What makes a countryside job application stand out from the crowd at the National Trust?

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By Ian Price, Resourcing Manager at the National Trust

With ambitious plans to halt the decline of nature, improve access to the places we care for, and reach carbon net zero by 2030 – now is an exciting time to join the National Trust.

Together we care for more than 250,000 hectares of land, 780 miles of coastline, over 250 parklands and gardens, and one of the largest populations of ancient and veteran trees in the world.

People are at the heart of everything we do, and our countryside and outdoor spaces are expertly cared for by teams of dedicated staff and volunteers.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, our roles are as diverse as the places we look after, and can include gardeners, foresters, countryside managers, rangers, tree and woodland advisors, farm workers and apprentices – and in all kinds of locations, from parks and formal gardens to islands and mountains.

We have an expert central recruitment team but much of the actual hiring is done locally across our places. The number of applications we receive can vary, but many roles do receive considerable interest. So, what makes an application stand out? Here are some key points to consider when you apply:

1. Inclusive recruitment
   The National Trust recognises and embraces different qualities and perspectives that candidates can bring to an organisation as well as their professional experience. If you need an adjustment to our recruitment and interview process, then do let us know as early as possible so that we can help. We want you to be comfortable and confident in your application.
   
   
2. Be clear and concise
   A CV should be whatever length is needed to convey your relevant experience and attributes. But that usually means a maximum of two sides of A4 in a readable font size and typeface. The basics are important, so make sure to give your CV a thorough proofread before sending it to us.
   
   
3. Personal statement?
   Many people will head a CV with a sentence or two – a personal profile. This can really help a recruiter because it provides a simple summary as a starting point for review. But make sure your summary includes some facts, not just adjectives and adverbs.
   
   “A passionate, outgoing Countryside Manager who thrives on challenge and variety”. It sounds lovely, but it lacks substance.
   
   “A passionate Countryside Manager with an expertise in leading open space visitor management. Extensive experience in managing different landscapes for small and large employers”. Much better.
   
   
4. Tell us your achievements and accountabilities
   “Responsible for infrastructure and surveys”.
   
   That’s just a line from a job description - it doesn’t tell us what you actually do. What have you achieved? The biggest single way to improve your CV is simple:
   
   When you talk about your current or previous roles use as many “action verbs” as you can. So instead of “responsible” try “delivered”, “designed”, “built”, “created”, “led”, “changed”, “created”, “improved” – and these are just examples. Rather than thinking about your ‘duties’, think ‘what do I actually do and achieve at work?’.
   
   
5. Professional knowledge, networks and development. 
   Many of our roles may reference qualifications but they’re not always mandatory - relevant practical experience is also key. But qualifications and professional memberships can be one way of demonstrating a willingness to learn and network across your area of expertise. We often look for evidence on a CV which indicates a breadth of knowledge about the discipline in which you work and shows a commitment to professional development.
   
   
6. Tailor your application
   You can do all of the first five points but if you don’t tailor your application to the job you’re applying for, you’re not giving yourself the best chance. That means reading the job advert, being clear about the accountabilities of the role and the specification we’re asking for from applicants. It then means tailoring your CV and cover letter to the detail in the advert.
   
   
7. Apprenticeships
   We’re keen to open up new routes into the National Trust – and regularly offer apprenticeships in a range of areas, including for aspiring rangers and gardeners. They can be a great way to begin a career in the countryside through paid, work-based learning. Our website has tips for applying and interviewing for an apprenticeship, and stories from current and former apprentices about their experiences: nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/where-you-could-work/apprenticeships
   
   
8. And finally….
   Apply! The Trust is a fantastic place to work. We do get a lot of interest, but if you’re not successful the first time, please keep trying. We’ll leave the last word to Alan Power who has recently re-joined the Trust as a Consultant for our South-West region...

“My journey in horticulture with the National Trust was an amazing one. I started as a gardener and an arborist with the National Trust at Stourhead, one of the finest landscape gardens in Europe and could not believe my luck, I could not have been more proud. I’ve worked in some iconic gardens over the years and learnt so much... My time with the Trust was full of amazing moments and, encounters with truly inspirational people. However, along the way there were opportunities that helped me to develop my skills, increase my experiences and add to my CV.

“Now 26 years later I am returning to take on the role of Gardens and Parks Consultant for the South West – an amazing opportunity. But it is also about coming back to that sense of being part of an organisation that makes a difference in so many ways. What feels to you like a small task on a daily basis can make a big difference to someone’s life, to the conservation of a place or enhancing the environment we all live in. I had choices to make back in 1996 and I am so happy that I chose a career and life with the National Trust, I have made a career, friends and kept my love for what I do alive."

First published in CJS Focus on Employability on 23 May 2022. Read the full issue here

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