Civil Service Strength Interview

[ChiChiUg]

Lost my job when I was pregnant. Was practically sick throughout the 9 months. Decided to take the time off and raise my kids. Now I am back to job hunting and CS seems like a good start because of my work gap as the process doesn't ask for CV. Got to the interview stage after much preparation and was unsuccessful. Feedback- would have scored higher in strengths with less generalized answers. My question is, do you answer strength based question in the same format, STAR as the behavioural ones. For example "are you emotionally resilient" do you say yes and then proceed to give a scenario when you have been emotionally resilient using the STAR technique?

It’s always better to use specific examples in civil service interviews. So rather than ‘I always do X and Y’ talk about how you did X and Y in a specific situation.

Strength questions are tricky on all sides though! What did you actually score for yours?

I scored a 5 for the behaviour communicating and influencing, and then 9 for strengths. There were more than 10 strength questions, do I give specific examples for all of them eg are you a team player, do you believe in diversity and equality. For the team player I obviously gave a scenario where I achieved my target working in a team. But for the intangible questions how do I give specific examples? I am just trying not to get frustrated at the process.

Sorry I don’t know what those scores mean as they’re different to the ones used in my dept.

Have you read this information about strengths?

Also I’m not sure what you mean by intangible questions? Everything you’ve mentioned could have a tangible example.

Don't understand the scoring for the strengths either but the behaviour is scored from 1 to 7. I got a 5 which shows good demonstration. What scenario could be given if asked do you believe in diversity and inclusion apart from the generic answer that yes for proper representation, promotes interpersonal skills and so on.

Yes I have. Thanks 😊

So in what you’ve said here you’re focusing on why you believe in it - not how you actually act based on the fact that you do. Can you think of an example where your actions demonstrated a commitment to it?

All that said it sounds like you were asked far too many of these. We only ask three strengths!

I was asked more than 10 strength questions for this particular role, immigration officers Croydon. I gave more than 7 structured answers. Any way I know I did my best.

Strength questions are out of 4.

You should allow no more than 2mins for each Strength-based question.

If you have gone over, then you are out of the running.

Do they penalise you for going over, this was my first face to face CS interview. Didn't know it was 2mins. Was just told there before the interview. I went over several times. Right now all I need is constructive criticism to help me prepare for my next application. And scoring a 9 in the strength, do you know what the number signifies? For eg I had 5 out 7 for the behaviour.

This is different to the recruitment process I’m used to so I will stop trying to give advice!

Reddit.com/r/thecivilservice may be helpful

Ok thanks I appreciate 🙏

Strength questions are scored out of 4 so 9 will be your combined score.
I couldnt post a link but googled civil service strength questions scoring and lots of usefull info came up.
In the strength questions they are looking for your natural response and enthusiasm , so you dont need to follow STAR necessarily. I took my interview in January and had never come across strength questions before!.

Answer it all as an extravert. The consultancy they use claim the strengths based approach doesn't reward extraversion but from what I've seen of its application it essentially does. Smiley, up beat, open gestures

Yep, you are penalised for going over the prescribed time limits.

Behaviours - 0-7 score.
Strengths - 0-4 score
Personal Statements - 0-7 score (IIRC)

@HelplessSoul Thanks for this, I will take that into consideration in my next application. Had a 5 for both behaviour and personal statement. My only let down was the strength. I am looking for tips on how to improve. Maybe a practical example would help if anyone is generous enough to teach me although I have read all the theory bits online.

Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?

Example answer: "In every job I ever had, my teammates were what I loved most. I definitely prefer to work as part of a team, and I think it helps motivate me to be my best. I also appreciate the opportunity to meet new people and learn from the expertise of those around me. In my opinion, your coworkers are often the most important part of your job."'

What would you do if you realized you had made an important mistake at work?

Example answer: "Once, when working for a previous employer, I accidentally broke an important piece of equipment that we used every day. After about five minutes of thinking about the situation, I stepped outside and called my supervisor. They were concerned but sympathetic and asked me to help them fix it after work. I learned that it's always best to be honest about your mistakes and take responsibility. I would follow the same course of action if I ever made a similar mistake again.

Hopefully they might help?? .....so you answer them 'more natural' than the competency STAR questions ....if that makes sense?.
This is also why they tell you that theres nothing to prepare because they want your immediate/ honest/ natural answer - and make lots of hand and facial expressions, especially if its a video interview!

You seem to be broadly correct about answering the questions. It’s worth applying for a few Civil Service jobs you aren’t as interested in as all interviews follow broadly the same structure so you can trial your answers before applying for something you really want. You can also asks for your previous applications as a Freedom of Info request to see how they were scored and likely see what notes the interviewer made too.

Don't use STAR for the strength questions. It will take too long. Just sound as positive as possible and try to give 2 short examples that fit with what it is asking. I found it useful to think of lots of examples in advance for each behaviour type and use them when answering.

I’m not sure how competitive these jobs are, but I recently applied for a civil service job in a different department. It was 3 questions out of 5 and I scored 5,5,4 and still didn’t get the job so you might need to bring your 5s up too.

@Ilikewinter Thanks for this 😊 I appreciate 🙏 Concise and straight to the point. I was using the STAR technique which made my answers a little longer and more than 2 mins. I feel so much better knowing my deficit instead of over thinking issues. Thanks 😊

@SpaghettiNoodle yes you are right. But firstly I need to know what to work on and then find a way to go about it. My first draft was rubbish and I then built on it.