How to apply

We are so pleased you are interested in applying for a job in Digital and Technology Services at Birmingham City Council!

We have put together this quick guide to applying because, well, we have had some feedback that the process isn’t quite as slick as perhaps we would like it to be. We are working on that, we promise – and if you are successful you could be a part of fixing it!

In the meantime, hopefully the following is helpful in guiding you through the steps to apply. We really look forward to receiving your application and speaking to you in the near future!

1. Find the right job for you

First step is to find the best job for you. There’s a couple of ways to do this. First you can read through the pages outlining what our different teams do:

At the bottom of each of those pages is the list of all the current vacancies for that team.

Alternatively you can view the mega list of all the vacancies, to see the whole range of different roles we have available.

Clicking on a job title takes you to a page where you can find out lots more, download the job description and person specification, and most importantly hit the Apply now! button.

2. Applying

Tapping that button takes you through to our job application process, which is part of our corporate HR system. Please be warned that it isn’t the most intuitive of things to use.

Please note that the application process experience is not designed for mobile access, and we really recommend you use a laptop or computer to apply. Sorry!

The first thing you have to do is click Accept to accept cookies. Without doing it, you can’t progress any further.

When you click that, the Apply Now button ought to magically appear. That’s the one you need to press to start applying.

You then be told in no uncertain terms that you don’t need an account to apply for a job. Just as well, as there is no way to actually create an account. You do however have to enter your email address, click to agree to the terms and conditions, and then hit Next to progress.

Initial details

On the next screen you’ll be asked to enter your contact details, and a few bits of information that we collect for diversity monitoring purposes.

Following that, there’s a screen with a few questions to see if you can legally work in the UK, what connections you may already have to the council, and if you consider yourself to have a disability, so we can make necessary adjustments for you.

Work history

On the next page you’ll be asked to enter your work history.

You don’t need to complete the work history section! If you prefer, you can just click Next and upload a CV later on.

We know that typing in loads of work history can be a real pain, especially if you already have it documented in a CV. You therefore do not need to complete this section if simply uploading your CV would be easier. If this is the case, just tap Next to move on.

If you don’t have a CV, then feel free to complete this section before hitting Next.

CV and supporting statement

On the next page you can provide details of any relevant licences or certificates that you would like to share because they support your application.

Then we get onto the important business of uploading your CV and supporting statement.

Your CV should be a comprehensive overview of your education and career, that demonstrates that you have the experience and skills necessary to be successful in the role
Your supporting statement should provide examples of how you meet the person specification for the role you are applying for. Try and keep it succinct by aiming for 500 words maximum.

In terms of file formats, PDF is always a good shout as it means it will display just how you want it to when we open it. We are a Microsoft friendly organisation though, so if it’s easier to attach Word documents, that’s fine with us too.

Finally on this page, please add two references with their contact details, and then type your name in to agree to the terms and to confirm that you haven’t told us any fibs. Then hit Submit and you’re done!

What happens next

We will review your application and inform you of the next steps. We’re sorry, but because of the volume of applications we receive, we won’t always be able to let you know that you haven’t made it to the next stage.

Depending on the role you have applied for, you might be asked to attend a remote interview, using Microsoft Teams; or to come to our offices in Birmingham for an in-person interview.

All the details will be shared with you in plenty of time, so you can be as prepared as possible.

Good luck!