Frequently Asked Questions from Applicants

Please complete and submit the online Application Form for the vacancy you are interested in.

Please allow enough time to ensure that your application is completed before the deadline. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. If you are having problems submitting your application, please call our HR Department on 020 7869 6103.

If you have a disability and need any adjustments to be made in order for you to apply, please contact HR to see how we can accommodate your needs.

Applications in the form of CVs will not be considered; unless specified otherwise. If you wish, you may attach your CV to a full application.

The application form plays an important part in the selection process, both as a tool for helping us to shortlist candidates for interview, and as a basis for the interview itself. To ensure fairness to all applicants, any decision to shortlist you for interview will be based solely upon the information you supply on your application form. Even if you are already known to the RCS, it is important you complete the form in full. We cannot take into account in the selection process any previous knowledge we may have of you. 

This is your opportunity to tell us specifically why you wish to apply for the job and what makes you a suitable applicant. In this section, it is important that you provide us with evidence to demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required as set out in the person specification for the job. It is not sufficient to merely state that you do, you will need to provide specific examples of what you have done and how you believe this demonstrates you meet each requirement.

You might find it helpful to address each of the items in the person specification separately in the order they have been listed to make sure you address them all.

It is important to remember that those involved in the selection process cannot guess or make assumptions about you. Make sure you tell us everything relevant to your application and that you complete all the sections on the form. Please read the instructions on the application form, which are designed to assist you in providing us with the information we need.

By midnight on the closing date, unless otherwise specified.

Think about what evidence you can provide to demonstrate you have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience. You may also want to include voluntary/unpaid work experience, or experience gained via a role of responsibility in one of your leisure pursuits if this is relevant to the requirements of the job.

The purpose, main duties and responsibilities of the post are set out in the job description and the knowledge, skills and experience we are looking for in the successful candidate are listed in the person specification. It is important to read all this information before completing your application.

Due to the volume of applications, the HR Department is unable to respond to applicants who have not been short-listed for interview.

If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date it is likely your application has not been successful. You are welcome to contact the HR Department  on 020 7869 6103 or RCSHR@rcseng.ac.uk if you have any queries. 

Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and usually carried out by the recruiting manager and one other person. When shortlisting, we are making an assessment of how closely your application meets the selection criteria set out in the person specification. The shortlisting panel will go through your application in detail looking for specific evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required for the job. Unless you have provided specific evidence, supported by relevant examples, you are unlikely to be shortlisted.

We try wherever possible to indicate in the advert when interviews will be held so applicants can plan ahead. If you are shortlisted, we will normally phone or email you to invite you to interview. You will receive full details of what the selection process will involve, and this may include carrying out a selection test. In some instances, it may be necessary to hold the selection process in two stages so applicants may be called back for a second interview.

If you have a disability and need any adjustments to be made in order for you to participate in the selection process, please contact HR on 020 7869 6103 or RCSHR@rcseng.ac.uk on receipt of your interview invitation so we can discuss how best to accommodate your needs.

All offers of employment at the RCS are made subject to receipt of two satisfactory written references, proof of educational attainment, a completed medical questionnaire and a a 6 month probation period.

Under the Asylum and Immigration Act, we are required to check that anyone taking up employment with us has the legal right to work in the UK. All successful applicants must provide us with documentary evidence (e.g. passport) to support their entitlement to work in the UK prior to taking up employment.

Information provided by you as part of your application will be used in the recruitment process. Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application and in the recruitment process. Once this process is completed, the data relating to unsuccessful applicants will be stored for a maximum of 6 months and then destroyed. If you are the successful candidate, your application form will be retained and form the basis of your personal record.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to complying with relevant equality legislation, the Equality Act 2010, codes of practice and best practice guidance.

Equality and Diversity Policy