Our approach to recruitment
Helping you make
a great impression
Joining South West Water
Ready to apply?
Ready to dive into a career at South West Water? Before you apply, we thought you might like to know a bit more about our recruitment process. We’ve outlined a typical recruitment process for our key roles below, so you know what to expect.
We’re on a journey to become a more diverse and inclusive workplace – because we know that our business needs people with a range of skills, backgrounds and experiences in order to grow. That’s why we encourage applications from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds.
Our recruitment process
Online application
Keep an eye on our vacancies and apply online when you see a role that you’re interested in.
Telephone interview
A member of our Recruitment team may call you for an informal phone interview to find out more about your skills, experience and motivations.
Face-to-face interview(s)
We’ll ask you to meet with us, either in-person or virtually, so we can get to know each other. This is your chance to ask us any questions you may have and make sure we’re the right business for you.
Assessment centre
If you’ve applied for an apprenticeship, our graduate programme or for a role in our call centres, we may ask you to attend our assessment centre.
Offer
If you’re successful, congratulations – we’ll be in touch to confirm our offer.
Onboarding
Once you’ve accepted our offer, we’ll begin our reference checks and health and security screening. Our HR team will then contact you to arrange a start date and organise any practicalities for your first day.
How to write a great CV
Along with your application, we’ll ask you to send in a current CV. This is your chance to tell us all about your abilities, skills and experience. If you’re driven and ambitious, tell us. If you’ve got skills and experience that make you a perfect match for the role, make sure this comes across clearly. It’s important that some of your character shines through in your CV too, so we recommend adding in a profile paragraph so we can get to know you a little better.
How to make your application stand out
Your application is your chance to impress us by selling your skills, experience and enthusiasm for joining us. So it’s a good idea to spend some time perfecting it and ensuring you represent yourself in the best possible way. After all, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have any disabilities (visible or invisible), please let us know so we can work with you to make any reasonable adjustments you may need through the recruitment process.
How to prepare for your interview
If we’ve offered you an interview, it means we like what we see on paper and want to get to know you in person. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to prepare for your interview. Take a look at the job description and think about the kind of questions we might ask you. Prepare answers that showcase your skills and experience – these can be work-related or examples from your everyday life. Finally, remember to be yourself. It’s important that your personality comes across to us, so we can make sure you’re the right fit for our team.
FAQs
Can I request an application form in an alternative format?
Yes. If you have a disability or any special requirements which make it difficult for you to apply online, please get in touch with your recruiter. You’ll find their name in the job advert you’re interested in.
Can I track the progress of my application?
You can reach out to your recruiter for an update on your application.
Do you provide interview feedback?
We’ll provide constructive and honest feedback on your interview if you’d like us to.
What’s the interview dress code?
We suggest wearing smart clothes to your interview.
Can I apply for more than one role at a time?
Yes. Reach out to the recruitment team who can transfer your application, to save you re-applying.
Do you accept speculative applications?
No. We only accept applications for specific roles via our website. However, if you’d like to sign up for updates about future vacancies that might suit your skillset, click here to register your interest.
Can I sign up to receive updates?
Yes you can. Click here to register your interest.
I don’t have all the qualifications on the job spec, can I still apply?
We know that experience and knowledge is gained in a variety of different ways. That’s why we always welcome applications from those who feel their experience would make them a good fit for the role.
How long does the recruitment process take?
From the advert closing date, the recruitment process typically takes 2-3 weeks. If you’re successful, our security checks and referencing can take another 4 weeks.
Can I change my application after I’ve submitted it?
No, you won’t be able to change your application.
How do I withdraw my application?
You’ll be able to do this on our recruitment platform.
Can I still apply for a role if I’m not a British national?
You can still apply for the role. Simply state whether you require sponsorship in order to work for our organisation.
I have special requirements for the interview/application process, how can I request these?
You’ll be asked to disclose this as part of your application, so we can ensure reasonable adjustments are made for you.
Do you use agencies for recruitment?
Yes. We have preferred suppliers who we’ve built trusting relationships with.
Meet our Talent Acquisition Team
If you have any questions about the recruitment process or any of our opportunities itself, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team.
Please be aware
Recruitment scammers
We've recently been targeted by scamming activity. Please note that Pennon Group plc’s operations are based exclusively within the UK. Pennon Group plc is not hiring for remote roles elsewhere.
Pennon Group plc will never ask prospective candidates for payments in relation to advertised roles. If you suspect you have been the victim of a scam, we suggest you report it to the police or relevant authorities’