Virtual Event
[Replay] How to Write a Standout Job Application in the UK Civil Service
Exclusively for public servants and policymakers
Thursday, Nov 19, 2026
Time is displayed in your local time zone
At this event, you’ll:
- Identify the key components of a job advert and how to align your application accordingly
- Learn how to showcase your skills and experience clearly and persuasively
- Understand what recruiters look for and how to avoid common application mistakes
Speakers
We’re bringing back some of our most highly rated events. This session features a recorded masterclass alongside live elements, giving you a new chance to engage with proven approaches that continue to resonate.
You've found the perfect Civil Service role. Now comes the hard part: writing the application. Tackling personal statements or picking the right example for the STAR method can feel daunting when you're not sure what to say or how to say it.
This masterclass explains what makes a successful job application in the UK Civil Service. We'll look at how to interpret job descriptions, write with clarity and purpose and show your skills and experience in a way that matches what hiring managers are looking for. You'll also hear the common mistakes to avoid and learn how to make your application stand out for all the right reasons.
Featuring insights from experienced Civil Service professionals and recruitment experts, this masterclass shares practical advice and real examples to help you apply with confidence.
Who should join:
Public servants seeking to enhance their application writing skills and progress in their Civil Service careers.
Join the Career Development Community
The Career Development Community is a collaborative space designed for conversations, insights, ideas and resources on career development in government from your peers across global public service. This community is open to all Apolitical members.
This event will take place on Zoom. Joining instructions will be displayed once you register. The event will be recorded and the recording will be sent to all registrants. The recording will also be made available on Apolitical's platform for other members of our community to enjoy. We may also generate insights about our community members by uploading the recording to HeyMarvin, an AI-powered qualitative research tool. If you would prefer not to join the call live, you may view the recording on the platform after the event.
Interested in how Apolitical can support you and your organisation? Learn about collaborating with us.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Speakers
Ruth Frost
Former Outreach and Innovation Manager, Companies House
UK
Harry Phinda
Special Projects Lead, Chief Executive's Office, Croydon Council
UK
Kylie White
Head of Internal Learning Design, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
UK
Ruth Frost, former Outreach and Innovation Manager at Companies House, Cardiff, Ruth’s passionate about outreach and innovation. Ruth brought together her background in education and teaching, with all her skills and experience from 5 years in the Companies House Recruitment Team.
Harry Phinda, a Special Projects Lead at Croydon Council. He has previously held roles in policy and strategy in the Home Office and the Cabinet Office. He is a co-Founder of The Unofficial Guides CIC.
Kylie White, who began her career in private sector recruitment, joined the Civil Service in 2014 and has since undertaken a range of roles including: HR Business Partnering, Talent, Resourcing, Leadership and Culture Development. In her current role in the Department for Business and Trade Kylie is responsible for Leadership and Management development including coaching and mentoring, Senior Leadership development and design and delivery of line management capability offers. She has experience in both private sector and public sector recruitment, including previously heading up an in-house Senior Civil Service recruitment function in the Department for Work and Pensions.
