Recruitment process

When you apply for a role with the Coal Authority, we’ll give you the information you need so that the recruitment process is as smooth as possible.

Our job adverts will give you all the information you need to help you prepare as well as the closing date and the possible dates for interviews.

How to apply

If we have a role that you would like to apply for, please read the job advert and job description carefully. If you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply through our candidate portal, which can be accessed by clicking ‘apply now’ on your chosen vacancy.

We recommend you keep a copy of your CV and supporting statement as we will ask about the details should you be invited for interview.

We want to hear all about you, so please be sure to tell us why you’re the person we‘re looking for and how you meet our selection criteria.As we use an evidence-based selection process, we suggest you include examples of when and how you have demonstrated the key criteria outlined in the job advert.

We aim to consider all applications within 5 days of the closing date. We will contact you if you’ve been selected to attend an interview.

Our candidate portal allows you to see the progress of your application.

If you have any questions about the process, please email recruitment@coal.gov.uk.

Attending an interview

If you are invited to attend an interview, you will receive an email asking you to select your preferred date and time via the candidate portal.

For most roles, you will be interviewed at our Head Office in Mansfield.  Our full address is:

On arrival, there is a free onsite visitor’s car park which is located immediately on the right as you enter the front gate. Please make your way down to reception area, which is on the right side of the drive in the smaller building.  A member of our team will meet you there. 

If you are applying for a regionally based position, your interview location may be different. You will be notified of the location at the interview booking stage.

For some roles, you may be interviewed over Microsoft Teams. Prior to the interview, please test your internet connection and ensure you have all the necessary equipment. We recommend using headphones to ensure the best sound quality.  We also advise that you sit in a well lit room and have a glass of water to hand. Please refer to this guide for information on how to use Microsoft Teams.

Dress code

The dress code for our interviews is smart casual.

Interview content

The interview panel will normally consist of 2 or 3 people and will last around an hour.

The interview will be evidence based and we’ll ask you to tell us about specific occasions when you have demonstrated your experience in relation to the requirements of the role. Make sure you mention as many strong examples as you can.

We recommend using the STAR format to articulate your examples:

• Situation – what was the overall situation
• Task – what was the specific task required of you
• Action – what steps did you personally take (avoid “we” and reference what you did as “I”)
• Result – what happened/changed after your actions

Additional evidence

Before your interview, we’ll let you know if we need any extra evidence. For example:

• We may require you to give a presentation or to do some psychometric assessments to give us more information about how you think.
• Depending on the role, you may be asked to complete a personality questionnaire which helps us to find out a bit more about you. This will be sent to you electronically before your interview.
• If we are looking for a specific technical skills we may ask you to carry out a work-related exercise. This will be done on the same day as your interview.

Second interviews

Sometimes, before making a final decision, we may invite you to come back for a second interview.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

The Coal Authority is committed to enhancing employment opportunities for ethnic minority candidates and those with a disability. One way of doing this is through our Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

Under the scheme, if you meet the essential criteria as defined in the relevant job description, you will be automatically invited to interview. If you wish to be considered under this scheme, please indicate this when completing your application form.

The scheme is not a guaranteed job and selection procedures will ensure the best candidate is appointed, based on objective criteria in the job description.

Our guaranteed interview scheme for disability and ethnic minority candidates provides opportunities for talented individuals from underrepresented groups to succeed.

Here’s how it works:

1. Eligibility Criteria: If you self-identify as being disabled or belonging to an ethnic minority group, then you’re eligible for the scheme.
2. Guaranteed Interview: if you meet the essential criteria as defined in the relevant job description, you will be automatically invited to interview.
3. Fair and Transparent Process: The interview process remains fair and transparent.  You’ll be assessed based on your qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the job role.
4. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: We regularly monitor the effectiveness of the scheme and make adjustments based on feedback and data analysis to ensure its continued success in promoting diversity and inclusion.

Support

We want you to be at your best. As a Disability Confident employer, we commit to having inclusive and accessible recruitment. We offer reasonable adjustments throughout the hiring process.

• If you require any adjustments to be made so that you can make your application or attend an interview, please contact us at recruitment@coal.gov.uk or call us on +44 (0)1623 637000 to discuss your needs.
• If you require a document in an alternative format such as audio, Braille or large print, then let us know via the email address or telephone number above.
• Tick the reasonable adjustments box when submitting your application. If you’re invited to interview, a member of the POD team will be in touch to discuss what additional support or adjustments we can provide. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or, if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
• If you’ve been invited to an interview and need extra support, you may be able to apply for an Access to Work grant. For example, they could provide you with a communicator, advocate or BSL interpreter if you’re Deaf or have communication difficulties.

You can find more information about Access to Work at Disability Rights UK.

For more information about accessibility on our website, please visit our accessibility page.

Alternative Formats for documents

If you require a document in an alternative format such as audio, Braille or large print, then please contact us by post, telephone or email.

For more information about accessibility on our website, please visit our accessibility page.