FAQs

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Unfortunately, the Recruitment Department is not in a position to keep CVs from speculative applicants on file, although we would like to. All applicants will therefore need to apply directly for specific roles advertised.

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All applicants must complete an RHS application form.

The RHS has two types of application forms: the Shorter Application Form for Band 1–2 posts and the Standard Application Form for posts at Band 3 and above.

Occasionally, a vacancy can be applied for by submitting a CV only, but if this is not stated in the application instructions, CVs must be used in addition to the application form and not instead of it.

You can download the correct application form by clicking on the appropriate link at the bottom of the job advert or by clicking on the links below.

Shorter Application Form (for Band 1–2 jobs)

Standard Application Form (for Band 3 and above jobs)

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Once you have found the vacancy you want to apply for on our vacancies page, you can download a full application pack by clicking on the appropriate links on the bottom of the relevant job advert.

If you would like to be sent an application pack, please e-mail recruitment@rhs.org.uk or call the recruitment line on 0870 350 1832.

The application pack consists of application instructions (this includes the job description and person specification), an application form and Equal Opportunities form.

The application form needs to be completed according to the guidelines outlined on the form. It can be completed either electronically or in hard copy format (we would prefer if it is completed electronically).

The application form and Equal Opportunities form needs to be returned by the closing date either by e-mail to recruitment@rhs.org.uk or by post to:

Recruitment Department
RHS Garden Wisley
Woking
Surrey
GU23 6QB

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In order for you to become a gardener at the RHS you will ideally have the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture (or equivalent).
The RHS celebrates the development of its gardening staff through promotion and we aim to support this when we can through continuous learning and education.

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Occupational Personality Questionnaires consider how people like to work and their behavioural style. Such questionnaires focus on how an individual approaches a job rather than the ability to perform that job.

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Once the closing date for a vacancy has passed, the Recruitment Team logs and collates the applications received and sends them to the recruiting manager to shortlist.

Once the recruiting manager has shortlisted, he/she will contact the successful applicants by phone and invite them to an interview. He/she will then send these applicants a confirmation letter by e-mail/post.
Once the interviews have been held, the recruiting manager will offer the position to the successful candidate and the unsuccessful candidates that attended interviews will be informed shortly after the offer of appointment has been accepted.

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Our interviews are a mixture of competence and technical questions with practical assessments. In the event you are required to prepare anything you will be advised in good time and we will inform you of the equipment that we have available for you.

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If your application is successful, you will hear from us within four weeks of the closing date. In order for us to use our resources as effectively as possible, we have had to take the difficult decision not to contact candidates whose applications are unsuccessful and therefore, if you do not hear from us within this period, please be advised that we have not shortlisted your application on this occasion.

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Visit our vacancies page

This page provides a full listing of all current RHS vacancies. This includes permanent, fixed-term and seasonal positions.

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The RHS will ask you to apply for an Enhanced CRB check if you are or will be, working in a position with children or vulnerable adults. This requirement will be detailed on the job description and obtaining this will be a condition of your employment at the RHS.