Our selection process

Interview arrangements

The selection panel will assess all applicants against the requirements of the job description and person specification to decide who to interview. As soon as a decision has been reached, we will contact the selected applicants by email, setting out the date, time and place of interview. Normally, you would expect to hear from us within three weeks of the close date if you are to be interviewed. The email will also set out whether you need to prepare a presentation or send us example work in advance of the interview, as well as any other special requirements.

The University is committed to ensure that all staff and potential employees are treated equitably. To this end reasonable adjustments can be made to the interview process and venue for those candidates who have a disability or impairment. Please contact us if you feel that you may require such adjustments to be made.

References

In some cases, we will need to seek references prior to interview, in others we will only seek these following an interview (see job offers below). We require at least two references from previous employers prior to appointing (three for academics).

Interviews

Interviews are normally conducted by a panel which will include the line manager, and senior members of a School or Department. Candidates for academic or senior roles will often be asked to give a presentation on a relevant topic as part of the interview, which will be set out when we invite you to interview. In some cases, there may be second or even third interviews. In all cases, we do our best to ensure that all candidates are given fair and appropriate opportunities to demonstrate their abilities to do the job. You may be required to bring along to the interview original qualification certificates and proof of professional registration.

Job offer

Once the interviews are complete the panel will select a preferred candidate. It is usual practice for the chair of the panel to telephone the preferred candidate in the first instance. If you accept the offer of employment you will be asked for a start date so that the offer of employment can be prepared and sent. The offer will be made subject to satisfactory references, occupational health clearance and the right to work in China. There may be other conditions and these would also be set out in the offer letter.