Guide

UK Civil Service CV Template

Applying through Civil Service Jobs? Our free CV template is purpose-built for the Civil Service recruitment process — with Success Profiles behaviours, STAR-format examples, grade level fields, and security clearance built in.

Why Civil Service CVs Are Different

Civil Service recruitment uses the Success Profiles framework — a structured assessment that evaluates candidates across Behaviours, Strengths, Experience, Technical skills, and Ability. Your CV isn't just a list of jobs — it needs to directly address the specific behaviours listed in the job advert.

Each behaviour requires a STAR-format example (Situation, Task, Action, Result) with quantified outcomes. Generic CVs that don't address the behaviours are sifted out before interview, no matter how strong your experience.

Success Profiles Behaviours

The Civil Service has 9 core behaviours. Most roles assess 3–5 of them. Your CV and application must address each one listed in the job advert:

• Making Effective Decisions — evidence-based analysis and sound judgement under pressure
• Communicating and Influencing — clear written/verbal communication, persuading stakeholders
• Working Together — collaboration across teams, departments, and external stakeholders
• Delivering at Pace — managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines
• Leadership — setting direction, motivating teams, and driving organisational change
• Managing a Quality Service — delivering high-quality, user-centred services
• Developing Self and Others — investing in personal growth and team capability
• Seeing the Big Picture — understanding how your work fits the wider political and strategic context
• Changing and Improving — innovation, continuous improvement, and adapting to change

Grade Levels & What Recruiters Expect

Civil Service grades run from AO (Administrative Officer) to SCS (Senior Civil Service). Each grade has different expectations for the depth and complexity of your STAR examples:

• AO/EO — clear, specific examples of following processes and supporting team delivery
• HEO/SEO — examples of independent decision-making, stakeholder management, and project delivery
• Grade 7/6 — strategic thinking, managing teams, cross-government collaboration, policy development
• SCS (Deputy Director+) — organisational leadership, ministerial engagement, major programme delivery

Writing STAR Examples That Score

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. The most common mistakes are being too vague, not quantifying results, and describing what the team did instead of your personal contribution:

• Situation — set the scene briefly (2–3 sentences). What was the context and challenge?
• Task — what specifically were you responsible for? Be clear about your role, not the team's
• Action — the longest section. What did you actually do? Be specific and personal ('I analysed', not 'we reviewed')
• Result — quantify the outcome. 'Reduced processing time by 25%' beats 'improved efficiency'
• Keep each behaviour to 250 words — Civil Service sifters read hundreds of applications

Security Clearance

Many Civil Service roles require security clearance. State your current level or eligibility clearly on your CV:

• CTC (Counter Terrorist Check) — basic level for roles with proximity to public figures or sensitive assets
• SC (Security Check) — standard for roles with access to SECRET material. Required for most policy roles
• DV (Developed Vetting) — highest level for roles with access to TOP SECRET material
• If you don't hold clearance yet, state 'SC eligible' or 'willing to undergo DV clearance'

Get Your Civil Service CV Right — Free

Jumproo's Civil Service template has all the fields built in — grade level, security clearance, and structured behaviour sections for STAR examples. Select the template, fill in your details, and apply through Civil Service Jobs with a properly formatted CV.

Frequently Asked Questions