How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in applying for a position. We hope that you will find applying via our website straightforward. This page explains our application process and how to get in touch if you need any further information.

Registering with our Jobs website

To apply for a position you will need to create a profile on our Recruitment page. This will allow you to access, complete and submit an electronic application. This will also allow us to keep you informed of your application progress through status reports and via email. You can register for alerts to inform you when we have vacancies that are of interest to you.

I previously applied for a post but can't log in to this site

If you applied for a post before February 2013, your details will have been held on our old application system. To complete a new application, you will need to create a new profile on our current system.

What should I use as my Username?

Your username should be an email address that you are happy for us to contact you on. Please make sure that this is an account that you access regularly, as any communication relating to your application may be made via email.

You can change your registered email address at any time using the "My Login" from the Candidate Homepage.

What format does my password need to be in?

Your password needs to have:

  • at least 9 characters
  • at least 2 capital letters
  • at least 2 small letters
  • at least 2 digits
  • at least 2 special characters
  • If you are changing your password it must differ by at least 4 characters from the old password.

Can I apply using a CV?

All applications must be made using our application form. If you have information within your CV that you feel would be useful for your application, you can cut and paste it into the "Other Relevant Information" section of the application form.

Completing the Application form

The application form is split into sections, some of which may be pre-populated if you have previously applied for a different post. You will be informed of which sections need to be completed, reviewed, or may be pre-completed.

You do not have to complete an application in one session, however please be aware that the system will log out automatically after 60 minutes of inactivity. Providing that you save any changes made to your form before exiting, you can return to an application at any time before to the closing date.

Please remember that the selection panel can only make a decision based on the information you include in your application. Please use the "Other Relevant Information" section to concisely explain how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria shown in the Job Description.

Closing Dates

Our vacancies normally close at midnight (UK time) on the closing date (unless otherwise stated). Once your application is complete, the submission process should only take a few moments (this may vary depending on the speed of your internet connection). Providing your application is submitted before this time, we can consider you for the position - please don't leave your application to the last moment.

How can I be kept up to date with my application?

Our recruitment system will enable us to keep you updated via email, or via status updates (visible in the Candidate Homepage). As we will use email as our main method of communication, please ensure that any email address you register with us is regularly checked.

I have not received any email updates

In some cases, we have identified that emails sent by ourselves may be being filtered as "Spam" or "Junk". To ensure that you receive any updates or communication from us, please check these folders or add us to your safe senders lists.

If your email address has changed, please update your account using the "My Login" option from the Candidate Homepage.

Do I have to apply on line?

We prefer applications to be made online as it helps us to provide both you and our internal customers with the best possible service. However, if you find it difficult to apply online, please contact us so that we can assist you or discuss alternative methods of application.

I want to make a change to my form, but I have submitted my application already - what can I do?

Providing you are acting before the closing date for the vacancy, you will need to withdraw your previous application - this can be done from the Candidate History. Click on the red X against your application; your action will be confirmed via email to your registered email address.

You will need to begin a new application form in the "Current Vacancies page", however your old form will be available as a PDF download for you to refer to.

Can I apply using a tablet/iPad?

At the moment, our application system is not enabled for use on Tablet PC/iPad.

Interview expenses

Please be aware that should you be shortlisted for a vacant position and invited to attend an interview you will not re-imbursed you for any expenses incurred to attend the interview.

Reporting a problem

If you experience any problems with the registration or application process, please let us know by contacting HR_Systems@northampton.ac.uk. To assist us in resolving any problems, please can you provide the following information:

  • What section and field you are experiencing a problem with
  • What internet browser you are using (and version number if possible)

This information will help us to quickly identify and resolve any issues.