Can you give an example of a time you had to adapt to a changing situation?

"Yes, actually a couple of months ago, I was at a work event at a local Futbol game. Towards the end of the game, a small riot broke out in our immediate vicinity, and I immediately took charge, escorting our employees out of the area and into a safe zone in an orderly fashion. At the time, it seemed like a small matter, but my coworkers and superiors expressed how impressed they were with my professionalism and calm demeanor. Many of them said I was the calming force in that situation. Unfortunately, several others in the crowd got injured, either while fleeing or becoming entangled in the brawl."

Your interviewer wants to know whether you'll be able to adapt to a high pressured, fast-paced environment such as theirs. They're curious whether you would be able to adapt to changes in your environment and location, depending on the needs of the agency. This is especially true of working with the flexible team. As they advertise on their site, the flexible team is deployed to work on differing priorities. One day, you might be patrolling an airfield as part of an anti-smuggling operation. The next, you could be seizing large sums of laundered money at the seaport. "It helps to be adaptable, but you develop the confidence and the communication skills to do it well."

The Home Office describes a position with the Border Force as "varied, exciting, and rewarding." As a result, their ideal candidates are expected to adapt to changing situations and circumstances, including working in varied environments based on the agency's needs. "Where priorities change quickly, being able to be flexible and adapt is a key skill. In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, you might also be deployed on projects to meet other strategic objectives, such as counter-terrorism or human trafficking."

How do you maintain your professionalism and impartiality in your work?

"I keep my eyes on the ball and don't get pulled into the mud. It's my job to keep people safe. In a game, the referee is responsible for making sure everyone is playing according to the rules. They have to remain impartial at all times. This job is the same. I have to be objective and impartial, keep my calm, and do my job - be a professional and do my job right. It's not always easy, but what job is?"

Your interviewer is curious whether your idea of impartiality and professionalism aligns with that of their agency. As they advise on their website, your interviewer "will only be interested in assessing potential security risks. It is essential, therefore, that you are open and honest at all stages of the interview process." So consider how you would remain objective while embodying the professionalism of their culture and core values.

As they state on their website, "Border Force expects the highest possible standards of professionalism and teamwork from its staff and adherence to its core values: Commitment; Discipline; Respect and Moral Courage. It selects through a stringent and robust recruitment process only those candidates who display those qualities. For those who meet these demanding standards, it is a hugely rewarding and very satisfying career - and one that offers the opportunity for increasing responsibility and reward."

What do you think are the most important qualities for someone working in a law enforcement agency?

"I think it is rather important for an officer of the law to be a strong communicator. This, combined with above-average interpersonal skills, a sense of empathy and compassion, and emotional intelligence and objectivity, is essential. However, they should have strong instincts, strong attention to detail, and the ability to analyze their situation and surroundings and adapt. So they should be strong in character, have integrity, and be willing to make tough decisions when necessary."

You want to make sure you are not only a good fit for this job but that this job is the right fit for you. Thoroughly research the position and what life looks like inside the Border Force, the Home Office, and as a Civil Servant. Once you've thoroughly researched the position, you'll be able to align the qualities you possess with those that make for an outstanding officer.

Here are some detailed descriptives of the types of people they are looking for to join the Border Force: "There is no one type of person in Border Force. Just like in a wider society, everyone here is different. Our different backgrounds and perspectives help us do our jobs and make better decisions. The working environment, the people you encounter, the skills you will learn and the importance of the work we do make this a unique and exciting role. We are looking for candidates who have: Excellent interpersonal skills; Are flexible, adaptable and creative in solving problems and dealing with change; Have a strong sense of personal ethics and honesty; Enjoy dealing with colleagues, members of the public and external stakeholders; Can demonstrate sound interpersonal, communication and relationship building skills and thrive working as part of a team; Have leadership potential or demonstrated leadership ability; Think in an objective and analytical manner; Are robust at enforcing UK law whilst maintaining professionalism and sensitivity."

