Success profiles: candidate guide
Information about the Success Profiles assessment framework used for recruitment across the Scottish Government, along with guidance on how to apply.
Our application process
We use a 3-stage application process:
- stage 1: online application
- stage 2: assessment
- stage 3: offer and pre-employment checks
Further information about each of the stages is included below:
Stage 1: online application
To apply for a job at the Scottish Government, you will need to complete an online application, which is accessed through the job advert for the position. Job adverts can be searched and viewed on our careers website.
Before applying, you should read the job advert carefully — it includes the Success Profile for the role. The Success Profile outlines the criteria that will be assessed, which may include a mix of behaviours, experience, and technical skills.
Candidates will be asked to supply information based on the assessment framework used for the vacancy. You will be asked to provide the following information at application:
- Personal details and contact information
- An up-to-date CV
- A Supporting Statement
- Some diversity monitoring information
Your CV and Supporting Statement should provide clear evidence of how you meet the Success Profile criteria listed in the job advert.
Application guidance
We recommend saving your Supporting Statement in an offline document. This ensures you have a copy for your records and protects against data loss if your connection to the system drops during the application process.
Diversity monitoring
You will also be asked to provide some diversity information in the online application. This information is collected for monitoring purposes only and will not be shared with the assessing panel. It has no impact on how your application is assessed or scored.
Stage 2: assessment
You’ll need to provide evidence for all advertised criteria in the Success Profile during both the application and assessment/interview stages. The assessment process varies depending on the role and may include activities such as role plays, skill tests, report exercises, or presentations.
An interview will also be conducted to explore how you meet the role’s requirements. Full details of the assessment process be shared with you in advance.
To learn more about the types of assessments we use and how to prepare, please visit our assessment process guidance page.
Assessments will be scored on completion and offers will be made to the highest-ranked candidates in accordance with Civil Service Recruitment Principles.
Stage 3: offer and pre-employment checks
Successful candidates will usually be contacted by the hiring manager and receive an e-mail with a provisional offer of employment, along with details of next steps.
You can find out more about pre-employment checks in our recruitment guide.
On successful completion of pre-employment checks a final offer will be made and a start date will be agreed.
Contact
Contact the Recruitment Team at: ScottishGovernmentRecruitment@gov.scot