Civil Service Job Application

[Drinkingtrifle]

Hi, I am trying to apply for an entry level position. It's asking for a Personal Statement of 1250 words, CV as well as as an essay. It's different to any other job I've ever applied for. Anyone know what they are looking for? Especially in terms of the essay?

It will list certain behaviours in the job specs. They're set out here: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf

The essay will basically be the equivalent of a cover let - try and sell your skills - particularly in relation to the behaviours.
ie if it's delivering at pace talk about your experiences with delivering work to tight timescales, managing milestones and supporting teams

There’s been loads of similar threads with grate advice if you do a search - good luck ! I switched two years ago and love it

The essay seems like an actual essay question rather than anything about my skills or behaviours.

What is the question ?

@mrsbyers Trial by jury for serious offences has been part of the criminal justice system in England and Wales for hundreds of years. It is seen by many as a key protection within our democratic society.

Do you agree?

Just had a quick look at the job description online. It seems to me that the purpose of the essay is to ensure you meet some of the points listed under "essential experience" specifically critical thinking, written communication and intellectual ability.

I would approach as you would any academic piece of writing and be sure to consider the bullet points they have listed.

Thank you @Tee20x. Would you treat it like a uni essay and include references/bibliography?

Tbh it doesn't specify that one is needed so I am doubtful that it is necessary, however personally I would complete one anyway just because of the type of job it is? Might just be me though lol!!

I do think including one will demonstrate wider reading, good information assimilation etc etc so may be helpful and put you above others who don't think to include one.

I don't think it would hurt!

Good luck

Thanks. I'm now puzzling over "your CV or equivalent biographical information - no longer than 4 sides of A4. Please ensure you do not include anything that that identifies you individually, such as age, gender, ethnicity or disability status" because surely your name/ dates of previous jobs and education gives away some of that. (Not usually this stupid I promise)

If it's an entry level position then I struggle to see how your CV could (or should) get anywhere near 4 pages. Probably no more than 2.

I suppose you could just list previous jobs and education with their duration, rather than dates.

Someone in the HR department wants some help with their PhD thesis, I suspect.

I agree with PP about leaving off dates of education/previous jobs. It is odd though to be fair, first time I am seeing an essay being required in addition to personal statement and CV.

I am wondering whether they are phasing out assessment centres and are doing it this way instead. As I recall for my role within the civil service at my assessment centre we had to do a written task within one hour.

I was recruited as an AO last year, and ds this year. You write the covering letter to hit the skill set specified in the job description; in my case, delivering at pace, communicating and influencing, and decision making. I had provided examples in the application form, then further developed what I'd written in the letter. The CV was where I'd worked (I think it wanted dates), and gave me a chance to explain my 15 year gap as a trailing spouse abroad.