Your Role

Jobseeker Tips

We want you to succeed when applying for a position here, so below are jobseeker tips from our recruitment team. From interview advice to the most frequently asked questions, we have got you covered.

About You

Do I need a CV to apply for a job at Howdens?

Yes please. A CV will allow us to see your skills and experience.

How can I make my CV stand out?

Keep it simple. Explain your abilities, background and previous roles.

Be clear. Use section headers and order events chronologically, starting with the most recent.
Fill the gaps. Explain any career or study breaks.
Keep it brief. Stick to one or two pages.
Consider the job description. Prove you tick all the boxes by giving examples of your experience for each requirement.
Show rather than tell. For example, avoid just describing yourself as “A fantastic salesperson”. Include your sales figures as evidence.
Be yourself. Maybe you coach a football team. Perhaps you volunteer for local charities. Let your personality shine through.
Check it through. Do an all-important proofread to catch any grammar or spelling mistakes.

The Application Process

No positions are available in my area of expertise. How can I stay up to date?

How will I know where a job is located?

You can find the location of a role on the top left of each job advert. Check our workplaces page for more info.

I have seen a vacancy on your Find A Job page and am ready to apply. What should I do now?

Our website has been designed to make it easy to apply for a role:

Look for the ‘Apply Now’ button on the job advert page.
Click to see how long the application process will take and any information you may need.
Complete the introductory questionnaire.
If the questionnaire shows you are a match, create a user account. You can then save your application at any stage.
Then, complete each section of the application form and attach your CV.
Submit your application.
Finally, a confirmation message will be sent to your email account.

If you run into any difficulties, see the Technical issues section below.

Can I apply for more than one job?

Absolutely – if there are multiple positions that match your skill set, please go ahead. Each application will be considered individually by the appropriate hiring team.

Are there any adjustments that can be made to the application process to accommodate my needs?

We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitment@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

How quickly will I know if my application has been successful?

We aim to reply quickly. It may take longer if a role has more applicants.

Will you let me know if my application is unsuccessful and why?

We will always let you know either way what the outcome is. Unfortunately, we are unable to go into detail if you are not going through to the interview stage.

Interviews

What format do interviews take at Howdens?

These differ across departments and roles. You will meet with the hiring manager to discuss your experience and for you to ask questions about the job. In certain circumstances, you may complete an aptitude task before or during the interview. We will let you know in advance if that is the case.

How should I prepare for an interview?

It is natural to feel apprehensive ahead of an interview. Here are some tips to prepare

• Research Howdens and the position you have applied for.

• Think in advance about relevant moments you are proud of or from which you learnt valuable lessons. You may want to talk about these as part of your answers in the interview.

• Prepare questions of your own. You are getting to know us too.

• Wear something professional and comfortable.

Is there a dress code for interviews?

As it is a business meeting, we ask that you wear something professional, so no jeans or trainers.

Go to the account login page and click ‘Forgot your password?’.
Enter your username and email address. Click ‘OK’.
Check your email for a message from us that contains a link and access code.
Click the link then use the access code to reset your password.

How do I deactivate my account and delete my application?

We are sorry to see you go! If you are sure, just:

Go to the account login page and log in.
Select ‘Account’.
Click ‘Delete account’.
Your active applications, as well as your account, will be deleted.

How do I contact someone from the recruitment team?

We are best reached by email on recruitment@Howdens.com. We always aim to get back to you as quickly as possible, but at least within five working days.