"The people are very friendly and you can quickly get to know everyone. If you put yourself forward, there are lots of opportunities."

Liza Hemmings | Director HR Operations

Our recruitment process

We’re proud of what we do, and we seek to employ the very best people who share our values. After all, it’s our teams’ talents and drive that is the secret to our success.

So, to bring in not only the best people but also the right ones, we’ve developed an objective recruitment process that helps us identify great talent and provide a first-class candidate experience.

Our process is focused on:

  • Fairness and treating every application on merit
  • Ensuring equality of opportunities for all
  • Treating all applications in the strictest confidence
  • Appointing the very best person for the job
  • Seeking to continuously improve and develop our recruitment capabilities

 

Hints and tips

1. Before you apply

It’s always a good idea to do some research first. Find out as much as you can about Vectura, our business and the role you’re applying for. This will not only give you a good idea of whether we’re the kind of organisation you want to join, but it’s good preparation for the whole application process.

So, take a look at our corporate website, social media and our annual report, and try to find out about the role by talking to someone who’s in our industry.

The important thing is to give yourself plenty of time to do your research so that you’re primed for success when you apply.

2. Applying

Your application or CV are usually our first impression of what you’ve got to offer.

Try to keep it short – no more than two A4 pages. Start with an overview of your skills, achievements and what you’re looking for from a career. Then tell us about your work experience, starting with your most recent job and working back, giving all the relevant information.  

Next, give your education details, including any work-related courses. Give us the name of your university, college or school and your qualifications and grades, starting with the most recent and work backwards.

3. Preparing for interviews

Interviews are an important part of the selection process within Vectura as they help us find answers to a number of important questions:

  • Will you perform well in this position?
  • Does your past experience align with the requirements of the role?
  • Do you demonstrate the Vectura Values?
  • Do you have the potential to develop, perhaps take the lead?
  • Are you enthusiastic and motivated?
  • Will you work well in a team?

Within Vectura, and many other companies, skills and competency based interviews are most frequently used.

4. The competency interview

Why do we use competency based interviews?

The methods we use ensure we facilitate a fair and valid selection process. Evidence shows that past behaviour predicts future performance, so discussing your past experience helps us to understand how you are likely to behave in the role, as well as how you fit with our values. Your responses to the interview questions give you the opportunity to present your achievements and experience to date. Providing us with reliable data about your ability in key areas.

5. In the interview

If you get nervous about interviews, whether in person or by video, there are a few approaches you can try to settle your nerves.

Firstly, be where you need to be in plenty of time and if you’re held up, call to let us know. Have a printed copy of the details, too, in case your phone fails.

In the interview, just be yourself. You can help yourself to relax by sitting up straight and breathing steadily. Also, try to smile and look the interviewer in the eye when you’re giving answers.

If it’s a video interview, try to find somewhere quiet and well-lit where you won’t be disturbed.

6. Top tips

  • Peparation is key to succeeding at interview.
  • Being well prepared enables you to feel more confident and perform better.
  • The interview is a two way process, you should expect to find out more about the role and Vectura as a place to work.
  • Read through your CV as you will certainly get questions on its content.
  • Make sure that you have all the information you need prior to the interview date - if you have questions of us, just ask.

7. The S.T.A.R. approach

Situation - Task - Action - Result

Step 1 - Situation
Describe the sitation that you were in, setting the context for your response whilst trying to remain concise and informative.

Step 2 - Task
Describe the task that needed to be accomplished

Step 3 - Action
What did you do? How did you do it? Why did you do it that way?
Be personal - share what you did, provide a level of detail that will allow the interviewer to understand your decisions and thought process.

Step 4 - Result
Explain the outcome of your example. Use this opportunity to describe both what you accomplished and learned from the experience.

Setting you up for success

  • Give yourself enough time to prepare for every stage
  • Research Vectura and the job you're applying for
  • Read or listen to instructions carefully at every stage
  • Proofread everything you write and check grammar and spelling
  • Always be as clear and concise as you can 
  • Sell your skills, experience and values and how they make you right for the job you’ve applied for
  • Be ready to ask us questions – it’s about us both being right for each other 
  • Be honest and truthful every time

Promoting inclusivity

Equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace has never been more relevant than it is today. In fact, research shows that a diverse and inclusive workforce is a powerful multiplier of innovation and growth. It drives creativity and inspires a sense of belonging. It’s why we’re committed to championing a culture of equality. One where our people are empowered to be their best, professionally and personally.

Our inclusivity helps us bring unique perspectives and skills to the table. And our culture ensures we can all leverage these unique contributions to the benefit of our clients and our communities. As equals, anything is possible.

Our commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion is enshrined in our working practices and policies. We offer a range of dynamic, flexible working opportunities which promote work–life balance and enable us to retain talented employees without compromising their development and career progression. Around 17% of our workforce are making use of some form of flexible working arrangement or pattern, including part-time, job share or homeworking. Our family-friendly policies provide enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and share parental paid leave which enable both parents to take an active role in the upbringing of their children.

Read our Gender Pay Gap Report 2019

Frequently asked questions

We're always pleased to hear from talented people. So, if you have any questions not listed here about the opportunities that we have available at Vectura, or if there's anything else you'd like to know before you apply (or indeed during the application process), please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Email: recruitment@vectura.com
Phone: 01249 667707

Are all of Vectura’s vacancies advertised on your website?

Yes, all of our external vacancies are advertised on this website.

Is a work permit or visa necessary?

Vectura is an equal opportunities employer and we encourage diversity in the work place. We are also bound by country legislation for eligibility to work.

Should I use a recruitment agency to represent me?

We have expertise within our Human Resources team and encourage you to apply on-line directly to Vectura. Our candidate experience is really important to us.

Can I still be considered for other roles if I’ve been unsuccessful in a previous application?

Yes. We encourage applications with a mix of experience and skills that enables success in all our roles.

Does Vectura accept speculative applications submitted by recruitment agencies?

No, we work with a number of trusted partners therefore will not accept speculative applications.