The German Civil Service Federation (DBB) is spearheading a widespread campaign to spark interest in the public sector. On the die-unverzichtbaren.de (the essentials) website, a module allows professions to be identified with applicants stating their priorities and a number of civil servants outlining their duties and describing their motivation. Posters are on display and brochures are being handed out in the country’s secondary schools and higher education institutions.

The new federal public job exchange is clearer and better aligned with applicants’ expectations. It is arranged around three separate functions: looking for a first job, a higher position (promotion) or an equivalent position (mobility). In addition to a customised alert feature, it also has a system for managing applications and providing information to candidates via a secure personal account.

Syllabus is a self-assessment test developed by experts in training and digital skills. It contains five categories (including one for managers) and can be used by all civil servants. Its goal is to speed up the transformation process by focusing on the cross-disciplinary digital skills required for carrying out assignments and by providing all users with a customised training programme.