Application
guidance

Find support with applying for a job in the Civil Service

The application process

We use a range of methods to find out what makes you a great fit for the role.

Find out about the supported schemes for applicants facing barriers to gaining employment.

Writing your CV

For some jobs, we will ask you to provide a CV as part of your application.

It is your chance to show your relevant education, work history, skills and experience. Read more information on how to write the best CV.

Writing your personal statement

We may ask you to provide a personal statement (or statement of suitability).

It is your chance to show your passion for the role and tell us about your skills and experience. Read more tips about what we are looking for.

Success Profiles

Success Profiles is the Civil Service recruitment framework. We use it to consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful in a role.

Depending on the role, we may assess you on your ability, technical skills, behaviours, strengths or experience.

Behaviours

Behaviours are one element of the Civil Service Success Profiles recruitment framework.

Behaviours are the things that people do that result in effective performance. Read more about the behaviours we may use to assess you and the best ways to demonstrate them.

Assessments and interviews

After you have submitted an application form, we may invite you to do an assessment. These can include online tests, interviews and assessment centres.

Interviews are a chance to find out about your experience and skills in more detail. Read more about what they involve.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to supporting disabled job applicants by making reasonable adjustments.

These can include extra time for tests, sign-language interpreters, and ensuring information is in accessible formats.

Job sharing

Job sharing is two people working collaboratively to fulfil the aims and objectives of one full-time role.

It is a great way to manage your responsibilities outside of work, and maintain your work-life balance.

AI in recruitment

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool that can help you enhance your application and prepare for the interview process.

This guide focuses on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in the application process and suggests helpful ways to use it.