Frequently Asked Questions – Vacancies

Do you have any jobs coming up in a particular field?

All of our vacancies can be found online or on Centre notice-boards; please check there.

Where is the job based?

This information can be found on the job advert and/or job description.

What are the exact working hours?

This information can be found on the job advert.

What is the part-time salary?

To calculate the pro-rata salary from the full time equivalent (FTE) salary given, divide the full time salary by 36 (FT hours per week) then multiply the answer by the number of hours to be worked each week.

For Term-time only posts, you will also need to divide the FTE salary by 52.142 (FT weeks per year) then multiply the result by the number of weeks to be worked.

What qualifications do I need for the job that I’m looking at?

All the information relevant to the position can be found in the person specification for the position. These documents are on our website with the job advert or in your paper application pack.

Who should I put down as a reference?

We will need a reference from your current or last employer plus one other reference. If your current employer has known you for less than 1 year we will need to obtain an additional reference for you. If you have not been employed in the past five years you can use your previous work reference. “Work” can include any voluntary work, work experience or part time work.

If you do not have any work experience you will need to provide alternative references (for example your accountant and a recent client if you’ve been self employed). Please do not give family members or close friends as referees.

How do I address the criteria in the person specification?

It’s up to you – this is your opportunity to tell us why you are suitable for the job. Good advice is to read the job description and person specification thoroughly and ensure that you answer each section. When providing examples remember to explain what happened, what you did and the outcome of the situation. If the person specification says ‘Able to organise self and others to complete projects within deadlines’ you must do more than say: ‘I am an organised person and can work to deadlines’. Give an example by describing something that you have done which shows your organisational skills.

The people reading your application cannot assume that because you have experience you also have the ability to carry out a task. For example you may have experience of managing staff, but we need to know how you did this. You need to tell us how you managed performance and how you motivated your staff (for example).

Can I send my CV rather than apply on-line?

No, in order to apply for a position you need to complete an application form. We do not accept CVs.

I can’t apply on-line as I don’t have access to a computer. What do I do?

There are a variety of places where you can gain access to a computer to allow you to download and/or complete your application. All Sutton’s Libraries allow free access to the internet.

Can I get a paper/email application?

You can apply for a job with the College via our website by downloading and printing the application pack or by emailing us for a form. If you do not have a computer you can access one free of charge at any Sutton Library or for a small hourly fee at Sutton College’s iClick Centre.

Alternatively, you can collect a paper copy of the application pack from any Sutton College Centre or if there is time, we can send you out a paper copy to complete and return by second class royal mail.

What time does the position close?

The closing time for applications is midday (12:00) unless otherwise stated on the advert.

Can you give me more time to complete i.e. extend the closing date?

Unfortunately no, all applications need to be received by the closing date stated in the advert.

Will I be contacted if I am not successful?

Sutton College receives vast quantities of applications and is not able to contact all applicants by post however if you provide an email address we will endeavour to acknowledge receipt.  If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.

How do I get feedback on why I wasn’t selected for interview?

Contact details can be found in the application guidance notes or on our website.