What operational location are you most interested in working in?

"Heathrow would be best for me, but I am flexible."

Your interviewer is not only curious about how familiar you are with the job but whether you have put thought into or are willing to work in a variety of locations based on the agency's needs. "We look for people who may wish to travel within the UK, Northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands." Thoroughly research the position and determine how this fits into your lifestyle. You'll want to examine whether this complements or clashes with your lifestyle. Consider where you prefer to be placed and to what degree you would be willing to travel for the job.

"Border Force has five operational regions: North, Central, Heathrow, South, and SE & Europe. The regions have responsibility for securing the border 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at the UK's ports, airports, postal depots, and international rail network. This includes the Eurostar from Brussels and Paris to St Pancras International and the Eurotunnel from Coquelles to Cheriton. We have provided a map of our many locations and operational command in the Candidate Information Pack."

How would you handle a situation where you had to work with someone who had a different opinion or approach to a problem than you did?

"I would hear them out. I would ask questions and repeat what they told me so they knew I understood them, and I would then entertain it. If I didn't think their approach would work, I would explain why and suggest an alternate approach. Just because someone has a different idea or opinion than you doesn't indicate a problem. It's just the first step towards collaboration."

Working with Border Force often requires you to engage and cooperate with varying teams. If you work on the flexible team, you'll work at different locations where they might do things differently than you're used to. The heart of this question centres around your collaboration and flexibility. How you answer will help your interviewer determine how adaptable your communication style is to others. As they state on their careers website, "It's essential that our organisation reflects the very best of 21st century Britain, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds and circumstances."

Can you give an example of a time you had to communicate complex information to someone who didn’t have a background in your field?

"I recently visited the United States, and as they do in that culture, the people there asked me what I did for a living. When I told them I worked as a Work Coach for the Civil Service, most of them asked what that was. Their system is structured quite differently than ours, so I explained quickly to them that I work for the Crown, as a branch of government called the Civil Service that serves the common good, from pensions to welfare, and that I help those who are unemployed find work."

Your interviewer is aiming to assess how skilled a communicator you are. Remember, they will evaluate your commutation skills in how well you communicate your answer. Be succinct and clear, and consider your audience. Communicate your answer in a way that you feel they would relate to while expressing how adaptable you are to communicate with those who have different communication styles than you.

A position with the Border Force will be in a public-facing role, and you will communicate with a wide range of personalities from varying backgrounds and cultures. As a result, they are looking for candidates who possess "excellent communication skills and enjoy working as part of a team, an interest in people, an inquisitive and open mind, and an empathetic manner, and An objective and analytical approach."

What do you think are the main challenges facing the UK border today?

"Honestly, I think the fatigue on the system caused by Brexit is a major issue. From overworked security to frustrated citizens, it has the potential of creating a boiling point or more mistakes to be made, from an outsider's perspective, that is."

Your interviewer is curious whether you have a realistic grasp of the details and challenges of the job. How you answer will indicate how well you've prepared for the interview. Avoid guessing and showcase your familiarity with the agency and the position. You'll want your answer to display your understanding of the challenges Border Force faces, your passion for what Border Force does and why it is of value, and an alignment between your values and theirs.

As detailed by Border Force, their priorities are "To deter and prevent individuals and goods from entering the UK that would harm the national interest and protect the vulnerable in need of our care. Enforcing immigration and customs regulations at the UK's ports, airports, postal depots and international rail network. Officers also conduct risk-led interceptions for controlled drugs, prohibited and restricted goods, cash, tobacco, alcohol, firearms, offensive weapons, prohibited goods, counterfeit goods and clandestine entrants, counter-terrorism, tackling organised crime, modern slavery and human trafficking, search and rescue operations and revenue protection."

How do you ensure you follow health and safety procedures in your work?

"By keeping a keen eye and speaking up. You just have to stay on top of things. If you see a colleague miss something or see someone do something unsafe, speak up, and do the right thing. I you don't set that example, you risk the chance that no one will."

