We know that understanding the process can be daunting, so we have set out the steps below. Of course, interviews will vary slightly based on your experience and field of expertise - but here are the six main steps once you have found a suitable role:
Apply online. Make sure to read the job description thoroughly, taking care that you meet the minimum requirements for the role. Your application will be screened by a panel of professional NCA Officers. Your responses will be reviewed and assessed in line with job requirements stated in the job description.
Depending on the role you apply for, you may be required to complete an online test. If this is required, you will be notified and guidance will be provided, alongside practice questions before you start.
The most commonly used assessments are Verbal Reasoning and Numeric Reasoning. There is also a psychometric test that is often used called the Civil Service Judgement Test. You should answer the questions as honestly as possible as the evaluation is really designed to assess your suitability for the role.
The final stage of assessment will usually be a face-to-face or video interview. This will comprise of questions related to the essential criteria for the role. Sometimes we will hold assessment centres. Full guidance will be given ahead of time if this is the case. Read the job description carefully to see whether an interview or assessment centre is applicable.
It's important to listen carefully and to ask questions if you are not 100% certain of what is being asked. Rest assured that asking a question won't affect your assessment - you're not going to be marked down for requesting clarity!
It may be some time before you hear from us if multiple interviews are taking place, but if you have been successful you will be sent a conditional offer letter. If more candidates have successfully passed the recruitment process than we currently have positions for, we create a reserve list and you may receive a reserve list letter.
We then post in strict merit order by location. The reserve list remains active for 12 months and a posting panel is convened monthly. We will keep in contact to inform you of the results of this panel. When vacancies arise we will post people to roles directly from our reserve list.
Due to the nature of our work we will then commence our pre-employment screening and vetting process. You will complete detailed questionnaires and provide referees. It is important that you provide full and accurate information quickly and without delay when you are asked to complete vetting forms. This will speed up your journey to joining us.
Once these checks are complete we will contact you to arrange a convenient start date. You will then receive a final offer letter and contract. You will also receive details of your NCA induction programme which all our officers complete when they are new to us.
