Application tips

Application process

The first step is to identify which career pathway is best for you, either:

A) Bank of England career programmes

If you are at the start of your career, returning to your career, or you are a researcher, you may want to apply for one of our career pathway programmes.

B) Recruitment portal

If you have work experience, you can search for jobs through our recruitment portal. 

We run an anonymised application process to ensure that hiring managers will not be able to see your personal information (including a CV and covering letter) when reviewing your application. It is important that you complete the sections on ‘work history’ and answer all screening questions fully at application stage. These answers form a critical part of the initial selection process. If a role is advertised at more than one location, you will have the opportunity during the application to select your preference. Please note your preferred location will have no bearing on the outcome of your application.

If you are applying for a specific development programme, information is available on our Future talent page. 

The Disability Confident scheme

We are a member of the Disability Confident scheme and are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace. 

When applying for a job with us, applicants have the option to share information on any long-term health condition, neurodivergence, or disability. Those who apply through the Disability Confident Scheme and who also meet the minimum requirements of the job description will automatically go through to the first stage in the assessment process. 

We want to ensure all our applicants have equal opportunity. Please discuss with your Talent Acquisition Partner how we can help you excel during the interview process. 

The selection process

Depending on the type of role, you may have to sit a test or a short series of tests before we can consider you for an interview. This is usually the case for analytical, clerical, or administrative roles. We will let you know ahead of time if you must sit a test.

Whatever role you apply for, if you are shortlisted (pass screening), you will need to attend an interview – virtually or in person. This will be with at least two members of staff.

The interview will cover:

• your CV or application form
• questions around the skills and experience required for the role
• questions relating to Our Bank Behaviours

Our Bank Behaviours define effective ways of working we need to reflect in our daily practices, encouraging everyone to act in a way that empowers us to give our best. 

You may be invited to attend a second interview with a senior manager. If you have applied for a senior or specialist role, there may also be a third interview.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to ensuring that additional support or adjustments are made during our selection processes and that workplace adjustments are available to our employees.

Our ‘Bank Behaviours’

Our Bank Behaviours are an outline of how we do things, how we treat others and how we expect to be treated at the Bank. They are to:

Using artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is here to stay and is quickly becoming part of our everyday lives. We appreciate the efficiency gained from using AI to enhance your CV and application or prepare for your interview. But we expect you to use it responsibly.

How it can help

1. Use it to give structure to your responses or a template and format for your CV, making it more visually appealing.
2. Use it to assess the tone of your application or CV, as well as proofread and check for spelling or grammatical errors.
3. AI assistants can help you analyse job descriptions to make sure your skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.
4. They can also suggest key words that would be worth using to emphasise your compatibility with the role.

How it can hinder

1. You should not simply copy and paste AI-generated content. It could misrepresent your experience and skillset. We value authenticity and want to see your personality shine through.
2. AI-generated research or answers may include inaccuracies. Make sure you request sources and check any 'facts', so that you will be able to verify your knowledge and experience during the interview process.
3. The tools may also produce content that is too broad or generic. We want a detailed description of your personal experience.

Using AI for your interview

DOs and DON’Ts

1. You can use AI to learn more about the Bank and refresh your industry knowledge.
2. You can use AI assistants to practise for interviews by asking it to suggest mock questions and review your answers. 
3. We like our interviews to flow naturally, so please do not use AI during a live interview.
4. You should not over-rely on it. We want to get to know you through our competency-based questions. So, if you use AI to prepare, do not forget to personalise your answers to give us a comprehensive impression of your experience.

Using AI for reasonable adjustments

If you are using AI to prepare for your interview for adjustment purposes, please let us know by speaking to one of our Talent Acquisition Partners. If you apply under the Disability Confident Scheme, one of them will check in with you to ensure we have catered to any adjustments prior to your interview. 

Pre-employment checks

If we offer you a job, the offer will depend on:

• references
• security clearance
• identity checks
• criminal record checks
• credit checks
• proof of qualifications
• immigration clearance (where relevant)

You will also need to complete a medical questionnaire.

Please note, National Security Vetting (NSV) is required for all staff joining the Bank of England. This usually takes three to four weeks after a position has been offered but can take longer. During this time, we advise that you should not hand in notice to your current employer. Your employment is conditional on you obtaining the right level of security clearance, if this is not granted, your offer of employment will be retracted.

There are the following geographical limitations to this:

• We cannot conduct National Security Vetting (NSV) on any individual – be it a contractor or member of staff – if they have no UK residency and have no intention on working from a UK jurisdiction (such as UK embassies and other ‘managed’ locations in the UK).
• NSV is required for all roles at the Bank. Please note there are occasions where the Bank must complete overseas checks to obtain assurances for security clearance – when someone has lived outside the UK within the last five years. There are certain overseas countries where it is not possible for the Bank to complete the necessary checks to obtain the assurance needed for security clearance. In these situations, the Bank will be unable to employ you. It is important that applicants provide details of any residence outside the UK within the last five years. The list of countries where we are unable to obtain sufficient assurance changes from time to time, so please check with your Bank contact if you obtain an interview.

Where will I work?

Most roles are located at either our London offices in Bank and Moorgate, or our Leeds city centre office. On our jobs adverts you will find the location(s) where the role is available from and can select your preferred location during your application.

How we will contact you

We will email you after you apply to acknowledge receipt of your application.

If you are unsuccessful at the screening stage, we will email you to let you know. Please note that due to high volumes, we can’t offer individual feedback at this stage.

If successful at screening stage, we will email you again (please ensure you check junk and spam folders) shortly after the application deadline to arrange tests/interviews with you. We stay connected throughout this process and will update you with the outcome.