Application guidance
3 steps to a new career
Our application process includes 3 stages:
1. Initial online application
2. Assessment and Interview
3. Pre-employment checks and offer
Online application
To apply for a job with us, you will need to submit an application through our online recruitment system. Our recruitment system is normally available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, applications must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on the advert.
During the application, we will ask you to provide the following information:
- Contact and personal details
- An up-to-date CV
- A supporting statement
- Your diversity information
You should use your CV and supporting statement to demonstrate how you meet the Success Profile for the role, this information is included in the job advert.
Depending on the requirements of the role, you may also need to submit additional information such as qualifications.
The online application process will guide you through the steps required and provide a confirmation when the application has been completed. Once you have submitted an application you can login to view progress and manage your applications.
You can find out more about Success Profiles in our guide:
Assessment and Interview
Candidates who are invited to participate in the next stage of recruitment will undertake an assessment and an interview.
The assessment is designed to test key skills required for the role and the format will vary depending on the job.
Examples of assessment types are shown below:
- A written assessment
- A practical task
- An interpretation exercise
- A role-play based on a scenario provided
- A presentation to be delivered
Full details of any assessment required will be provided to candidates in advance.
Applicants will also take part in an interview at this stage, where panel members will ask a series of questions to determine suitability for the role.
We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each.
Find out more about how we assess the Success Profile elements:
Pre-employment checks and offer
Successful candidates will receive a provisional offer and be advised of next steps in the process including pre-employment checks.
Using assistive technology to make an application
We have tested our application process with a range of assistive technology and identified some differences in performance, based on the tools used. As a result, we offer a supported process to assistive technology users wishing to make an application with us.
Please contact our recruitment team who will be happy to help you: ScottishGovernmentRecruitment@gov.scot
You can also find out more about the accessibility of our service in our accessibility statement.