How to apply
The number of recruits varies from year to year but typically around 80 candidates are recruited each year. Recruitment takes place in both the spring and the autumn, and there may be additional special recruitment rounds at other times.
The steps involved in applying for a job in government operational research are as follows:
1. Fill in an application form
You are asked to complete the application form as the number of applicants is much greater than the number we can see face to face: we need to have a good basis for deciding which applicants to interview. Please ensure you complete the form as fully as possible to provide us with all the relevant information on which to consider your application. Further information on the skills that are desirable in an applicant is detailed on the competencies page.
Applications should be made online using the Capita Resourcing website:
Apply to join GORSNote that recruitment takes place twice annually, in the spring and in the autumn. If you do not manage to return your application by the recruitment deadline, it will automatically be forwarded to the next recruitment round for consideration. In this situation, there may be some delay before you hear back from us.
On the basis of the application form we decide whether to invite you to attend an assessment day. If you are disabled (as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) you will be offered an interview provided you meet the minimum requirements of the grade for which you are applying. You must have or be expecting a degree in a numerate discipline (at least a 2:1) or an MSc; applicants with a 2:2 may be accepted if they can show wider (but relevant) skills and experience.
2. Attend a recruitment day
Attending a GORS recruitment day involves two separate stages:
- Problem Structuring Test - You will be given a problem structuring test to give the assessors an idea of how well you can deal with an unstructured problem.
- Interview - You will be interviewed by a panel of three assessors including two OR specialists.
You will also have the opportunity to meet recent OR recruits, to talk about working in government operational research and other aspects of life in the Civil Service.
3. Visit OR Units
If you are successful at the assessment day you will be invited to visit one or two OR units who are interested in employing you. The aim of these visits is to give you a better idea of where you might be working and for the unit to explore any outstanding issues. They will then be in a position to make you a firm job offer if it appears that you and they will be a good fit.
Note that if you are appointed, a check against the National Collection of Criminal records may be undertaken.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
The Government is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to the employment and career development of people with disabilities.
GORS are using the Guaranteed Interview Scheme because we recognise that people with disabilities have been disadvantaged in the past in their employment opportunities. Under this scheme, we guarantee an interview to anyone with disabilities who meets the published minimum requirements for the job (a 2:1 degree in a numerate subject, or a 2:2 combined with wider skills and significant OR experience).
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and adverse long-term effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Any false declaration of disability to obtain an interview will subsequently invalidate any contract of employment.
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