We strongly encourage candidates to read these Frequently Asked Questions before writing and submitting their job application. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please emails us on jobs@rainforestuk.org
What are the language requirements for this role?
For roles where multiple languages are listed as an essential requirement (usually English and French or English and Spanish), candidates will be required to work in both languages as part of their day-to-day work. This is non-negotiable and an essential requirement to perform the job. Applicants who don't poses both language skills will not be shortlisted.
We grade language fluency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR. We ask candidates to confirm that they meet the required CEFR level at the top of their application. Please note that we will not consider applications that do not meet these requirements.
If you are shortlisted for an interview, your language skills will be evaluated as part of the process, and some interview questions will be asked in each of the required languages. We might also ask you to complete a short written task to test your language skills.
If a language is listed as desirable, it may strengthen your application, but you will not be marked down if you do not speak it. You should include details of your language skills in the bottom section of the application.
How should I respond to the Essential Person Specification?
When responding to the essential person specification, we are looking for clear evidence of your experience that demonstrates how you meet each requirement. It’s important not just to state that you have a skill or competency, but to show how you have applied it in practice. Avoid general statements such as “I have good communication skills.” Instead, give a practical example that demonstrates those skills in action. We recommend that you use the following format when writing your answers:
- Provide specific, real-life examples from your work, education, or voluntary experience
- Clearly explain what you did, how you did it, and what the outcome was
- Tailor your examples to match each essential criterion directly
We assess applications based on how well candidates demonstrate, through evidence and examples, that they meet the essential criteria. Providing succinct, relevant examples will significantly strengthen your application.
Can I use AI when preparing my application?
We recognise that AI can be a helpful tool when preparing a job application. However, strong applications are those that give clear, specific evidence of your own experience and explain how you meet the criteria for the role. AI-generated responses can often be too generic, may not answer the question being asked, and most importantly may not give the panel enough information to assess your suitability.
AI can be helpful for:
- Refining and structuring your own ideas and experiences before writing
- Checking spelling, grammar, and overall clarity
- Helping you reflect on how to present real examples from your work, education, voluntary experience, or other relevant experience
Please use RFUK’s website, reports, recruitment pack, and other publicly available information to learn about our work, rather than relying only on AI-generated summaries.
Please do not use AI to write the final draft of your personal statement or answers to the application questions.
If you use AI at any stage, you should always carefully check the output to make sure it is accurate, specific to your own experience, and does not include inaccuracies, exaggerations, or misrepresentations.
RFUK does not use AI to review, score, or shortlist applications. All applications are read and scored by panel members against the person specification.
Online application form
We don't accept CVs and cover letters. We use an online application build in Cognito forms. This allows us to anonymise the applications before they are reviewed by the panel. The structure of the applications also allows us to better assess each candidate based on a structured approach. The application includes sections with
- Personal details
- Work history
- Education
- Personal statement (maximum 2000 characters or approx. 300 words)
- Questions on essential and desirable criteria (maximum 2000 characters or approx. 300 words per question)
- Skills and qualifications
You can Save the application and return to complete it later. Please ensure that your application is submitted before the stated deadline, by pressing Submit button at the bottom of the page when you are finished. Once you submit the application you will receive a confirmation email to the email you provided in your application.
If you have any questions regarding the online application system or require any reasonable adjustments, please do not hesitate to contact us on jobs@rainforestuk.org
What if I don't meet all of the essential requirements?
We would encourage candidates who don’t strictly meet all the criteria listed in the Job Description but are confident in their transferable skills to consider applying. Please note that this doesn't apply to language skills.
We value individuals who demonstrate motivation, a commitment to learning, and the potential to thrive in the role. When reviewing our essential and desirable criteria, remember that relevant experience can be demonstrated through academic studies, work experience (paid or voluntary), lived experience, skills, and achievements from any area of your life that relates to this role.
Can I ask questions before submitting my application?
We try to provide all the relevant information in the recruitment pack. Please take time to carefully read the Job Description and review information available on our website about our work. If you still have any questions about the role you can email us on jobs@rainforestuk.org and we will aim to reply within 3 days.
What happens after I submit my application?
We carefully review completed applications that fulfil necessary suitability criteria such as the right to work and language requirements. We usually shortlists 5 candidates who are invited to the interview. We will email shortlisted candidates to arrange a suitable time and place for the interview with the interview panel. We will send detailed instructions on what to expect and how to prepare for the interview.
If you haven’t heard from us within two weeks after the application deadline has passed, this means your application was not successful.
Will I receive feedback on my application?
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback on your application. However, if you are shortlisted and invited to the interview, we will be happy to provide feedback. This will include feedback on your application and the interview. We aim to ensure that candidates who progress through the selection stages receive constructive feedback to support their future job search.