You apply online. The process from application to start date took almost 2 ½ months. I interviewed at HMCPSI's London Holborn office. *Job application process* As with many jobs within the civil service you will have to fill out a competency based job application. The job advertisement lists the specific competencies it wants you to demonstrate (there were roughly 6 and many had sub headings). Demonstrating how you meet each competency on paper can be difficult however the civil service website has a competency frame work booklet (in pdf form) which really helps. The application form will have you draw on relevant situations which you feel demonstrate each competency; you can draw on previous work experience as well as your education and personal life if necessary. *Stage 1 (Sift)* After submitting your application you are given a rough date as to when the panel will do the proper sift of applications. 1 ½ months had passed since sending my application to getting an interview, the process can take time. *Stage 2 - Assessment* Hour long assessment on a computer. They gave me an assessment paper which requested that I deal with various admin related tasks. The tasks included writing a formal letter based on a scenario provided; diary management (meetings, clashes etc.); basic use of excel, spotting errors in documents; and an open question.