Application process

Application stage

• Study the ‘Essential’ and ‘Desirable’ criteria for the position and answer all the questions on your application in full
• Tailor your CV to show us how your skills match our job description
• Don’t be afraid to shout about what you can do

Interview stage

• Before your interview, prepare in advance by looking at the job description advertised and thinking of examples of times when you have displayed these attributes to share with your interviewer. Each job will have specific competencies, so it’s definitely worth checking them out.

• Part of our assessment process is that we ask you to attend a HR interview which assesses you against our core competencies; these are based on the following so as part of your preparation have a think of some examples of these too. Remember, you can bring some notes in to your interview to use as a prompt.

We welcome candidates keen to embrace new technologies, which is an important part of working in national security.

The application process is an opportunity to tell us about yourself and show us what you can do. Therefore, if you use AI to help with your application, it is important that use of AI is done in a way that is secure and does not distort your application. AI cannot be used during tests, assessments or interviews if your application progresses as these need to be undertaken without any third-party assistance.

Vetting is so important because we need to be sure that all our people are reliable and trustworthy.

Everyone who works at HMGCC is security cleared to the very highest levels. When you join us you will have completed a comprehensive vetting process that can take between four and six months after you have been given your initial offer. It’s not long when you consider you could end up with a fantastic career for life.

If, after your application, you are progress to the vetting stage, you'll need to fill in the security forms. You will receive login details to complete your security forms online. There is a lot of personal information required in these forms so please start completing them as soon as possible to avoid any delays with your application. 

Please bring photographic I.D. with you when you come to any interviews or visits to site.

Vetting stage

As previously mentioned, the vetting process is so important because we need to be sure that all our people are reliable and trustworthy. Vetting does take a while to process and this can take three to four months depending on your personal circumstances although, please don't worry if it takes a little longer. It might also feel a little intrusive at times but please be assured your information will be kept purely between the vetting officer and yourself. Confidentially is at the forefront of the process. If you have any questions about the vetting process, please feel free to ask us at any of the face to face stages in the process.

Drugs test

We realise that some of our candidates may have experimented with drugs in the past and this need not be a bar to your application. However, taking illegal drugs, legal highs or psychoactive substances is incompatible with holding security clearance and we have a strict no drugs policy. You may be required to undergo a drugs test, that involves taking a very small hair sample, during the application process so you should adhere to our policy from the date you submit your application onwards.

Reasonable Adjustments

HMGCC is committed to employing people with a wide range of backgrounds and welcomes applications from people with disabilities, are neurodivergent or have a long-term health condition. As part of this, we recognise the importance of reasonable adjustments and will do our best to provide what you need so you can focus on showing your talent. 

We’ll ask you at every stage what adjustments you need, however, if you’re unsure what would be helpful to you, please see below some examples of adjustments we’ve provided to candidates previously. 

Reasonable adjustment examples: 

• Extra time for assessments. 
• Any written documents in a particular font/ size or printed on a different colour paper. 
• An online or in person assessment dependent on adjustment required. 
• Interview questions provided in written format. 
• Additional breaks during the assessment. 
• Providing extra information about what to expect. 

This list is not exhaustive so if you don’t see what you need, let us know and we’ll arrange a time for a member of the team to contact you to discuss this. 

Offer of interview scheme

We are proud to offer applicants who declare a disability or long-term health condition the opportunity to apply through the Offer of Interview Scheme. We aim to ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that best meet the minimum criteria for this position are offered an interview where practicable.

To meet the minimum criteria, candidates must provide us with evidence in their application form which demonstrates that they generally meet the level of competence required for each competency as well as meeting any of the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential in the job description. 

If you consider yourself to be disabled and you wish to apply for the offer of interview scheme then please complete the relevant section of the form when submitting your application. Whether or not you are seeking an interview under the scheme, please advise us if you consider that you have a disability, are neurodiverse or have a long-term health condition and will require reasonable adjustments in order to participate in the interview process. 

Please note: Any false declaration of disability to obtain an interview under the offer of interview scheme will subsequently invalidate any offer of a post. 

Travel reimbursement

To reduce financial barriers for candidates, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, we can offer the reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses to attend in-person interviews or assessments during the recruitment and vetting process. By covering costs for travel, and in limited cases accommodation, we aim to ensure all applicants feel encouraged to apply, regardless of financial circumstances.

Reimbursement is discretionary and will only be made in line with the Candidate Expenses Policy, as amended from time to time. This policy will be shared with candidates via the invitation to interview or assessment. Candidates are responsible for arranging their own travel using the most economical options and must provide original hardcopy receipts for reimbursements.

We would also advise that you do not transit through these countries. Travel to or through these countries can impact vetting outcomes. If travel is already booked, please contact the recruitment team. 

Working for us means that there will be countries that you should not travel to for the duration of your employment. Advice not to travel to those countries may extend beyond employment. You will receive more information on this if you receive a Conditional Offer of Employment.”