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Recruitment guidance

Learn more about our recruitment process and the steps you will go through if you apply for one of our current vacancies.

Our recruitment process

We use a repeatable method of recruitment. As an equal opportunity employer, we can and will make adjustments to our recruitment process depending on what the applicant needs. We’ve pulled together the following outline of our recruitment process, as well as some recommendations for anyone wanting to apply for a role with the British Business Bank.

Identifying a role and preparing to apply

We advertise our current vacancies in a number of different places. Whether you’ve spotted a role on LinkedIn or on a jobs board, you’ll be directed towards our current vacancies listing. There, you’ll be prompted to begin the application process. You’ll need to:

  • supply contact details and basic information about yourself
  • outline clearly why you’re applying for the position
  • attach a copy of your CV
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Reviewing your application

We’ll review your application internally once the closing date for the role has passed. Within two weeks of the closing date, we’ll let you know whether you’ve been successful in your application.

If your application is successful, we’ll shortlist you to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

job application review

Interview process

The next stage of our application process will typically include an interview. The interview will focus on:

  • reviewing your career to date
  • some technical questions to help us understand your level of experience
  • some behavioural/competency-based questions to get a better idea of how you work

Sometimes, we also ask candidates to:

  • do a presentation
  • take part in a technical assessment
  • complete a case study or analyse some information

For most roles, we invite successful candidates to a final interview. Typically, we’ll do this within three weeks of your first interview, unless we inform you otherwise.

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Successful applicants

If we offer you a role at the end of the application process, we’ll do this by phone, outlining the key details of the role. We will then send you via email an offer letter and our standard terms and conditions for you to sign and return. Typically, we’ll then ask you to go through our standard background checks. These include:

  • Proof of address
  • Eligibility to work in the UK
  • Employment references – covering the last 5 years
  • Education – including highest level of qualification
  • Professional qualifications
  • Disclosure and Baring Service
  • Online Presence

These background checks take approximately two weeks to complete, although this may be extended if you have had any time working outside of the UK in the last five years.

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Frequently asked questions

What if my application is unsuccessful?

If you are not successful in your application, we will let you know as soon as a decision is made.

We will look to be able to provide you with feedback as to why your application was unsuccessful.

How do I apply?

We use a recruitment system to manage vacancies. To apply for an open role, you’ll need to create an account and upload your CV.

See our current vacancies or alternatively, please email [email protected]

Do you accept speculative applications?

We don’t. But you can log in to our recruitment system and register to receive alerts about new vacancies.

How long will the process take?

We aim to complete the process as quickly as possible and we’ll let you know whenever there are delays.

You can track the progress of your application through your account on our recruitment system.

Can I apply for more than one vacancy?

Yes. However, because we process applications for vacancies separately, we may shortlist you to attend interviews at different times.

Can I claim travel expenses for interviews?

We’ll reimburse reasonable travel costs if we hold your interview in a different office to where your role would be based – for example, if you apply for a Sheffield-based role and we invite you to interview in London.

We wouldn’t pay these expenses if you attend an interview in the office where your role would be based (for example, you apply for a Sheffield-based role and travel to the Sheffield office for the interview).

I have a disability. Can you accommodate my needs during the selection process?

If you need us to make any adjustments or modifications to allow you to take part equally and fairly in any part of the recruitment and selection process, please contact a member of the Resourcing Team at [email protected]

Do you use recruitment agencies?

We do. However, because we must follow government rules on procurement, we can only work with agencies that have signed up to specific government framework agreements.

Meet the team

I didn't know much about the British Business Bank but once I started to learn more about the Bank and its mission, that was the seed for me. Mike Powell Senior Resourcing Manager
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