#JobsAtTheFund – Top tips to write a great application

At The National Lottery Community Fund, our incredible team is central to building close connections with the communities we support and ensuring our funding continues to make an extraordinary impact.

Our funding is for everyone, and equally, we strive to have diversity across our organisation. You’ll find our culture is inclusive, with people from really varied backgrounds and experiences.

Completing the application form

This is your first opportunity to show us how you meet the requirements for the role you’re applying for.

We score applications on the ‘Essential’ and ‘Desirable’ criteria detailed in the job advert. Your supporting statement section should highlight your knowledge, skills and experience against these criteria. You have 5,000 characters (about 800 words), and we recommend an introduction explaining why you are interested in the role and the Fund and then covering each of the criteria in turn. Clearly relating examples to each of the criteria will make it easier for the hiring manager to see how you are the best fit for the role.

Provide as much evidence as you can demonstrating why this experience makes you the most suitable candidate for the role. You can use examples from previous jobs as well as life experiences and voluntary roles.

Fair and inclusive approach

We are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment approach. The shortlisting panel will only see your education and employment history, right to work and supporting statement. Your application will be anonymised and protected characteristics removed.

All applications are completed online, but if you require special adjustments to help you apply, please contact our People Team on 0121 368 0046 or email PeopleTeam@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.

We will respond positively to meet individual needs. Our application form asks if you have a disability because we are a Disability Confident Employer. This information will not be shared with hiring managers at shortlisting stage.

Part-time or job-share options are reviewed individually for each role against business needs. If you wish to have a discussion before applying, please contact us.

Following your application

We’ll be in touch to let you know the outcome of your application. Keep an eye on your inbox and junk mail as we sometimes do find our emails end up in there.

Things to remember

• Fill out all the information we ask for – we can’t process your application without it.
• Make the application relevant to the ‘Essential’ and ‘Desirable’ criteria in the job advert.
• Use the introduction to tell us why you are applying.
• If you can, ask someone else to read the application through, to give you an honest appraisal – and to proof-read it to check things like spelling and grammar before you send it.
• Submit your application as soon as possible. Timelines will be advertised for each vacancy. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.

Good luck!

Should you have any questions, please get in touch – PeopleTeam@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or Recruitment@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk