. We respond to all applicants, regardless of whether you are successful at shortlisting.
How long will the recruitment process take?
The length of the recruitment process varies depending on the role and the number of candidates. Once the job advert closes, you will be notified whether you have been shortlisted for interview within approximately 1-2 weeks of this date.
Interviews will be held approximately 1 week after invitations are issued. We aim to provide the outcome of interviews as soon as possible, often within 5 working days.
Our job advert will state the date(s) the interviews will take place.
Do you provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants?
If you attended an interview and were unsuccessful at this stage, when notified of your interview outcome you will be offered the opportunity for feedback and asked for your preferred method of receiving this, i.e. via telephone or email.
Due to the volume of application, we receive, we cannot always provide feedback on unsuccessful application forms. However, you are welcome to ask and if we can, we will.
Can I contact someone if I have questions about the role or the application process?
Yes, if you have any questions about the role or the application process, you can contact us via email at HR@alliance-scotland.org.uk or by telephone on 0141 404 0231, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.
Any general questions about the application process can be answered by our HR team. If you have any specific questions about the role advertised, we may put you in contact with the panel chair.
I’ve been invited for an interview, what do I need to bring?
Water will be available for you on the day, and we can provide pens and paper at your request.
If you are delivering a presentation on the day, you may wish to bring a backup printed copy or your laptop. We will not allow removable media such as pen drives to be used with ALLIANCE equipment.
At the end of your interview, you will be invited to ask the interview panel any questions, therefore you may wish to prepare some questions in advance.
What is the interview process like?
Our interview process involves a list of set questions which aim to uncover your experience, skills and motivations for applying for the role. The questions are relevant to the job description.
In some cases, you may be asked in advance to deliver a short presentation at the beginning of your interview. You will be provided with the presentation topic as part of your invite to interview.
If the interview panel cannot decide between candidates, you may be invited to a second interview. But as standard, our recruitment process involves one interview.
We will always let you know what to expect in advance.
Will I receive the interview questions in advance?
Yes, it is our standard practice to provide all shortlisted candidates with a copy of the interview questions ahead of time. This allows you to prepare thoroughly and ensures a fair and transparent process.
Where are interviews held?
Interviews are held in-person at our office which is located at 310 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5RU. However, we may be able to accommodate your interview via MS Teams at your request.
Where is your office and how can I access it?
Our office is located on the ground floor at 310 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5RU.
Directions and guidance on visiting the ALLIANCE office can be found on our website under Visting the ALLIANCE.
I require reasonable adjustments for my interview, who do I contact?
Within your invite to interview, you will be asked if you require any reasonable adjustments or have any accessibility requirements in order to attend the interview.
Please contact our HR team by email at HR@alliance-scotland.org.uk or by telephone on 0141 404 0231, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.
How can I prepare for the interview?
We recommend that you visit our website to gain an understanding of the work we do and our values.
Make sure to carefully review the job description so you have a clear understanding of the role’s responsibilities and how your skills align with them.
You may choose to prepare some questions in advance to ask the interview panel at the end of the interview.
Who will be on the interview panel?
The interview panel will generally comprise of 3 people: the panel chair (who will be the line manager for the post), another manager from a relevant department and an HR representative.
On occasion there may be 4 people present on the panel and may include an external third party if deemed necessary.
HR presence ensures the interview process is fair, consistent, and in line with organisational policy. They will also assist with any administrative aspects of the interview process and can provide guidance on next steps following the interview.
What should I do if I can no longer attend my interview or I’m not available at the time requested?
The date(s) of the interview will be included on the job advert to provide candidates with as much notice as possible.
If you are unable to attend your interview, please contact HR@alliance-scotland.org.uk or by telephone on 0141 404 0231 as soon as possible if you wish to withdraw from the recruitment process.
If you are still interested in the role but cannot attend the interview at the date or time stated, we cannot guarantee that we can offer you an alternative interview slot.
We understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances arise, and we will do our best to accommodate you, but this may not always be possible.
What should I expect after I’ve completed my interview?
After interviews are complete, each interview panellist will individually score each candidate against a set metric. The panel will then come together to collate scores and select the successful candidate.
If you are the successful candidate, the panel chair or HR will contact you via telephone.
HR will contact all candidates confirming the outcome of your interview and allow you to request feedback.
If you passed the interview but were not the successful chosen candidate on the day, we may request your consent to keep your contact details on file for 6-12 months. This means if future suitable vacancies arise, we may contact you directly.
What should I do if I don’t hear back after an interview?
During your interview, the panel will provide you with an estimated timeframe for when you can expect to hear from us, usually within 5 working days.
If you haven’t received any communication by that time, please first check your junk or spam email folder, as sometimes messages can be filtered there. Otherwise, please contact our HR team by emailing HR@alliance-scotland.org.uk or calling our office at 0141 4040231.
If for any reason there is a delay in providing the outcome of your interview, you will be kept informed by our HR team and provided with a reasonable timeframe to expect to hear from us.
I have been offered the role, what happens next?
If you are the successful candidate, the panel chair or HR will contact you via telephone to make a conditional offer of employment subject to a successful right to work check and receipt of satisfactory references, and where necessary, a PVG check.
You will be contacted by HR to arrange a suitable time for you to attend our office to undertake your right to work check, where we require sight of your passport or other relevant documentation.
HR will request permission to contact your references. Please note, we will not contact your references until you provide your consent. However, your employment will not be confirmed until we receive two satisfactory references.
HR will then email you with a copy of your contract of employment alongside other forms relevant to your onboarding which you will be asked to complete and return before your start date.
Do you offer flexible working arrangements?
Yes. Flexible working is a day-one right, therefore you may request flexible working arrangements at the beginning of your employment.
Will the ALLIANCE sponsor my visa to work in the UK?
No. The ALLIANCE are unable to sponsor your visa to work in the UK.