Civil servants are the administrative backbone of the public sector in the United Kingdom.
Jobs in the civil service give you direct responsibility for implementing government policy in areas such as health, education, and defense.
In this guide, I will explain what civil service jobs are, how to apply for civil service jobs in London, and provide a list of some of the most popular civil service occupations.
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What are civil service jobs?
Civil service occupations are positions in the executive branch of government that include different departments. These departments are headed by government ministers, such as the Department for Education (DfE), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), or the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) (DWP).
Public workers handle the day-to-day operations of various departments as well as the implementation of government policy. Although civil service jobs are associated with the government, each department is politically neutral.
How do I become a Civil Servant in London?
There are many civil service jobs available in London. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a civil servant in London
1. Register online at the civil service jobs portal
The first step to becoming a civil servant in London us to register online at the civil service jobs portal. However, note that the civil service application process is lengthy and thorough for all jobs. This is so because the UK civil want to recruit the most committed and motivated candidates.
The first stage is to register your interest on the civil service jobs portal online. You will then see a basic online application form to complete once you register your details.
2. Take aptitude tests online
After submitting your basic application, you can proceed to take a series of standard aptitude tests. These test are majorly online and the tests that you take depend on the role or path you have applied for. The test usually includes a situational judgement test, a numerical reasoning test and a verbal reasoning test.
If you pass all the tests, you can progress to the next stage of your application. The system automatically invites you to take the next in the series if you’re successful in completing one of the tests.
3. Apply for training schemes
For new applicants, the civil service provides many training programs. If you are a recent graduate, you can apply for the Fast Stream program directly to the civil service. You can also apply for a two-year Fast Track apprenticeship if you don’t have a degree.
There are also several internship programs available to assist you in gaining professional experience in the public sector. Although training is not required, it does boost your chances of success when applying for civil service jobs.
4. Search for civil service jobs
All civil service jobs London vacancies are listed publicly. You can look for them and apply for those that match your degree and experience. Study the job description attentively since it will tell you exactly what kind of individual is needed for the position. It will also inform you what you need to do to apply, such as filling out an application form, emailing a CV, or taking an aptitude test.
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5. Review the success profile
The UK civil service evaluates candidates using a framework known as Success Profiles. This takes into account five components: experience, strengths, talents, technical skills, and behaviors. The job description will specify the type of Success Profile needed for the position. Customize your application such that it demonstrates that you meet all of the job requirements.
6. Submit Your CV and Personal Statement
Various jobs will necessitate different requirements. For some, you may only need to submit an online application or a Resume. Some roles may require you to produce a personal statement or take certain psychometric exams.
When completing your application, keep the Success Profile in mind to indicate that you are the perfect candidate for the job.
7. Wait for a job interview
If your application documents fulfill the criteria, a civil service recruiter may contact you to schedule an interview. The commission will select the most qualified candidates from the list and invite them to an interview.
The interview procedure for civil service positions may comprise multiple rounds with representatives from various government departments.
8. Participate in your online interview
Upon successful completion of your online application, you will proceed to an online interview. This interview consists of a series of pre-recorded questions which you can through the online portal.
You can respond to these questions at your convenience. Throughout the interview, the system evaluates you based on your strengths and behavioral competencies. It’s important to note that the assessment starts as soon as you log in. Hence, make a positive first impression, just as you would in a face-to-face interview.
9. Attend the face-to-face interview
After a successful online interview, the next step is for you to meet with the civil service recruitment team in person. Depending on the position you’re applying for, this interview will happen at the job site or a centralized location, especially for graduate schemes.
Similar to the online interview, you’ll respond to a plethora of strength-based and behavioral competency questions to ascertain your suitability for the role or program.
10. Complete the referencing process
The referencing process, including security clearance is the last step after securing a position. This step can be lengthy as it involves thorough checks.
You have to provide details of your referees, address history, and employment and education dates. Accuracy is crucial, as errors could invalidate your reference checks. The civil service will advise you on what to do such as when to provide notice at your current job to ensure continuous employment.
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Top common civil service jobs in London
1. Recruitment administrator
Recruitment administrators find candidates to serve in civil service roles by reviewing applications, scheduling interviews, and assisting with onboarding. This post is an excellent starting point for a career in human resources within the federal service.
Recruiters are needed in nearly every area. You can apply to one of the human resources departments, such as Advising, Conciliation, and Arbitration Services. However, you must have prior office management experience as well as Excel knowledge.
2. Administrative officers
Administrative officials assist other civil servants in their departments. They are in charge of maintaining records, managing data, responding to inquiries, and conducting official duties.
Because administrative officers are needed in every sector, the experience will be highly transferable. You must have the prior administrative experience to apply.
3. Apprentices
Apprentices receive paid training and hands-on work experience, including many of the same responsibilities as permanent employers. An apprentice customer service representative, for example, will deal with consumers, whereas an apprentice IT specialist will provide IT support to colleagues.
Every year in London, the government offers around 30,000 apprenticeships across all civil service departments, providing possibilities for both school leavers and graduates. A usual apprenticeship is two years long.
4. Communications officers
Civil service communication officers are marketing specialists who communicate the government’s message to the public. They can work in a range of governmental departments, connect with the public, give advice, direct them, and inform them about new services.
Candidates for this position should have two years of experience and a relevant degree, such as in marketing or communications. The larger departments, such as Defra, the Ministry of Justice, and HM Treasury, have the largest communications teams and thus the most openings.
5. Analysts
Analysts organize data and identify significant trends, which are used to influence future decisions for a variety of government agencies. To be a successful analyst, applicants must have a solid mathematical background and a degree in either computer science or mathematics.
You are also expected to have some technical knowledge as well as solid communication skills to present your results to the rest of the department. Many analysts work in the Office of National Statistics. However, with the rise of data analytics, there are analyst openings in a variety of departments.
2. Deputy director
Deputy directors help directors manage departments. Budget allocation, strategy planning, and policy implementation are typical roles. Although applicants with extensive management expertise elsewhere can apply for deputy directorships, knowledge of the relevant department will aid application.
Candidates must also be well-versed in the department in which they wish to work. An applicant to Defra, for example, must have experience in environmental, food, or rural issues.
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Final thoughts
Working in the civil service jobs London is an excellent chance to learn new skills and improve on those you currently have. Building a diverse combination of certifications and abilities enables you to flourish in your chosen job path. You experience a better work-life balance because many public service jobs are full-time roles with regular business hours. Many departments even provide flexible work schedules.