When working for Border Force, you are responsible for the health and safety of yourself and your teams, but also for the health and safety of the public. So consider how these factor into your role and how you would ensure all measures and safety protocols were being adhered to. As they state, it is the responsibility of the Border Force to "make sure the UK's border is safe and secure 24/7." If this is out of your range of experience, perform your homework on what the Border Force does, from biosecurity checks to limiting airport queue times.

"One of the roles Border Force serves is Public & Animal Health protection." This has included "TB tests for some students entering the UK and screening during the 2014 Ebola outbreak and public health controls at the border during the COVID-19 pandemic."

What would you do if you had to work with someone who had a strong personality or was difficult to work with?

"I would put in the work necessary to adapt to them and work with them, and once a rapport was established, I would help them by informing them they were difficult to work with and give them an opportunity to adapt as well."

This question aims to assess how collaborative you are, even with those who prove challenging to communicate with or to work with. It is incumbent on the stronger communicator to adapt their communication style to those who are less skilled or less emotionally mature than themselves. Their ideal candidates "can demonstrate sound interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills and thrive working as part of a team." When answering this question, display your professionalism and adaptability while focusing on the big picture and prioritising the team's goals.

What would you do if a member of the public was being difficult or confrontational?

"I would lead by example, remain calm, and ask them to calm down, taking every measure to de-escalate the situation. If they didn't listen, I would ask them to step aside and would be prepared to respond accordingly to any security risk they posed. But I would take every measure first to open a dialogue and calm them down through mediation and diplomacy."

Your interviewer wants to know how emotionally intelligent you are. When emotions run high or conflict arises, they need to know, without a doubt, that their officers can keep a level head. Their ideal candidates can remain calm and objective, communicate clearly, and maintain control of any situation at all times.

Being a Border Force Officer sometimes requires you to operate in challenging and pressurised situations and environments. Additionally, the interviewers need to ensure that every border force officer can maintain emotional resilience, commitment, discipline and respect while making well-balanced decisions. "You've got to be calm and professional under trying circumstances and enjoy being part of a team."

Can you give an example of a time you had to work with limited resources to achieve a goal?

"When working as a DWP Work Coach, I interviewed a person who was a bit mentally unbalanced at the time. I was alone in the office, and there were few others in the building when this person had something of an outburst. As they described their experiences, they grew agitated and started raising their voice, jumping around, and flailing their arms. Their behaviour was a bit alarming, but I stayed calm and maintained eye contact. After a moment, they loudly asked what I thought about what they'd told me. I calmly responded by telling them I understood what they were feeling and invited them to sit back down and regain their composure and that I would be happy to share my thoughts on how I could help them. The goal was to help them improve their life. I focused on that, and we made considerable progress. At the end of our meeting, they apologised for their outburst and thanked me for giving them hope."

Your interviewer wants to see how swiftly you can address rising concerns when unprepared. Share an example of when you showed how resourceful you are and how quickly you re-prioritised and responded to urgent developments. Their ideal candidates will respond quickly and work well under pressure. As they state on their website, "We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Making Effective Decisions. Communicating and Influencing. Delivering at Pace. Seeing the Big Picture."

What would you do if you suspected someone was trying to smuggle goods across the border?

"I have no professional experience in this regard, but as I have noted, the training is extensive, and we will be taught to recognise the signs and to ask all the right questions. So I would learn the protocol and let the procedure guide me. I would be professional, maintain my calm, but most importantly, maintain control of the situation. Sometimes all that takes is a calm confrontation instead of allowing it to slip by. A simple request to step aside can often do the trick."

Your interviewer is curious whether your approach would reflect the conduct they expect of their officers. Remember, Border Force expects the "highest possible standards of professionalism and teamwork from its staff and adherence to its core values: Commitment; Discipline; Respect and Moral Courage." So when you answer this question, you should follow protocol and exemplify how you embody their values and how your conduct would reflect their brand of professionalism. As one of their officers is quoted as saying in their video, "We learn how to spot the signs and ask the right questions."

