Frequently Asked Questions

Stage 1 – Application FAQs

How can I submit my application?

All applications must be made through CS Jobs and can be submitted using any platform, however if you experience any difficulties, we recommend you apply through a standard web browser using Windows.

How do I create an account on CSJobs?

• CS Jobs is the online system that prospective candidates must use to register for an account and then apply for DE&S roles.
• To create an account, please go to the CS Jobs website.

How do I set up job alerts on CSJobs?

You may create email alerts for jobs that may interest you, using the ‘Job alerts’ link and entering your selection criteria.

How do I search for a DE&S job and how do I apply?

• Once logged in to the CS Jobs system, you will be presented with the job search screen. Simply select the criteria for the roles you’re looking for, ensuring you select ‘Ministry of Defence’ in the ‘Organisation’ field and ‘Job Grade’ as ‘Other’.
• Once you have identified a role that you would like to apply for, click on the ‘Apply now’ button. You will be guided through the application process and part of this will involve uploading your CV.  Please note that the CS Jobs system will timeout after 45 minutes of inactivity in any open window, the application submission deadline is 23:59 on the closing date and you must frequently save your application form because it will not save automatically.
• We also carry job specifications for jobs on this website. The ‘Apply now’ link on these job postings will take you to the corresponding job specification on CS Jobs.

What format does my CV need to be in?

This can be in any format, but please bear in mind that we receive hundreds of applications so please make sure the content is relevant and tailored to the advertised role.

For CV advice, please visit How to write a good CV.

What criteria will be used to assess my application?

Your CV needs to demonstrate the following:

• Key achievements
• Relevant experience
• Applied, skills and knowledge
• Qualifications

Can I reapply for the same campaign?

You can only apply once for any given campaign.

What happens if I make a mistake in my application?

You cannot amend or delete your application after you submit it. You can withdraw your application, but you won’t be able to resubmit it later. Prior to the advertised closing date, if you have problems with your I.T. that causes an issue with your application, we recommend you apply through a standard web browser using Windows.

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

We’ll review your CV to see if your qualifications and experience are a good match for the advertised role. If you’re successful at this stage, our administration team will contact you and invite you to interview so that you can meet us.

Will I receive feedback on my application?

At CV assessment stage, you will receive an email notification from CS Jobs informing you whether you’ve been successful for interview. Unfortunately, feedback will not be provided.

Stage 2 – Interview FAQs

What do I need to bring with me to interview:

All of the following documents need to be originals and we will photocopy them when you arrive for interview:

• Form of ID (passport or driving license)
• Three forms of proof of address (which also shows your name)
• If you’re not a UK national, your Visa
• Forms provided by CS Jobs when you were invited to interview (Address History form, Character Enquiry Pensions Questionnaire, Pre-employment Checks Authorisation form, Reference Request form).

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

When you arrive for interview, you will be asked for the documentation you have brought with you (see the previous question).

• You will then be escorted to the interview room, where the interview will last approximately between 45 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll be invited to discuss your CV (including your key achievements, relevant experience and applied skills & knowledge) and to establish your fit with the DE&S Behaviours.
• During the interview you will be asked questions and assessed around the Core Civil Service Behaviours and Technical Competences stated in the job advert.

What criteria will be used to assess my interview?

• CV review (key achievements, relevant experience and applied skills and knowledge)
• The Core Civil Service Behaviours and Technical Competences stated in the job advert

Will I receive feedback on my performance at interview?

Yes. Post interview stage, you will receive an email notification from CS Jobs informing you whether you’ve been successful (or not) and you will also be provided with interview feedback.

Stage 3 – Outcome and offers FAQs

What is involved in the Offer process?

If you are successful at interview there are three stages to the offer and on-boarding process:

• Provisional Offer – You will receive a telephone call from the Recruitment Team who will agree a provisional offer with you and explain pre-employment checks (i.e. the on-boarding process). It is crucial that you do not resign from your current employment at this stage.
• On-boarding – Three pre-employment checks will be undertaken (see below).
• Formal offer – If the pre-employment checks have completed satisfactorily, you will receive contact from the Defence Business Services (DBS) on-boarder to agree a start date. Following this, you will receive a formal offer by email and post.  If you accept the formal offer, this is when you would resign from your current employment.

What is involved in the on-boarding process?

The DBS on-boarding team commence three pre-employment checks using the forms you provided when you arrived at interview:

• Employment history (provided by HMRC) and references if required
• Health checks (undertaken by OH Assist)
• Security checks (carried out by UKSV), as clearances will be required to join our organisation

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?

Some jobs that we advertise are niche, whereas others are more generic. However, all jobs relate to 9 Functions within DE&S. We operate a balanced matrix organisation, therefore you may be deployed by your Function to other assignments where your skills are also considered to be a suitable match.

Additional Information FAQs

Your Career Development

We’re one of the UK’s leading employers. Supporting the UK’s armed forces means our people are responsible for delivering some of the world’s most complex projects – and this makes your development one of our priorities. We need to ensure we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right place so we can meet the ever-changing priorities of defence.

You’ll have the opportunity to hone your abilities across assorted assignments, and expand your experience and develop new, specialist skills that will help you achieve your long-term career goals. And to support you on your journey, you’ll be linked with a tight professional community – making it easy to network, share ideas, and gain help and advice from your colleagues.

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

For internal candidates (DE&S & SDA only), if you are successful for a role at your current level, then your basic salary will not change. If you are at a level lower than the role advertised and found successful, then your salary will increase to the higher of either 85% of the top advertised range or a 10% increase in your current base pay.

Remuneration – Civil Servants outside of DE&S & SDA

For existing civil servants outside of DE&S &SDA, there is no equivalence between roles/levels and grades with the MoD and Other Government Departments, therefore, the salary offer on appointment will depend on the successful applicant’s circumstances and will be covered by one of the following three scenarios.

• If the candidate’s salary is within the advertised range, there will be no change in the salary on appointment
• If the candidate’s salary is above the advertised range, the salary will be reduced to the maximum of the range on appointment
• If the candidate’s salary is below the advertised range, the salary will be increased to the minimum of the range on appointment

Eligibility

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

Reserve List

We may hold a reserve list for up to twelve months from the date of allocation from which future vacancies may be filled, should additional successful candidates be identified during the selection process. Please note that reserve lists may be split within a campaign by location, business unit or niche position requirements. If you re offered a position from a reserve list, the terms and conditions that apply at point of offer will be applicable.

Visa/Sponsorship

DE&S do not offer visa sponsorships for roles under the UK Governments Right to Work Scheme. Applications from Nationals from outside of the UK or the European Economic Area (EEA – https://www.gov.uk/eu-eea) who attended an interview are required to provide original documents proof of their existing entitlement to work in the UK in their own right (i.e.) not sponsored by their current employer).

Reasonable Adjustments

If a person is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to others, we have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to our processes. If you need a change to be made you should complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what you might need.

TUPE

Applicants are advised that a number of these positions may be part of a potential future outsourcing process. If you are appointed to one of these and the outsourcing goes ahead, you and your post would transfer to the new employer under the TUPE Regulations if you are still in post Vesting day.

Equal Opportunities

DE&S and SDA are committed to quality of opportunity for all staff, and actively encourages applications from those who are significantly underrepresented within our sector.

Privacy Notice

The Ministry of Defence Privacy notice informs how we will use your personal data, explains your right 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 vacancy holders across the organisation.