Finding a job in the public sector

There are many different areas within the public sector and work can be varied. You could get involved in central or local government in an administration, research or management role, law enforcement, security services, emergency services or healthcare, so some thought as to which area(s) you are particularly interested in will help you to target your job search.

It is also important to remember, that whilst applying to central government through the Civil Service Fast Stream can be attractive, there will be opportunities offered via direct application to the government department - either at national or local level.

Who recruits graduates in the public sector?

Local Government departments

• Environmental health
• Social services
• Town planning
• Trading Standards

Useful websites to help you start your job search

Local and Central Government, Civil Service and Public Administration

• MyCareer – Access the Careers and Employability Service's online jobs board to search the latest vacancies, save jobs and set up vacancy alerts.
• jobsgopublic – You can set up a candidate profile, keep track of your applications and create email alerts.
• Civil Service Fast Stream – The Civil Service Fast Stream is an accelerated training and development graduate programme for people who have the potential to become future leaders in the Civil Service.
• Civil Service Jobs – The Civil Service job site provides a searchable listing of all the civil service opportunities available.
• Parliament - Information, advice and details of current vacancies in parliament including working for an MP, the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
• jobs.ac.uk – UK and International jobs in academic, science, research and administrative employment including a category for politics and government.
• TotalJobs - public sector jobs – UK job search and recruitment for jobs in the public sector.
• Government Organisations – Lists central government departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies.
• Local Councils – Find principal local councils throughout the UK. Browse the A to Z lists, or browse by region or county. Includes county, city, borough and district councils and unitary authorities.

Armed Forces, Emergency and Security Services

• Army – Army recruitment
• Royal Navy – Navy recruitment
• RAF – RAF recruitment
• Fire Service – Fire-fighter recruitment
• NHS Careers – Paramedic recruitment
• College of Policing – Police officer recruitment
• HM Prison Service – Prison officer recruitment

Tips for finding a job

• Keep up to date with public sector news and trends by following the professional bodies on X (Twitter), this information might help you identify opportunities to network and tap into the hidden job market.
• Keep your online job search flexible as some employers might use different titles to describe the same job role.
• If you are keen to focus on a specific area within the public sector then check out the private sector equivalent too as you can gain good experience and insight.
• Most organisations have a X (Twitter) and/or Facebook account, register with them as this is often a place where new opportunities are posted, and where you can keep in touch with their current activities.