Can you give an example of a time you had to provide excellent customer service?

"This comes naturally to me in every interaction in my life. I am a people person, and I am affable and friendly. So I treat everyone I meet, personally or professionally, like a friend. So I suppose I am always delivering a great customer experience."

The code of Civil Service is Honesty, integrity, impartiality, and objectivity. The values of the Home Office are: Respectful, courageous, compassionate, and collaborative. And the core values of the Border Force are commitment, discipline, respect, and moral courage. Even though a position with Border Force challenges you with securing the UK border in a highly pressurised environment, your interviewer is curious about how well your brand of customer service would align with their values and approach. Share an example where you exhibited the highest level of professionalism while embracing all the values they look for and promote in their agencies.

Under the Home Office, Border Force Officers are customer-oriented civil servants. As Border Force states online, "We care about your experience with us." One of the Border Force's priorities is "Demonstrating the professional behaviours associated with a customer-focused organisation" and providing "excellent service to customers."

What steps would you take to comply with our ethical standards in your work?

"One of the things that drew me to apply for this position is that the agency's vision and values align with mine. I consider myself a person of strong character, with a great deal of integrity and a very ethical nature. I suppose I would adhere to the agency's ethical standards by being myself."

They state clearly on their website that they are "looking for candidates who have a strong sense of personal integrity and ethics." So when answering this question, showcase how your character aligns with their ethical standards. Share your brand of ethics with them and highlight how your integrity informs your decision-making.

How do you maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information?

"I consistently practice discretion. If I have documents like a passport, I angle them so only I can see them. I don't say things out loud unless necessary. Be filtered and consistent. There is no point in embarrassing anyone, let alone myself, by being sloppy."

Border Force makes the limitations, protections, and resources customers have regarding the collection of their data quite clear online. They also allow the public to file a concern or complaint. Familiarize yourself with how transparent they are in this regard and your limitations as a Border Force Officer. Then share an example of how you have ensured the protection of others' personal data in the past in "the highest possible standards of professionalism" the Border Force expects of their officers.

"The processing of personal data is governed by data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation and other relevant legislation. When we ask you for personal information, we ensure that: You know why we need it and what we are going to do with it. You know how to tell us that you object to us processing your information and how to tell us if the information we hold about you is not correct or you want us to erase it. You know how to contact us and our data protection officer. You know how to complain to the Information Commissioner if you are not satisfied with the way we process your information.""We only ask for what we need and don't collect too much or irrelevant information. We protect it and make sure nobody has access to it who shouldn't. We don't keep it longer than necessary. We only share it with other organisations when there is an identified need, and it is lawful to do so. It's not made available for commercial use without your permission."

Why do you want to work for Border Force?

"I want to help. The mission statements and goals are very aligned with my own. I have always wanted to be an officer of the law, but this feels like a better fit for me than any other role. I also was very enticed by the training and growth opportunities. I also like to travel for work as well. All in all, it feels like a good fit."

For security concerns, your interviewer needs to assess your reasons for wanting to join Border Force. When answering this question, focus on how your values and character align with their mission. Consider your career goals and how Border Force or the Home Office can help you accomplish them. As they advertise on their website, this opportunity presents "access to so much training and so many opportunities, you can shape how your career progresses."

"Our values underpin everything we do. We treat everyone fairly, respecting individual perspectives and valuing and embracing our differences to create an inclusive environment. We are outward-looking and professionally curious, testing new ideas while encouraging challenge and being bold in our pursuit of delivering outcomes for the public. We act ethically, with honesty, care and sensitivity, seeking to understand the realities and perspectives of the people we serve to build trust and confidence. We work as one team, listening to and supporting each other and our stakeholders, working across boundaries to improve outcomes for the public."

