Last month, I had the opportunity to share some of my experiences as a former Policy Advisor in government with prospective and current civil servants. Having navigated the Civil Service myself, I know firsthand how challenging the journey can be.

Here are three key lessons I’ve learned along the way—lessons that can help you break into the Civil Service and carve out your own path to success.

1. Getting In Is Tough, But Persistence Is Key

Rejection is an inevitable part of the process, but persistence beats rejection every time.

The Civil Service application process can be complex and frustrating, with its own unique set of rules and expectations. My advice? Don’t give up!

Applications are hard—it’s normal to face multiple rejections before you finally succeed. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. There is a path through; it just takes time to find and navigate.

My first application was terrible. I had no idea what I was doing. But I kept applying, kept learning, and eventually secured a role in the Cabinet Office. Every failed attempt helped me improve, and over time, those small gains made a huge difference.

I won’t sugarcoat it—being persistent and resilient in the face of setbacks is hard. But here’s what helped me:

• Accept that it is difficult. Adjust your expectations and be patient.
• Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities. Find a lesson in every experience.
• Focus on improvement rather than fixating on individual outcomes.
• Remember your “why.” When rejection hits hard, remind yourself why you want to be a civil servant in the first place.

No matter how discouraging it feels, just keep moving forward—one step at a time.

2. Play the Game as It Is, Not as You Wish It Were

There are many valid criticisms of how Civil Service applications work. The process can feel rigid, impersonal, and even unfair. But here’s the reality: the system is what it is.

Instead of fighting it, focus on what you can control—your inputs. There are three main areas to invest in:

• Time: The more you prepare, the better your chances.
• Attempts: You’ll probably need to apply multiple times before you break in.
• Effort: Learn the rules of the game and get good at playing it.

I didn’t get in by luck—I made the most of every resource available to me. Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Connect with hiring managers before applying to build a human connection.
• Read guides like The Unofficial Guide 2.0. Learn from those who’ve done it before.
• Find a mentor who can guide you through the process.
• Consider roles that aren’t your dream job but help you build experience.
• Gain experience through volunteering or extracurricular activities.
• Hire a career coach if you can afford one.
• Organize peer reviews of your applications to get constructive feedback.
• Use career advisors at your university or professional networks.
• Ask for feedback when applications are unsuccessful. Learn and improve.
• Reach out to civil servants on LinkedIn. Expand your network.

The key takeaway? There’s always something you can do to improve your chances—even if it’s not immediately obvious. You just need to decide what trade-offs you’re willing to make based on your long-term goals.

3. Alternative Routes Can Be Just as Effective as Getting in Through the “Front Door”

I know this from personal experience. I originally applied for the Fast Stream program and didn’t get in. It was disappointing, but instead of giving up, I applied directly for a role in the Cabinet Office.

Was it my dream job? No. But it gave me the experience I needed to access new opportunities.

Your first job doesn’t define your career—what you do with the opportunity does. If the front door is locked, try the side or back entrance!

Top tip: Consider applying to organizations that frequently work with the Civil Service as a stepping stone:

• Local Government: Local Councils, Local Government Association (LGA) ect
• Regulators & Agencies: UK Statistics Authority, Ofsted ect
• Think Tanks & Research: Institute for Government, Policy Exchange ect
• Consulting Firms: Deloitte, PA Consulting ect.
• Parliament & Public Affairs: House of Commons, Public Affairs firms ect

The Reward: Making a Difference

For all the challenges, working in the Civil Service is incredibly rewarding. One of the policies I worked on—the Graduate Route—ended up directly benefiting my own cousin. Seeing the tangible impact of my work was one of the most fulfilling moments of my career.

The Civil Service is fast-paced and sometimes chaotic. Things change due to elections, ministerial priorities, and reshuffles. But despite all that, it offers something rare: the chance to serve your country and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Final Thoughts

Breaking into the Civil Service isn’t easy, but with persistence, adaptability, and the right strategies, it’s absolutely possible.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? Let me know in the comments!

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