Once you have seen a vacancy you are interested in and you consider that you meet the essential selection criteria, you will need to make an online application to formally apply.  To do this, you will need to register on our site (Why do I have to register?). By registering you will not only be able to apply for vacancies, you will also be able to set up email alerts for when new jobs are advertised and to check on the progress of your application.

When you click the Apply Online button within the job advert, you will be taken to the login page where you can:

• login to your existing account
• register

When registering, be sure to provide an email address you use regularly when you create your account, because that’s how we’ll keep in touch with you about your application. 

If you are a University of Kent employee, you'll need to login using single sign on (ie your IT username and password).

Before you apply

Applying online is quick and easy but we recommend that you read all available information about the vacancy you're interested in along with our Tips For Applying before starting your application. The job description includes the person specification which details the skills, qualifications and experience we require.

The person specification is split into two sections - essential and desirable. Each in turn will state at what stage in the recruitment and selection process, the criteria will be assessed - application, interview or via test. 

Completing your application 

The online application process helps ensure that all applicants provide information in the same format, enabling the shortlisting panel to easily and consistently assess the applications they receive.

The online application form can be completed in stages and you can login/logout at any time. The form automatically saves as you enter your information and it is simple to move backwards and forwards within the form at any time prior to submission. Mandatory fields are marked with a red star. You will not be allowed to submit an application until all mandatory fields have been completed. Help is available at each stage to guide you through the form.

Depending on the role, you may also be required to upload a CV, covering letter and/or other additional documents. Where this is applicable, it will be made clear on the job advert.

You may be asked to answer some questions or evidence statements under the "Supporting Statements" section. These will be based on the criteria as outlined in the person specification.  

Before final submission, you can preview your application and can then choose to refine or submit the form. Once submitted, you will not be able to amend your application so it is important to have it checked carefully before you submit it.

You will receive an automatic acknowledgement when your application is received.

You should note that you can only apply for one job at a time. You'll need to complete and submit any partially completed application before starting an application for another role.

For information on how we use your data, please refer to the Terms of Use (Privacy Notice). 

After applying

Once you have submitted your application, you will see in the 'My Applications' area, that the status of your application will be shown as "submitted" and it will also show the date of submission.

We will use email to keep you informed as to whether you are successful or unsuccessful at each stage of the recruitment process, so please check your inbox regularly. If it isn't possible for us to communicate with you by email, please let us know well in advance. 

It is important that the vacancy reference number is quoted in all correspondence with us. This will enable us to more easily identify the particular vacancy.

If you wish to apply for another job with us in the future, there is no need to register to use our system again. Simply log in using the password you originally created. The system will have retained certain personal information about you (including your education and qualifications, current and previous employment, diversity data, etc.) so you don't need to enter it again. However, you will be able to amend it if your circumstances or history have changed. 

After the closing date

The shortlisting panel will assess all applicants against the requirements of the job description and person specification. Please refer to the Recruitment Process for an outline of the next steps in the process.