Tips for Success
Your guide to applying at the Calico Group
Welcome to our “Tips for Success” guide! We’re excited that you’re considering joining us and want to help you excel in your application process.
Here’s a streamlined overview to help you navigate each step with confidence:
How to Apply
- Visit Our Jobs Portal: Find the role you’re interested in and click “Apply Online.”
- Create an Account: If you’re a new user, you’ll need to set up an account. Once registered, you’ll enter our electronic application portal.
- Complete Your Application: Provide your personal details, employment history, skills, and qualifications. Depending on the role, you may need to upload a CV and cover letter or fill out a detailed application form. The system will guide you through this process.
Tracking Your Application
Monitor Progress: Log into your account to track your application status and receive email notifications as you advance through the stages.
Telephone Screening
Initial Contact: If shortlisted, you might be invited to a telephone screen. This informal chat helps us ensure the role is a good fit for both you and us. The hiring manager will arrange a convenient time for this call.
Interview Invitation
Scheduling: If you progress to the interview stage, you’ll receive an email invitation to book a slot. The details will include everything you need, including the hiring manager’s contact information.
Receiving Feedback
Post-Interview: After your telephone screen or interview, we’ll provide feedback once a decision is made. Due to the volume of applications, we may not be able to offer individual feedback, but we’ll notify you by email if you’re not moving forward.
Crafting Your CV & Cover Letter
Cover Letter: Make it count! Highlight your unique attributes, why you’re interested in the role, and how you fit our needs.
CV: Keep it concise (up to 2 pages) and focused on relevant experience, including a personal statement, qualifications, and job history.
Preparing for Interviews
Use the STAR Method: Structure your responses to competency-based questions by describing:
- Situation: The context or challenge.
- Task: What needed to be done.
- Action: The steps you took.
- Result: The outcome and what you learned.
Values Alignment: Be prepared to discuss your views on equality, diversity, and inclusion, as these are central to our values.
Post-Interview Process
Offer: If successful, the hiring manager will call with details of the offer and next steps. You’ll receive a written offer and provisional start date, pending pre-employment checks.
Pre-Employment Checks: These may include a DBS check, managed by a third-party company. Your new line manager will keep in touch to confirm your start date.
If Unsuccessful
Feedback: You’ll be contacted by the hiring manager, who will provide feedback to help with future applications.
We hope this guide helps you prepare for a successful application. Good luck, and we look forward to the possibility of working with you at the Calico Group!
Disability Support
At Calico, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all candidates. If you require any support with your application or interview process, we are here to help. This includes:
Application Support:
Guidance on completing your application to highlight your strengths.
Interview Adjustments:
Assistance with reasonable adjustments to ensure you have a comfortable and fair interview experience.
General Enquiries:
Answers to any questions or concerns you might have regarding the application process.
If you feel you need further support with your application or interview practice, Evenbreak will also be able to assist you.
Contact Us
For support or more information, please reach out to our Careers Team:
Email: careers@calico.org.uk
Phone: 01282 686 466
We’re here to ensure you have the support you need throughout your application journey
