The recruitment journey

You’re interested in working for us and have found a job you want to apply for. What’s the next step?

This guide will set out what to expect at each stage and how to prepare.

Our recruitment process is in line with the Civil Service Fair and Open recruitment policy. We ensure anonymity where appropriate. We’re also committed to the Disability Confident Employer Scheme (DCS).

How we assess your application

We assess all applications using the Civil Service Success Profiles. We recommend reading this page before you start your application.

Success profiles aim to deliver a better fit between you as a candidate and the job you're applying for. This also allows you to present all your skills and experiences. This enables us to take a more rounded approach when evaluating candidates.

Application format

All applications are submitted through our recruitment portal (iTrent). Please ensure you complete all fields or you won’t be able to submit the application. If you have any technical issues contact the resourcing team.

• we do not accept speculative applications or applications sent through email
• all applications should be anonymous
• you'll register your details on our system so no identifying information is needed in the application
• please tick the DCS box if you meet this criteria

We work with two methods of application:

CV and supporting statement

You must attach your CV and supporting statement as a Word document or PDF file. Please see the CV template and guide to help you with your CV and supporting statement.

We’ll assess your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the job description.

Online application form (where applicable)

There are some limited occasions where you’ll be asked to complete an application form. The online application form has guidance notes and prompts on screen for you to follow.

There will be up to four behaviours noted within the ‘Success Profile’ section of the job description. We’ll assess your application against these behaviours and your experience. You can find more information on the Civil Service behaviours here. 

You'll have a text box to outline and provide examples of how you meet each behaviour. Each text box is capped at 250 words.

Outcomes

The recruitment panel will aim to assess all applications within 10 working days from the closing date. This could take longer depending on the number of applicants. 

You’ll receive an email update with the outcome of your application. There are three possible outcomes:

The interview

All information about your interview will be included in the invitation and confirmation emails. This would include any required presentations or practical activities on the day. 

Interview outcomes

The recruitment panel will tell you when it's likely you will hear back. All updates will be provided through email.

Onboarding

Forms for completion

There are specific checks we need to perform. These include criminal convictions and Baseline Personnel Security Standards checks. The checks are carried out for all new civil service employees.

After you’ve confirmed your acceptance we'll send you an initial offer by email. This'll contain a link to our Amiqus system where you must complete and submit:

• criminal convictions form
• Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) form (Security Clearance from Scottish Government)
• Civil Service Pension questionnaire
• personal details form
• HMRC checklist
• proof of right to work in the UK (share code if applicable)
• photographic ID
• non-photographic ID (proof of address)

Occupational health assessments are carried out for all roles. We'll ask you to complete a health questionnaire and assessment with a third party provider. In most cases this assessment will be phone based. There may be some situations where you’ll need to attend in person. The resourcing team will be in touch if this is the case. 

We’ll request a Disclosure check from Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.

You should complete all the forms and email them back as soon as possible. This reduces delays to the onboarding process.

Start date

The recruiting manager will contact you when we've completed all checks to confirm your start date. It can take up to seven weeks for all checks to come back.

You’ll not receive a formal offer until the checks have been approved. We recommend not submitting your resignation to your current employer until these are completed.

Security pass and equipment

Your line manager will order your security pass and equipment. They’ll arrange for you to either collect or have items delivered to your home.

Induction

Once you’ve started the Learning & Development (L&D) team will be in touch to invite you to an in-person induction session. This will introduce you to the organisation and the work we do. There is one session every month.

Your line manager will also have an induction plan specific to your role. This may include training on various systems, process and procedures.

We hope you find the recruitment journey a seamless one and wish you every success.

Reappointment

If you worked with us or the wider Civil Service before, including the Northern Ireland Civil Service, you may apply to be considered for reappointment on a permanent or fixed-term basis.

To be eligible for this you must have:

 

• originally been recruited based on merit through fair and open competition (including conversion to permanency as an exception to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles)
• clearly met the performance and attendance requirements of your previous post
• left the Civil Service within the past five years and left under acceptable circumstances

Please note there’s no automatic right to reappointment. Applications will only be considered if there is a vacant position and approval has been given to recruit for this role externally.

For more information on the process, please contact our recruitment team.