Civil service interview

[newjobnerves]

I have my first interview for the civil service. I will research their competency framework, I was just wondering, are they likely to ask in the interview for different competencies to the ones they asked in the application? Sorry if that's an obvious question!

Any other hints of tips for a CS interview is much appreciated, I've mostly done competency based interviews in the past so I'm hoping it's not too different.

Anyone?

My experience of CS interviews was that they use competency based questions.

The last one I had was based on the competencies in the job spec.

They will Be related to the competencies on the job spec, i only ever ask about the ones on the application tbh.

As far as i can remember it was not hugely different to the application. I had to give examples of where I had implemented various competencies so have lots of examples ready. How I had resolved conflict with a colleague was one where I had to dig into the dusty memory files to find a diplomatic one on the spot. I was interviewed by two people who explained the process and what they were looking for very clearly and possibly several times.

Most civil service departments have just changed from a competency framework to a “success profiles” approach which combines behaviours (very like competences) with other elements. So I would check exactly which approach is being used for your interview - it should be obvious from the job spec as it will list either competences or behaviours / other elements.

If it is a competency interview, you will only be asked about the listed competences.

If it is a success profiles one, you will only be asked about the listed behaviours, but there may be additional questions on strengths, experience etc. These may not be specifically listed in the job description but they will be consistent with it - you shouldn’t be asked anything too left field.

Both the (old) competence framework and the new success profiles one are published online so you can see the exact same version your recruiter will be using. They have examples of what is expected by job grade - do look at this and match it up to the job you are applying for as it’s the best advance info you can find.

Well done on getting the interview and good luck

The job description will say if they are using success profiles. Most are now. There is a comprehensive pack online.

For each behaviour in the job spec note down the key aspects that you need to show. Then read the strength directory and note down what strengths align with that behaviour. Think about examples you could give in a STAR format. Some people find it helps to have a sheet for each and to take notes in.
Strengths questions are different, so do some research online - they are less "tell me about a time" and more " what do you think good leadership is".

One tip I would give people is to think of themselves as a brand - how would you sell yourself? Don't be shy about it.

Think about the key strengths for the job e.g. If the job is in project management - think about how you would answer something like " what makes a good project manager".

I find people who have only thought about stories and examples to demonstrate competencies, and not thought about their more generic strengths or experiences ( e.g. being able to describe the key steps in project management) can struggle sometimes with success profiles.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the in-depth replies.

I should say it's for a quango rather than the service itself, of that makes a difference. The application lists 6 specialist competencies, and 5 core competencies (seeing the big picture, leading and communicating etc)

So in the application I addressed those 11, are they likely then to base the interview on those 11 competencies so have additional scenarios for those competencies prepared, or should I look at the other 5 core competencies do you think?

I have printed out both frameworks so will study both.

Sorry one more little bump 😳

They will address the competencies they used in the application. I would be very surprised if they do all 11 - it’s hard enough to fit 4 into one interview timetable! So I would expect they will pick a couple of core competencies and a couple of specialist ones.

@Isleepinahedgefund thank you, so sorry one last question! I assume I should bring different examples to the table than the ones I demonstrated in the application?

I think it’s best to stick to the examples you used in the application, as you know those got you through the sift. When I interview my heart always sinks when people say they’re going to use a different one, as more often than not they aren’t as strong. You won’t be penalised for using the same examples - just make sure you are giving a lot more detail and context than you had room to on the application.

Thank you, that is SO useful to know, I've not gone through the CS process before and previously I've always thought of new examples.

Thanks so much 😊