Our 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 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've any technical issues contact the resourcing team.

Please note:

• 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 Disability Confident Employer Scheme box if you meet this criteria

We work with two methods of application:

1. 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 application 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.

2. 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. Find out more about Civil Service behaviours. 

You'll have a text box to outline and provide examples of how you meet each behaviour. Each text box has a 250 word limit.

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.

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