Guidance for applicants

• We do not accept applications directly or speculative CV, please review our opportunities on the DofE work for us Page. You will be asked to complete an online application form. (If accessing application forms in a different format would enable you to perform at your best, we actively encourage and support you to request application forms in a different format).
• We also like to find out about you and why are you interested in the role, and to allow us to understand you, we ask a couple of questions at application stage that are relevant to the role, and we may also ask you to write a statement of suitability and upload a copy of your cv. This allows us to identify strengths, capabilities, and interest in the role, the information will be used to create a shortlist of successful candidates that will be invited to interview.
• When answering these questions on the application form, we would recommend using the STAR method.
• Try to give concrete evidence rather than vague statements. Rather than say “communication skills are a personal strength”, give an example of a work/education or volunteering when you have demonstrated your communication skills?
• You might find it useful to read over your application form once you have done a first draft to re-check if you have covered examples of how you meet all areas of the person specification before sending it in.

Successful candidates will be invited to attend an interview.

You will be called/emailed to invite you to attend an interview, and we aim to always offer a selection of times and dates (although this is not always possible).

You will be made aware of who will be part of the panel, the names, and positions, this normally consist of 3 people one being the manager of the role and two other representatives from across the DofE.

If you like to know a bit more about who will interviewing you before you attend, why not consider having a look at them on LinkedIn?

Sometimes we may also ask you to give a presentation or undertake a written exercise depending on the role, details about the selection process will be provided in your invite.

In addition, you will be asked if you require any necessary adjustments to attend your interview.

We are keen to support all those shortlisted to be able to perform to their best in the interview and actively encourage and support the requesting of adjustments. Examples of adjustments that are commonly put in place include:

Provision of questions in advance of the interview (although lots of hiring managers in the DofE are actively sending Interview questions in advance)

• Remote interviews
• Further detail about the location
• Breaks or additional time

Your interview will involve Values Based questions and competency questions which will be based on the key skills required for the role and the DofE Values.

• The most important thing in our interviews is to be authentic and be true to yourself.
• Take time to prepare ahead of the interview by reflecting on the job description. Consider how your strengths align with the role and think of examples that demonstrate your value. You can use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method or EARL (Example, Action, Result, Learning) to structure your answers effectively.
• Do a bit of research. We do not expect you to be an expert on us, but have a look at our values, strategy, and website.
• Remember, the people interviewing you want you to perform at your best, so if you need to take a moment to think before responding to a question, or have a sip of water, all these things are fine. Interviews can make many people nervous, and the interview panel will be aware and mindful of this and will be working to create a friendly and open environment during the interview to support you in performing to your best.

If you attend an interview, we will inform you about the decision-making process and let you know when to expect updates on the next stages or the outcome.

If you are unsuccessful in one of our interviews, you will be emailed/called to let you know. The outcome. We encourage unsuccessful applicants to request feedback, and we’ll always take the time to offer you some constructive feedback to help with your future applications and preparation.

If you have been successful and feel the DofE is a charity you would like to join, we look forward to you joining us.

The DofE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and all successful candidates will be asked to complete the following employment checks:

• Complete a Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar)
• Provide work/education reference recording any gaps.
• Confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a Health Check.