Would you have any issues with undergoing a vetting interview?

"I am aware of the necessity of the vetting interview and am prepared for it, should the opportunity arise."

To hold security clearance, you must go through a process called national security vetting, which is a series of background checks to assess how appropriate it is to give you access to sensitive information, assets and equipment. This is a necessary step toward ensuring you can maintain the objective ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism they require of all their officers. When approaching this question, or the vetting interview itself, it is advisable to be completely honest. The Border Force's website states that even if there are "aspects of their lives that they are ashamed or embarrassed to tell us about. Usually, these are of little or no security significance. They will generally not stop or restrict the granting of a security clearance. The Vetting Officer will be open-minded and is not there to make moral judgements about people's lifestyles. They will only be interested in assessing potential security risks. It is essential, therefore, that you are open and honest at all stages of the interview process."

At the interview, a vetting officer will attempt to build as complete a picture of you as possible. The purpose of this is so they can make an informed assessment of whether you will be able to "cope with access to sensitive information or assets at the highest levels and will not become a security risk and a threat to national security." Some of the key themes they assess include: "Your loyalty, honesty and reliability, and identifying any vulnerabilities that could lead you to being bribed or blackmailed, your wider family background (relationships and influences), past experiences of drug taking (if any), financial affairs, general political views, foreign travel, foreign travel, and hobbies."

How do you like to spend your spare time?

"Other than getting in some good exercise and spending time in the kitchen cooking for the week, I cherish not planning anything for my downtime. I have worked a few times with erratic schedules and learned to be flexible; it's best not to plan. I get in some fitness, make sure I eat well, and then I might do something. I make sure I am enjoying myself and relaxing."

Your interviewer is curious about what your hobbies will say about you, but they are also interested in how you maintain a work-life balance. Additionally, they need to make sure you are a good fit for this position, and getting to know you better as a person may help answer those questions. When answering, be open and honest, and discuss activities that reflect your professionalism or how well-suited you are for the role. This should include hobbies, such as exercise, eating well, or stress management. Avoid discussing anything that may be loosely interpreted as a conflict of interest.

Have you ever travelled abroad, and if so what was the last destination you visited?

"I travelled to the U.S.A. not long ago. I have a friend who lives in Philadelphia. I visited New York while I was there. A few years before that, I visited Toronto. I found each to be very culturally diverse cities in their own unique ways."

This casual get-to-know-you question can also address a few other points. Your interviewer will be on the lookout for any further indications of your cultural competence and any other security risks or concerns. Border Force prides itself on "asking the right questions." On one of their web pages, they advise that sometimes "the interview will be very searching, but it is not an interrogation and should not feel like one." So be yourself, and answer honestly.

How do you handle situations where you have to work with people from different backgrounds or cultures?

"I would handle those situations no differently than any other. Whether you assemble the team yourself or not, you are part of that team. Work well with everyone on your team, or fail at being a contributing member of the team. Choose the latter, and that's on you. I think of myself as a winning contributor and hope everyone else has a similar mindset."

Your interviewer is interested in learning your level of cultural competence and how it may affect your performance as a Border Force Officer. They emphasise the importance of delivering a positive customer experience and advertise they recruit on merit after a fair and open selection process. Consider your experience in this regard. Mention any sensitivity training you may have received along the way as well.

Border Force prides itself on being a 'Disability Confident Employer' recognised for their efforts to recruit and retain employees with disabilities, and has been recognised by the Times Top 50 Employers for Women, named a Stonewall Star Performer, and listed by Business in the Community as an inclusive employer for race. "Our networks help raise awareness and help us build an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and be themselves at work."

Tell me about a time you exhibited moral courage.

