For candidates

How Lily works for people looking for a frontline job.

You've probably ended up here because you applied for a role through Lily, or you're thinking about it. This page explains exactly what happens next: no jargon, no sales talk, no marketing fluff. Just the facts.

What is Lily?

Lily is a hiring platform used by frontline employers across the UK: care providers, facilities management companies, construction firms and similar organisations. We help them find, screen and onboard staff faster, and with a friendlier experience for applicants like you.

We are not the employer. We don't decide who gets hired. That's always the care provider's decision. Our job is to make the application process simple, quick and fair for everyone involved.

What to expect, step by step

From the moment you apply to your first day at work.

1. You apply

You see a role you like (on a careers site, a job board or a social post) and send your application. It takes minutes, not hours, and you'll get an instant confirmation that we've received it.

2. A short, friendly chat

Within a few hours (often sooner), Lily, our AI hiring assistant, will give you a call to ask a few questions about your experience, availability and the kind of role you're after. There's no test, no trick questions, and no need to prepare. It usually takes 5–10 minutes.

3. The right-to-work and DBS bits

If the employer wants to take things further, we'll help you complete the standard checks every UK care role needs: proof of right to work, an enhanced DBS check, and references. We guide you through each step and chase the paperwork so you don't have to.

4. Meeting the employer

The care provider reviews your profile and decides whether to invite you for an interview. Either way, you'll hear back. No ghosting. If they want to meet, we'll arrange a time that suits you.

5. Starting your new role

Once you accept an offer, we share your onboarding pack, sort out contracts, and make sure your first shift goes smoothly. After you start, we'll occasionally check in to see how things are going.

Your information

What we ask, and what we don't

What we collect

  • • Your name and contact details
  • • Your work history and care experience
  • • Your right-to-work documents (where required)
  • • A standard or enhanced DBS check (where the role requires one)
  • • References you provide
  • • Notes from your conversation with Lily

What we don't do

  • • We never sell your data to third parties
  • • We don't use your information for marketing without permission
  • • We don't make hiring decisions with AI; humans always decide
  • • We don't ask for sensitive personal details we don't need
  • • We don't share your application with anyone other than the employer you applied to

Your rights as a candidate

Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to ask us what data we hold about you, correct anything that's wrong, and ask us to delete it. You can do any of this at any time by emailing us at privacy@teamlily.ai.

You can also withdraw your application at any point. Just reply to any message from us and tell us. We'll close your file and remove your data from active systems within 30 days.

Common questions

Is the call with Lily really an AI?+
Yes. Lily is an AI assistant designed to make first conversations friendlier and faster. You can speak normally, take your time, and ask anything. If you'd prefer to speak to a person, just say so during the call.
Will I be assessed by a computer?+
No. Lily helps gather information for the employer, but every hiring decision is made by a human at the care provider you've applied to. We don't use AI to reject applicants.
What happens if I don't get the role?+
We'll tell you, kindly and quickly. We'll also keep your details on file (with your permission) so we can let you know about other roles that might suit you.
How long does the whole process take?+
From application to offer is typically 5–10 working days, depending on how quickly references and checks come back. We'll keep you updated at each step.
Is there a fee for candidates?+
Never. Lily is free for candidates. The care provider pays for our service. You don't pay a penny, ever.

Aged 16–24?

Still figuring out what you want to do?

Lily Futures is our free tool for young people: a relaxed chat about what suits you, real things to go and do, and a CV that grows as you do them. No experience needed, no judgement.

Find out about Lily Futures

You'll always be treated with respect.

Care work matters. The people who do it deserve a hiring process that's quick, transparent and human, even when an AI is helping things along behind the scenes. If anything about your experience with Lily ever feels off, please tell us at hello@teamlily.ai. We listen.