Recruitment process
Considering a role with YHA? Find out how to apply and what to expect.
Throughout our recruitment process, we’ll get to know you. We’ll also give you the chance to learn more about the role and get to know the team you’re applying to join.
Each role has slightly different requirements, but the following guide will give you an idea of what to expect.
Joining YHA in six steps
Interview
If you’re selected for an interview or recruitment day, we’ll let you know what to expect.
How it works
1. Find a role you’re interested in
Searching for a new job should be about finding a role you love, working with friendly people, receiving amazing benefits and more.
It’s important to match your skills, personality and values with a role where you can put them to best use. At YHA, there are plenty of ways to do this.
Not sure where to start? Take a look at the roles we offer or explore our locations.
Find the right role for you
Our latest vacancies can be found through our job search. Take a look.
2. Submit your application
Simply upload your CV and complete our online application form. Cover letters are optional so you can add one if preferred. Once submitted, your application will go straight to the hiring manager for review.
Most of our vacancies are active for around 28 days; however, the hiring manager will check applications during this time and may contact you to discuss the role before the closing date.
Some roles may use additional screening questions during the application. If you are not suitable for the role following these questions, we will let you know.
3. Introduce yourself through a phone or video interview
For some of our roles, you may be asked to complete an online video interview. This will mean recording your answers to a few questions for the hiring manager to consider.
For other vacancies we may organise a time with you to discuss the role over the phone. We’ll give you more details on what the job entails and ask some questions on what you can bring to the team. This usually lasts around 20 to 30 minutes.
Reviewing your application
Once the hiring manager has reviewed your application (and video or phone interview, if applicable), we will contact shortlisted candidates. We aim to get in touch within a reasonable amount of time after the closing date.
4. Attend an interview or recruitment day
If you have been selected to attend an interview or recruitment day, the hiring manager or another member of the team will call to book you in. They will also send you an email to confirm the details and provide guidance on what to expect.
Interviews may be carried out virtually or in person. Either way, we will ask you to bring along your ID’s (identification documents) for right to work and DBS, so that we have everything ready if you are later offered the role.
Some roles require more than one interview stage, which could mean that you will need to attend a second stage interview, complete a sample work task or carry out a further assessment. If this is the case, we will notify you in advance and give you time to prepare.
Prepare for your interview
Take a look at our top interview tips to help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
5. Receive your offer
We’ll make an offer to the candidate we feel is the best fit for the role — this will usually be over the phone.
If you have not been successful, we will contact you and offer feedback on your interview.
6. Complete the onboarding process
After you have accepted a job offer, we will send you an onboarding form by email. This will look very similar to the application form you completed during the application stage but it is more in-depth.
We will ask you to send us an up-to-date version of your bank and personal details (such as address, next of kin etc) for your Employee Self-Service profile.
You’ll also receive an email from Disclosure Services, the third-party company we use to complete DBS checks. Their email will include a link to your DBS application form, which must be completed before you can start working for us. This is also the point where we will contact your referees.
Confirming your start date
We will try to confirm a start date with you when we make the job offer. However, we cannot start your employment (or allow you to move into staff accommodation) until the DBS checks have been returned and we have sent your contract.
Welcoming you to YHA
As part of your induction at YHA, you will receive on-the-job training and get to meet people in your team and other staff members.
You’ll also receive training through our online learning system. The modules will depend on your job role but will cover topics such as health and safety, data protection and safeguarding. Completing these as soon as possible will give you great base of knowledge for your new role.
