Civil Servants are individuals who work in the civil service, a name given to several agencies and departments providing direct services to both the public and the Government. These different departments and agencies work hand in hand with the Government to create policies that will directly impact the people of the UK.
Each department has its role, and most civil servants specialise in different areas. For example, individuals who would like to work in the tax department will have to specialise in either Customs or HM Revenue.
If you would like to find out more about what's it like to work in the Civil Service, then read our extensive guide below. We will show you the different types of jobs available and how to apply.
Expected Salary of Civil Service Workers
Salaries for this role depend on which position, department, and location you are working in.
For graduates who are just starting out, the average earnings are between £19,000 and £22,000. Once you get a promotion, expect to get a pay rise of up to £40,000.
Also, location matters in the sense that individuals working in London usually earn higher salaries than those working outside the city.
Roles and Responsibilities of Civil Servants
Likewise, roles and responsibilities differ depending on which department you work in.
As a general rule, some of the daily activities include interpreting complex data and other statistics, managing and overlooking resources, analysing procedures and policies, keeping up with the latest political issues affecting the economy, presenting reports and findings, and training others.
Eligibility and Qualifications to Become a Civil Servant
If you are a recent graduate, then the qualification will depend on the type of job you are applying for.
Most Civil Servants will have a degree in English, Business Studies, Economics, or something similar. It is also possible to join the workforce without any degree, for clerical jobs.
How to Apply for Civil Service Jobs
If you want to apply for such jobs, there are different routes you can take.
In most cases, a Civil Service job is either fixed-term or permanent. There is also a two-year public service fast track apprenticeship programme, which is the best option for graduates.
Furthermore, there is also the Summer diversity internship programme for ethnic minority students, those from lower social-economic backgrounds, and even disabled students.
Finally, there is the Movement to Work scheme which offers work for unemployed young individuals.
Skills Required to Succeed in this Sector
Like any other job, you will need to have a strong skillset.
Each job requires a certain set of skills but all applicants should be well organised, able to manage budgets, and good at working towards tight deadlines.
You should be an excellent communicator, flexible, and also willing to work as part of a team.
You should also have a positive attitude towards work and the ability to motivate others. Whichever role you choose, you must be able to handle sensitive data.
Bottom Line
If you are a fresh graduate looking for a Civil Service job, hopefully this guide will point you in the right direction.
Working for the Civil Service is highly demanding and involves a rigorous recruitment process. You will need to remain patient and confident during this process as it usually involves a series of tests, workshops, and individual interviews. Getting into the Civil Service is certainly not easy, but it is extremely rewarding.
The beauty of these jobs is that there are many options and different routes. As long as you are dedicated and focused, nothing should stop you from applying.
