Land your next job in government

Applying for a new role in government can feel like staring at a blinking cursor on a blank screen — where do you even start? Forms, activities, exercises, scenarios… and somehow, you’re meant to respond in just the right way. The process can seem long, confusing, and, at times, not worth the effort.

But you’re not alone. At a recent Apolitical event, 70% of attendees said they’re likely to apply for a new role in the next 12 months.

To help, experts at our session on writing standout applications for the UK Civil Service shared their best advice — insights that apply to any public servant preparing for their next move.

1. Treat the job description like a treasure map

Job descriptions are often long, wordy and full of detail. Use that to your advantage. Read closely, highlight key requirements and make the advert work for you. Recruiters will be checking applications against those criteria, so make sure your evidence clearly lines up.

Pro tip: Print or annotate the advert, break it down and tick off each requirement as you go.

2. Evidence beats adjectives every time

Saying you’re a “great communicator” won’t cut it. You need concrete proof. That’s where the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) comes in. Use it to structure your examples. Even better, add an “E” for Evaluation, showing how you would do it even better next time.

Bonus: Access an exclusive free lesson on mastering the STAR technique from one of Apolitical’s most popular courses on Crafting a Successful Job Application in the Public Service.

3. Do your homework on the organisation

A job isn’t just about duties, it’s also about fit. Research the organisation’s culture and values, and if the opportunity arises, talk to the hiring manager. It’s a chance to understand what they’re really looking for and what the role is like day-to-day.

When you do speak to a hiring manager, ask smart questions like “What would be my top priorities in the first few months?”

4. Get a second (or third) pair of eyes

Even the strongest applications benefit from feedback. Share your draft with a trusted colleague, mentor or even a friend outside your field. They’ll spot gaps or jargon that you might miss. Or, swap applications with a peer — reviewing theirs will sharpen your own writing.

5. Show your motivation, not just your skills

Applications that stand out don’t just list achievements; they show passion. Use a personal statement or cover letter to explain why this role matters to you and how your unique strengths will make a difference.

Pro tip: Generic applications are easy to spot. Tailor every statement so it feels like it could only have been written for that role.

6. Don’t fear AI, but don’t let it write for you

AI tools can help you brainstorm, trim down word counts, or practise interview questions. But don’t hand over the pen completely. Hiring managers want to hear your voice, not a chatbot’s.

7. Apply even if you don’t tick every box

Many participants asked whether you need to meet 100% of the criteria. The resounding answer: no. If you meet most of the essentials and can demonstrate potential, go for it. Transferable skills, volunteering, or past experiences outside of work can all help plug the gaps.

About the event

These tips are adapted for anyone in the global public service from our recent event, How to Write a Standout Job Application in the UK Civil Service. Watch the full recording, learn about the speakers, and discover even more practical examples adapted for the UK context by heading to the event page.

Canadian members may also be interested in our October 2025 event on Mastering Interviews in the Canadian Civil Service.

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This article was written with the help of AI using an anonymised transcript and edited by a human before publishing.