FAQs: Applying and interviewing for a job with the RSA

Q. How do I apply?

A. To apply for a role, click on ‘apply for this job’ on the job listing. You’ll be taken to a short application form and a space to upload your CV and answer a few role specific questions. There is no need to submit a cover letter. Once the role has closed, we will let you know whether you are invited to an interview or not. Typically, we give candidates around a week to prepare before the interview.

Key tip: once you have completed Step 3 and click ‘next’, you will have submitted your application and won’t be able to go back and amend so do ensure you’re happy with it by this point!

Q. How should I prepare for the interview and task?

A. If a task hasn’t been specified in your invite, there won’t be anything specific to prepare. However, it would be useful to familiarise yourself with some of work, history, our blogs and reports plus familiarise yourself with our values before your interview for some useful (and interesting!) context.

Q. What is the office dress code?

A. The dress code is smart casual – we want you to feel comfortable at your interview and when working with us.

Q. Do you consider diversity, equity and inclusion in your recruitment processes?

A. To achieve our ambitions, we know we must nurture a culture of inclusion in all of our work - within our projects, with our Fellows, partners and communities and in our building of heritage. We work to ensure our recruitment processes are open and inclusive supporting candidates throughout our recruitment processes.

We commit to celebrating, inspiring and making way for diverse changemakers. This means we have a responsibility to challenge systemic inequity and all forms of discrimination.

We will not accept unfair discrimination or less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, disability, socio-economic background or status, age, marriage and civil partnership or pregnancy and maternity.

Q. How early should I arrive for my interview?

A. We’d suggest arriving at the RSA House around 10 minutes before your interview is due to start so you can catch your breath and get settled in. Once you let reception know you’re here, a member of the panel will come down to greet you. If your interview is online, please click on the Zoom link prior to your interview to ensure it is working and do get in touch if you have any queries we can support with.

Q. My interview is online, any tips?

A. Test the audio, video and internet connection on your device beforehand and agree with your interview panel what you’ll do in the event your connection drops. Perhaps we can call you on your mobile?

Make sure you’re in a well-lit and quiet space so that we can see and hear you clearly.

Q. Can I request reasonable adjustments?

A. We are committed to equity and will accommodate reasonable adjustments. Please do try to let us know in good time so we can make appropriate arrangements for you.

Q. What happens at the interview?

A. You will typically meet a panel of three, including your prospective line manager. Many of the questions will be behaviour-oriented (those are the ones that start with something like “Please give an example of a time when you…”), and will relate closely to the person specification on the job description.

The interviewers will want to hear all about your relevant experience and skills. Our interviewers are looking for you to respond by describing the situation, task, the action you took, and the result. They’ll be assessing your relevant skills as well as your alignment with the RSA’s values.

You may also be set a task relevant to the role you’re applying for – your invitation email will include details (we won’t spring anything on you!). This might be a presentation on a given topic, or a written task like writing a blog post or a work-sample test.

Q. Will I get the opportunity to ask questions on the day?

A. Yes! This is a two-way process and we love to hear from a candidate who is engaged with the RSA. There will be dedicated time at the end of the interview to ask us any questions you have.

Q. What happens after the interview?

A. We often ask candidates back for a second interview. This regularly includes a ‘meet the team’ opportunity. If you’re successful and offered the role, we’ll call you as soon as possible (usually the following day). We’ll offer you a starting salary and discuss when you can start with us. If you are pipped to the post, we’ll inform you as soon as possible. We are always happy to provide individual feedback about your interview on request.