Application forms

You should complete and return an Application form (PDF, 199 kB) to us. Please complete this form (using Adobe Reader 9 or above). You can save the form part-way through and return to it later, using the Adobe Reader toolbar. Once you are happy with it, submit it using the button at the end of the form. Alternatively, print the form out, complete by hand, and return by post.

Please note - if you are using web-based email (such as Hotmail, Yahoo or Google Mail) the submit button will not work, as Adobe Reader needs to use a full email client such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Entourage, Evolution or Thunderbird. Save the form, and then attach it to an email to HRenquiries@metoffice.gov.uk.

Alternatively, a Microsoft Word copy of the application form is available. Please email HRenquiries@metoffice.gov.uk, including the words 'application request' in the subject line. An automatic email will be returned to you immediately. If you have not received an email within 48 hours then contact us.

HR Customer Services
Met Office
FitzRoy Road
Exeter
Devon
EX1 3PB

Selection process

1. Completing the application form

   It is essential you use the application form to provide all the relevant information to help us accurately assess your suitability. To ensure you stand out you may want to indicate the areas of work where you feel you have particular expertise, based on any coursework, hobbies and interests, as well as any work experience, and how this may benefit our business. Read our Guidance notes (PDF, 57 kB) .

2. Interview

   If successful you will be invited to an interview at our headquarters in Exeter, which may include a tour of the building and other selection methods in addition to an interview, e.g. psychometric tests.

Guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants

We guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the published minimum criteria for the role. To qualify for a guaranteed interview, you do not have to be registered as a disabled person but you must have a disability or long-term health condition that puts you at a substantial disadvantage in either obtaining or keeping employment. The disability must be likely to last for at least 12 months.

Nationality and residency requirements

All successful applicants offered conditional employment at the Met Office are required to undertake national security vetting. Usually successful applicants can start after satisfactory initial security vetting (whilst full national security vetting is undertaken), but for a small number of posts a higher level of vetting is needed. If you do not have five years' continuous UK residency this may take longer and we may have to reconsider your application if there are delays in the security procedure.

Please note that nationality and residency restrictions of this kind are common with all UK Civil Service departments and Executive Agencies.  For further guidance see the UK Border Agency's  Working in the UK website.

Commitment to diversity and equality

We are an Equal Opportunities employer and maintain a culture that values ability, difference, openness, fairness and transparency. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, gender, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, gender reassignment, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, family status, physical or mental disability, trade union membership or any other irrelevant factor.

We are committed to working towards becoming an even more diverse organisation and to valuing and utilising the visible and non-visible individual differences that people bring. This includes working to ensure there are no barriers implicit in our policies and procedures that prevent individuals from performing to the best of their ability, along with creating a positive and open environment in which to work.

Civil Service recruitment principles

Our recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the  Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact HREnquiries@metoffice.gov.uk or telephone 01392 885000. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Met Office, you can contact the  Office of the Civil Service Commissioners.

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