Frequently Asked Questions

Stage 1 – Application FAQs

How can I submit my application?

How do I set up job alerts?

If you’re still looking for the perfect role and can’t see one live on our website yet, join our Talent Community to register for relevant job alerts.

What format does my CV need to be in?

Your CV can be in Word or PDF format, however make sure it’s tailored to the job you’re applying for and shows evidence of how you meet each of the Essential Criteria listed on the advert.

To ensure your CV is clearly laid out and the key information within it is easy for recruiters to spot, we recommend following this layout:

• Personal profile
• Key achievements
• Relevant experience
• Applied knowledge and skills
• Qualifications
• Additional capabilities

Check out our CV writing guidance for best chance of success.

What criteria will be used to assess my application?

Your CV will be assessed on:

• Key achievements
• Relevant experience
• Applied knowledge and skills
• Qualifications (if specified on the job advert)

It’s important you tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for. We want to see how your relevant (or transferable) skills and experience align with the job description, responsibilities and Essential Criteria listed in the job advert.

Can I reapply for the same campaign?

You are only able to submit one application per job.

What happens if I make a mistake in my application?

If you have an issue with your CV or contact details, please speak to the recruiter listed on the job advert and they will be able to amend this on your behalf, while the job is still open. You won’t be able to amend your application yourself once submitted. You can withdraw your application, however you won’t be able to resubmit it again later. No changes can be made once the closing date has passed.

After submitting my application, when will I hear whether I’ve been invited to interview and who informs me?

You will be notified of your application outcome via email. If your application is successful, you will receive further instructions on how to arrange your interview through our online portal.

If you haven’t heard from us in a while, we recommend checking your Junk folder.

Will I receive feedback on my application?

All candidates who complete an interview will be provided with feedback. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide feedback at the CV sift stage.

Stage 2 – Interview FAQs

What is the format of the interview and how long will it take?

The interview will be a formal interview lasting approximately one hour. During this time the interviewers will assess the following areas:

• CV Review: A discussion on your key achievements, relevant experience and applied skills and knowledge
• Core Behaviours: These are stated on the job advert and reflect the actions and activities that people do which result in effective performance in a job
• Technical Competences: These are stated on the job advert and are specific professional skills or areas of subject knowledge needed to succeed in the role

Your interview will be either a virtual via Microsoft Teams or face-to-face, depending on the type of role and location.

Will I receive feedback on my performance at interview?

Yes, your recruiter will let you know the outcome of your interview as soon as possible. Feedback will be provided regardless of the outcome. Please note that the timescale of this will vary depending on the number of applicants being interviewed.

Stage 3 – Outcome and offers FAQs

What is involved in the Offer process?

If you are successful at interview, a recruiter will contact you to make you a provisional offer. It is important that you do not resign from your current employment at this stage. You will then undertake pre-employment checks. These are completed by the Defence Business Services (DBS) team. Once these have been completed satisfactorily, a member of the DBS team will contact you to agree a start date. Following this, you’ll receive a formal offer by email and post. If you accept the formal offer, this is when we’d recommend you resign from your current employment.

What is involved in the on-boarding process?

Once you have accepted your provisional offer, the Defence Business Services (DBS) on-boarding team will contact you to request some information from you. Once you have returned this, they can set up and commence four pre-employment checks:

• Security Clearance (carried out by UKSV): All our roles require Security Check clearance as a minimum
• Optima Health Check – Health Questionnaire (undertaken by OH Assist): Optima Health is our occupational health services provider. The health check can take up to two weeks – potentially longer – depending on your medical circumstances.
• Employment history (provided by HMRC) and references if required

Do you contact my current employer (or previous employer if currently unemployed)?

We receive your employment history from HMRC as part of the pre-employment checks, so your current employer will not be contacted. If the HMRC records show that you’ve had a break in employment of three months or more, your referees will be contacted by us to cover this period of unemployment.

Will I be offered a specific job?

All of our roles are aligned to a specific success profile. These provide a core outline of the role, key responsibilities and any formal qualifications needed, along with a map of the technical competences and behaviours required to be successful in the job. If successful, you will be offered a job that aligns to the success profile of the advertised role.

If more candidates are successful at interview than the number of positions available, candidates may be held on a reserve list for up to 12 months. During your interview, you will have been assessed in line with the success profile of the role you applied for. If a different position becomes available that has the same success profile, and is the same grade as the role you were successful at interview for, you may be offered this role.

If you’re not successful at interview, but the interviewers feel your skills and experience match a role at a lower level, you may be offered a lower level role instead. If you accept this position, we’ll support you to build the necessary skills and experience to take your career to the next level as part of our team.

Additional Information FAQs

Your Career Development

Our Recruiting Principles

We honour the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, which are a legal requirement for hiring within the Civil Service, and ensure we hire on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition.

Remuneration – External Candidates

The advertised salary is payable for full time advertised hours. If you wish to work less than the advertised hours, it will be on a pro-rata basis. Starting pay may differ depending on qualifications, experience, and specific role requirements.

Remuneration – Internal Candidates

In line with our Pay Policy, starting pay for internal candidates within DE&S and SDA is calculated based on individual circumstances. Please speak with your DE&S/SDA recruiter for confirmation of salary offer.

Remuneration – Civil Servants outside of DE&S & SDA

In line with our Pay Policy, starting pay for existing Civil Servants (outside of DE&S and SDA) is calculated based on individual circumstances. Please speak with your DE&S/SDA recruiter for confirmation of salary offer.

Probation

All employees joining DE&S/SDA who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period, which will be effective from the employment start date.

Reserve List

If more candidates are successful at interview than the number of positions available, their details may be held on a reserve list for up to 12 months. If you’re offered a position from a reserve list, the terms and conditions that apply at point of offer will be applicable, subject to passing security clearance checks.

Nationality, Visas and Sponsorship

Each job advert will state if any specific restrictions apply regarding nationality – appointments to roles at DE&S/SDA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules.

DE&S and SDA don’t offer visa sponsorships for roles under the UK Governments Right to Work Scheme. Nationals from outside the UK or the European Economic Area (EEA) who attend an interview are required to provide original documents that prove their existing entitlement to work in the UK in their own right (i.e. not sponsored by their current employer).

Reasonable Adjustments

Support – it’s in our name. If you have a disability or additional needs that require accommodation, please let us know by completing the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section in the ‘Application Questionnaire’ page of the application form.

Equal Opportunities

We honour the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, which are a legal requirement for hiring within the Civil Service, and ensure we hire on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition.

We champion a diverse and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and give their best. We believe that by harnessing the power of different ideas, experiences, and perspectives, we can achieve our ambitions, together.

Privacy Notice

The Ministry of Defence Privacy Notice informs how we will use your personal data, explains your rights and gives you information that you are entitled to under Data Protection legislation. If appropriate, your application form and selection information may be shared with additional hiring managers across the organisation: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-business-services-privacy-notice