Tips on How to Swift through the Civil Service Application Process

Having had numerous job interviews within the Civil Service for roles leading up to HEO (Higher Executive Officer) grade, I believe I am in the position to tell you my inside tricks of how I did it, so you can smash the application process like an ace in the deck of cards.

Before I ever started making my applications to relevant roles of interest, what I found helpful in succeeding in being invited to a job interview is the following:

1. Studying the Job Description - why? It helps you to question whether the role you're applying for is right for you. You have to weigh the benefits over the disadvantages of getting this job
2. Taking note of the Essential Criteria - when coming up with your examples, it is imperative that you are able to connect the dots with the essential skills that the Hiring Manager is looking for in a role
3. Brainstorming activities from past work experiences and university - this will aid in deciding the most effective examples which link to the behaviours. Behaviours are what you do well to the best of your ability
4. Referring to the Success Profile Framework - study what each behaviour is looking for by reading the Success Profile Framework. This is a guideline for making sure your examples cover all if not some points mentioned for the particular grade you're going for. You can view a copy here - Success Profile Framework
5. Checking in with other Civil Servants - cannot stress this enough!! you need to have more than one eye on your examples. One eye can miss out what the other eyes won't. So be sue to network with other Civil Servants and ask them to go over your examples and give you constructive feedback for you to improve, so you score higher in your applications
6. Practicing Online Tests - to prepare you for the verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and situational tests, you can practice sample tests for free. Practice till you're confident enough to complete the real thing! And don't forget to take notes of key information which will help you with completing the real tests
7. Drafting a Statement of Suitability (Civil Service Personal Statement) - start drafting a personal statement on MS Word and practice covering each point of the Essential Criteria for the role. Make sure it follows a coherent structure and get Civil Service Professionals to proof-read it and give you amendments to work with, should there be any required. Length of these statements vary from 250 words, 500 words, 750 words and 1250 words, so it is wise to utilise all the words with relevant and succinct examples, demonstrating your competence for the role you wish to apply for

I hope this ultimate guide helps you prepare your applications and get them sifted successfully for you to land a chance at securing Civil Service job interviews.