This is more than just a handbook. It is a personal journey of a twenty-something with years of studying Business and Economics and facing tough competition in the job market to land a career in the UK Civil Service.The focal point of this book is to help aspiring civil servants breeze through their struggles of applying to the UK Civil Service and secure roles in top Civil Service Departments.In this book, we will cover the challenges to overcome when applying for the UK Civil Service, routes to take when considering a Career in the Civil Service, how to apply transferable experiences when applying for Civil Service roles, how you can draft examples for the Civil Service behaviours using practical exercises as well as how you can apply interview strategies in a Civil Service interview.Not only will this book support BAME graduates to overcome the challenges of applying for the UK Civil Service, but it will also act as a reference for neurodiverse individuals and individuals from all walks of life to apply Civil Service strategies which work for them.
Redwan Ahmed is a BA (Hons) Economics graduate, author of two poetry books (Stories He Couldn’t Tell and Psychological Sunrises & Sunsets), currently working in the Civil Service for the Ministry of Defence.
Despite Redwan’s degree (Third Class Honours), he did not hold back in seeking opportunities which would challenge him further. In fact, he found his passion in a career in the Civil Service.
He has shown his willingness to drive social mobility for the less disadvantaged in the BAME community through Careers Pal, an initiative to drive students and graduates in the right direction with their careers.
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As an early-career professional navigating the complex world of civil service applications, I cannot recommend Civil Service Tactical Strategies enough. This mini pocket-sized guide was an absolute game-changer for me. With its clear, concise structure and neurodiverse-friendly approach, this book helped me break down the often overwhelming application process into manageable steps. As someone who struggles with focus and attention due to ADHD, I found the well-thought-out illustrations—particularly the Venn diagrams and step-by-step breakdowns—extremely helpful. They helped me digest complex content in a way that felt natural and engaging, rather than overwhelming. The use of visual aids allowed me to process information quickly, which I greatly appreciated. The advice in this book isn’t just practical—it’s also deeply authentic. The author shares candid insights about his own journey, starting from humble beginnings in retail. He demonstrates how anyone, no matter their background, can tailor their experiences (even those from seemingly unrelated fields) to meet the competencies needed in high-profile industries like the civil service. This resonated with me deeply as someone just starting out in the job market, feeling unsure about how to transfer my skills into a more formal career. What truly sets this guide apart, however, is the emphasis on real-world application. The book doesn't just tell you what to do—it shows you how to do it, with practical tips on writing strong suitability statements, demonstrating the right behaviours, and perfecting your interview technique. As a first-time applicant, I found myself overwhelmed at the prospect of navigating such a competitive field. But this book gave me a roadmap, breaking down each stage into clear, actionable steps that made the process feel more achievable.
Thanks to the strategies outlined in this guide, I was able to ace my interview and land my first HEO position in the civil service. If you're someone who’s struggling or feeling lost in the application process, or if you have neurodiversity challenges, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It’s more than just a guide—it's a beacon of hope for anyone looking to break into the civil service with confidence.”
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In my view, this book is a helpful guide to applying for a role in the Civil Service, including clear tips for navigating the process, well-designed practical strategies for putting together material for an application and for interview stage - which could also be used for internal promotions. The author has written it in a very relatable way and it is particularly helpful for first time applications or for anyone who may be overwhelmed by the application process.
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