Civil Service administrator : Entry requirements

This area of work is generally open to all graduates and diplomates. In particular, the following degrees/HNDs may improve your chances of entry to some roles:

• economics;
• business administration;
• business studies.

Entry without a degree, HND or foundation degree is commonly possible.

A postgraduate degree is not needed.

There are strict criteria regarding nationality for entry to the Civil Service and comprehensive guidelines are available on Civil Service Jobs . Any job in the Civil Service is open to applicants who are UK nationals or have dual nationality (with one being British). About 75% of Civil Service posts are also open to Commonwealth citizens and nationals of any of the member states of the European Economic Area (EEA).

Pre-entry experience is not required, although sandwich course placements, vacation visits and work experience are all offered by many government departments. These can be a useful way to gain relevant skills and try out working within the Civil Service.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent organisational skills;
• a responsible attitude and the ability to work on your own initiative;
• ability to understand complex information;
• excellent oral and written communication skills to convey complex ideas and information in an accessible way;
• commitment to self-development;
• resource management skills.

Speculative applications are not accepted. For further details on how to apply, check the Civil Service Jobs  website. Some roles involve tests as part of selection. See How to Pass the Civil Service Qualifying Tests, which may be available in your careers service, for more information.

Most department vacancies are filled on a permanent basis but temporary or fixed-term posts are sometimes offered.

Many Civil Service departments and agencies are sponsors of The Windsor Fellowship , a charity established to encourage and support applicants from black and minority ethnic (BME) groups. This organisation offers work experience, training seminars and voluntary work through their Leadership Programme for Undergraduates. They also offer the Home Office Fellowship Programme to give participants an insight into Civil Service recruitment practices.

The Civil Service has a commitment to equal opportunities, and appointments are based on assessment of achievements, potential and skills against set competencies. There is no upper age limit for applications and some entrants are on their second career.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.