Virtual event
How to Write a Standout Job Application in the UK Civil Service
Exclusively for public servants and policymakers
Wednesday, Sep 10, 2025
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Speakers
What to do next
- Catch up on the 9-minute highlights above, or dive into the full recording
- Join the Career Development Community
- Check out our upcoming event Turning Your Writing from Bland to Brilliant
Resources
Join the Career Development Community
The Career Development Community A space to explore how to navigate, grow, and thrive in your public service career. This community is brought to you in partnership with Canada’s Federal Youth Network (FYN) and is open to public servants and peers from around the world — whether you're just starting out or planning your next move.
Event Description
You’ve found the perfect Civil Service role. Now comes the hard part — writing the application. Whether it’s tackling personal statements or finding the right example for the STAR method, knowing what to say and how to say it can feel daunting.
This session will explain 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 highlight your skills and experience in a way that aligns with what hiring managers are looking for. You’ll hear common mistakes to avoid and learn how to make your application stand out for all the right reasons.
Led by experienced Civil Service professionals and recruitment experts, this lightning talk offers practical advice and real examples to help you build confidence in your applications.
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Image Credit: Chat GPT
Speakers
Ruth Frost
Outreach and Innovation Manager, Companies House
UK
Kylie White
Head of Talent, Leadership and Management Development, UK Department for Business & Trade (DBT)
UK
Harry Phinda
Special Projects Lead, Chief Executive's Office, Croydon Council
UK
Ruth Frost, Outreach and Innovation Manager at Companies House, Cardiff, Ruth’s passionate about outreach and innovation. Ruth brings together her background in education and teaching, with all her skills and experience from 5 years in the Companies House Recruitment Team, most recently as a Senior Recruitment Manager. Prior to that Ruth worked as a teacher in a busy South Wales High School.
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.
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.
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