At Manchester Digital, we like to interview our members to find out a bit more about what they do and their work in the Greater Manchester digital and technology sphere. This week, we're speaking with George, a Lead Technical Recruiter at the Home Office, to learn more about his role and how he engages and recruit’s tech talent to work on high-profile government services. He also shares his top tips on applying for a role within the Home Office Digital team.
Can you begin by telling us a little about yourself and your role?
I am part of a dedicated recruitment team that focusses on raising the profile and visibility of Home Office Digital as a leading tech employer in the UK job market. We do this by providing an insight into the projects and tech our colleagues work on through online content and recruitment events. My role as a Lead Technical Recruiter involves me proactively engaging with candidates who have the relevant skills and experience needed to fill our most critical and often hardest to fill technical roles.
These roles are vital to building and maintaining the digital services that millions of people across the UK rely on each and every day, so it is essential to find and recruit the right tech experts. To achieve this, I partner closely with hiring managers within Home Office Digital business areas and with members of the recruitment team to shape high quality recruitment strategies that are inclusive, efficient, and effective in attracting top tech talent.
What exactly is Home Office Digital and where does it sit within the Home Office?
The Home Office is a central government department. We work to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK for citizens, providing them with the means to travel the world, disrupting terrorist attacks and organised criminal groups, tackling illegal migration and supporting people who require asylum and safeguarding. To achieve this, we rely on a community of talented tech and digital teams working in delivery centres across the UK to design, build and develop these services. This is the Home Office Digital team. You can learn more about these teams and what they do by visiting our careers website.
Sounds exciting. So, what do you look for when recruiting a tech candidate to join Home Office Digital?
When engaging with candidates, I am looking for people who have a ‘passion’ for what the Home Office does and who want to work on products and services that have a real-life impact.
I make sure candidates understand that they are not just joining a team, but that they are playing an important part in helping to build services that protect and support millions of people. This really resonates strongly with a lot of candidates. There are not many tech jobs that give you the opportunity to work on cutting edge software to develop and enhance a variety of high-profile services like we have on offer at the Home Office.
I look for candidates with the relevant technical skills and expertise required for the role. So, have they worked on similar projects, in similar environments or at a similar scale? How have they approached and solved complex technical challenges? I also look for candidates that have those soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability to ensure they seamless fit into the Home Office culture.
We have heard that the Civil Service recruitment process is slightly different to what most people would expect. Can you share your top tips on applying for a role at the Home Office?
Yes, that is a great question. The Civil Service recruitment process can feel a bit different, especially for those coming from the private sector. It is designed to be fair, transparent, and based on merit, but that also means it can be quite structured and requires candidates to provide sufficient evidence.
Here are my top tips for applying:
Read the job description and success profiles carefully. The Civil Service uses a framework that includes behaviours, technical skills, and strengths. Make sure you understand what is being assessed and tailor your application accordingly.
Use the STAR method in your examples. When writing your personal statement or preparing for interviews, structure your answers around Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It helps keep your responses clear and focused. At the sift stage, focus on evidencing your experience and skills against the essential skills listed in the advert.
Focus on impact. We are looking for people who can demonstrate not just what they did, but how it made a difference, whether that is improving a service, solving a problem, or leading a team through change. It is also key not to forget to talk about what YOU did, not just the wider team.
Do not underestimate the importance of behaviours. Even for technical roles, behaviours like ‘Communicating and Influencing’ or ‘Working Together’ are assessed and carry weight in the final decision if listed in the advert.
Ask questions and seek support. We encourage candidates to reach out to the recruitment contact listed in the job advert if they are unsure about anything. We want people to feel supported through the process.
We’ve created a series of ‘How to Apply’ videos with some helpful hints and tips to help you navigate our recruitment process.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in tech at the Home Office?
My advice would be:
Understand the mission. The Home Office is responsible for some of the most high-profile and sensitive services in government. If you are driven by public service and want to work on projects that keep the UK safe and secure, this is the place to be.
Do not worry if you have not worked in government before. We welcome people from all employment backgrounds. What matters is your mindset: curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to learn.
Be ready for structure but also for flexibility. The Civil Service has frameworks and processes, but there is also a lot of room for innovation, especially in Home Office Digital. You will find teams using agile, user-centred design, and modern engineering practices.
Ask questions and get involved. Whether it is through communities of practice, mentoring, or cross-functional projects, there are loads of opportunities to grow and contribute beyond your immediate role. Or you can reach out to me via my LinkedIn profile.
What current opportunities are there to join Home Office Digital and make a difference?
We’re recruiting for tech and digital professionals to join our teams in Manchester and across the UK. So, if you are looking for an exciting digital career where you can make an impact, we want to hear from you.
Thank you George!
Visit the Home Office careers site to take a closer look at the Home Office Digital roles on offer.
