Civil Service administrative officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a course to give you some of the administrative skills needed for this job.

You could do a business administration course or a T Level in Management and Administration.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship like:

• Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Public Service Operational Delivery Officer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could join the Civil Service as an administrative assistant. You'll usually need at least 2 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).

You could then apply for a post as an administrative officer when vacancies become available.

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to join the Civil Service as an administrative officer. You'll usually need at least 5 GCSEs. You may need A levels, or equivalent qualifications, for some administrative jobs.

You may also find it useful to have experience in related work like office administration or customer service.

As part of the application process, you'll be tested on your ability to:

• work well in a team
• communicate with others
• work with numbers

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• administration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work on your own
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• thinking and reasoning skills
• a desire to help people
• business management skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Civil Service administrative officers work in government departments, carrying out policies and running services for the public.

As an administrative officer, your day-to-day duties will depend on the department you work for.

You could:

• handle enquiries in person, by telephone or online
• research information
• schedule meetings and arrange travel
• deal with complaints
• update records
• file documents, order stationery and do other administrative tasks
• refer complex queries or cases to an executive officer

Location : You could work in an office or from home.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £29,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience, you'll deal with more complex enquiries, or take on more specialist work related to your department.

With further training, you could apply to become a Civil Service executive officer .