CS interview - worried about the amount of prep

[pinkdata]

I have applied for a job in the civil service (SEO), which feels like a tiny step up from my current role in the private sector. The role sounds incredibly interesting and much more fulfilling than what I do currently. I just got invited for an interview but instead of feeling excited, I am questioning whether I should drop out of the process. I know I have the experience and skills but the interview format and especially the amount of prep that seems to be required are scaring me. Specifically having to prepare answers for the Behaviours part. I'm a great public speaker (or so I've been told) but a lot of that comes from 'just talking', turning my brain off a little, and not over preparing. So sticking to a very pre-prescribed format makes me nervous and I'm sure I'll embarrass myself. Plus, I have a lot going on at the moment, I work 50 hours a week, two kids under three, and a mostly DIY house renovation. I genuinely don't know when I'd find the time to prepare all these examples, in addition to the presentation.

I guess what I'm asking is: are CS interviews really as difficult as they say for an outsider? Do I have any chance at succeeding if I don't meticulously prep and rehearse the behaviours? Am I maybe not the right 'type' for the CS?
Sorry, I've had a bit of a rough year and my confidence is way down...

Good luck. Did you have to prepare behaviour examples for your application form? You should have a couple of examples prepared for each depending on what questions you are asked.

Of course you will be familiar with star format remembered it is the a and r that's most important . Also good to add further r for reflection. Great if you can reflect on how you could improve and great if you chose an example where you face challenge and how you overcome it as well as ensuring you are clear on the impact with the outcome.

You can make notes if it helps and do ask if you want clarification, they won't mind.

Edited to say, yes you do need to prep but I would expect to prepare for any exam. You don't need to learn off by heart and it's more natural if you don't read from a script. Go with the flow and be yourself.

You do need to prep and the answers are scored, but for mine the interview very much followed the questions from the application and those examples?
they do give really comprehensive feedback. It will be worth it - if you want the job I would carve out a bit of time, take the day off or get a babysitter, and make it happen 😍