FAQ's

The Human Resources team are often asked questions by applicants during the recruitment and selection process. Below is a summary of the most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find the answer to your own question below do not hesitate to contact us at humanresources@bbk.ac.uk.

Questions

Are all posts advertised externally?

Do candidates already employed by Birkbeck get preference?

How do I know if I am qualified for a particular post?

Can I make a written application?

I have missed the closing date. Can I still apply?

When will I know the outcome of my application?

I cannot make the interview date/time. Is it possible to re-arrange it?

Answers

Q. Are all posts advertised externally?

A. All College-funded posts that are for 6 months or more, are advertised in external media. This is in accordance with the College's Equal Opportunities Policy. Certain rare exceptions may apply. In general we do not have a policy whereby posts are made available to Birkbeck staff in the first instance and only advertised externally if no member of staff is deemed suitable.

Q. Do candidates already employed by Birkbeck get preference?

A. No. We use the criteria to shortlist, however it is good practice for all internal candidates to be short listed and interviewed for a post, where they meet the essential criteria for that job. Where an internal candidate does not meet the criteria and is not short listed, the chair of the panel should contact them to inform them of this decision prior to any interviews taking place.

Q. How do I know if I am qualified for a particular post?

A. When a post is advertised a set of further particulars is produced. Within this document there is a list of criteria, skills and attributes deemed to be essential to undertake the role. You must demonstrate in your application how you meet each essential criterion. If you meet any of the desirable criteria, please put this in your application..

Q. Can I make a written application?

A. Our preference is that all applications are submitted via the e-recruitment portal unless otherwise stated on the advert. If you have a disability which makes it difficult for you to apply by this method please contact the recruitment team at humanresources@bbk.ac.uk.

Q. I have missed the closing date. Can I still apply?

A. Unfortunately, once the post has closed no further applications will be accepted.

Q. When will I know the outcome of my application?

A. We will contact you to at the email address provided on your application to advise you if you have progressed at each stage. This will normally be wthin two working days of the decision.

Q. I cannot make the interview date/time. Is it possible to re-arrange it?

A. Birkbeck endeavours to publish the date of the interview in the further information made available to applicants. It is expected that you will be able to be released from your current duties in order to attend an internal interview. Should you not be able to attend because you will be absent from the College you are reminded that it is often not possible to re-arrange interviews because of commitments from panel members. If you are unable to attend please contact humanresources@bbk.ac.uk in the first instance. Unfortunately if we are unable to reschedule your interview, and you cannot attend, we will not consider your application in absentia.