How to apply

Application process

1. Complete a short online application form
2. Shortly after applications close, your application will be reviewed and sifted. For some roles you will be required to complete a short online test called the Civil Service Situational Judgement Test (CJST) and details will be sent to you if the test is required.
3. If you pass the sift and the CIST (if required) you’ll be invited to an interview and sent some top tips to help you prepare.

On some vacancies we can offer you the chance to be considered for a case administrator role if you’re unsuccessful in your probation services officer application process – look out for the tick box on the application form.

Tips for applying

Applying for any job can be difficult. We’ve put together some tips to help you:

• do your research – find out about the Probation Service and familiarise yourself with our work
• watch our webinar recording (opens in a new tab) to find out a bit more about the role
• read the job profile and pay particular attention to the job purpose and the skills needed – show how your abilities match what we’re looking for
• tailor your answers to meet the specific requirements outlined in the job description, rather than copying and pasting from another application
• think about how you can demonstrate, from your past experiences, that you have the qualities needed to become a case administrator – such as collaborating with others or meeting difficult deadlines
• after you list your formal qualifications and experience, you can provide details of any other relevant training or experience you have had – make sure to explain why these will help you in your role as a case administrator
• check and check again – use a spell checker, get a friend to read your application and give yourself time to proofread and edit your application
• plagiarised applications will not be progressed

Learn more about the Success Profiles recruitment framework (GOV.UK, opens in a new tab) we use as part of the application process.