"Well, I had a boss who was not acting according to our values. It was clear they were going through some personal issues, but that's no reason to take it out on your customers or team. On one occasion, this person was berating a teammate, and I stepped in and told this supervisor to take a step back and compose themself before they continued this dialogue. I remember saying that this was not a good look for them and that they were hurting their reputation as an effective leader. They threw a few words my way, and I responded by repeating myself. The rest of us then disengaged. Later, they apologised to the group and took some time off on leave to deal with the problem. When they returned, they seemed more themself again."

Moral courage is one of the Border Force's core values. Moral courage is often defined as how a person's character drives them to do the right thing, regardless of the risk it may pose. Having a strong sense of ethics and integrity and being willing to act according to those values are signs of strong leadership potential. Think of an occasion when doing the right thing was difficult, whether it was executing an unpopular decision or disagreeing with a superior.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good fit for this job?

"I am a strong communicator who can effectively disarm and get others to cooperate in a nondefensive manner. Situations rarely turn confrontational, regardless of the other person's personality. I also have a very acute attention to detail, whether it is my surroundings or someone's response to a line of questioning. I pick up on these things and track them. I feel these inherent talents would help me excel in this position and would be of value."

When answering questions like this, you don't want to answer blindly. The aim is to showcase how well you prepared for the interview and the role. Research and familiarize yourself with the expectations and requirements for their agency and the role. Reflect on your work experience and organize your qualifications and skills, aligning yourself with what they are looking for in their ideal candidate. This way, you can better communicate all the manners in which this feels like a good fit. As they state on their website, "We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Making Effective Decisions, Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, and Making Effective Decisions."

Can you give an example of a time you had to take initiative to solve a problem?

"Yesterday, a coworker couldn't figure out what was happening with their computer system. It was running too slow and freezing up. I noticed something in the background, started clicking on things, and realised they needed to update their software and computer system. That same day, a customer asked for help in accessing their account. They complained that they were continually failing to log on. I then quickly realised they were visiting the wrong site. I feel like anytime anyone has a problem, they come to me. If a problem is made public, I am always in the huddle. I am a fixer, always thinking outside the box, and am as resourceful as they get."

Working as a Border Force officer is often high pressure, where frequently split-second decisions must be made. Your interviewer is interested in assessing whether you work well under pressure and have no issues acting quickly when required without looking for a supervisor's approval. So when answering this question, offer an example of when you reacted "with the skill and intuition of our officers to make informed, swift decisions."

"Being a Border Force Officer sometimes puts you in difficult or pressurised situations. It means emotional resilience, commitment, discipline and respect are key. You've got to be calm and professional under trying circumstances, and enjoy being part of a team."

How do you prioritise your workload when dealing with multiple tasks?

"It depends on which priority seems most urgent at the time. And priorities constantly change. I would keep track of all the moving pieces; luckily, I have strong attention to detail, so this isn't a problem. The trick is to keep an eye on the big picture while addressing any immediate concerns."

One of the requirements of the job is to "successfully perform a range of multi-skilled duties. Priorities change quickly, and being able to be flexible and adapt is a key skill. " Your interviewer is trying to ascertain how organised you are, how good of a multitasker you are, and whether you can successfully shift your priorities while maintaining high-level attention to detail. Share your work style, any systems you've implemented, and how you stay organised throughout your day.

Can you give an example of a time you lacked data and had to rely solely on your judgement to make a decision?

"That's an interesting question. This happens often in my line of work. As a Work Coach, there have been several instances where I have felt like the person across from me isn't being completely honest with me. In these situations, I think it is important to ignore your instincts and instead rely on what you don't know. By that, I mean we can only tap into our range of experience, and when we fill in the blanks of the missing information, we create a variety of narratives that fit neatly into our range of experience. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and experiences, so it is impossible to fill in those gaps. That's what I mean by relying on what you don't know. You have to have the emotional intelligence of knowing you cannot possibly know, and the information they may be withholding could very well be benign. You have to make an uninformed decision based on that."

The role of a Border Force Officer is often challenging, with the majority working in frontline roles where a flexible and adaptable approach is required for solving problems and dealing with change. They detail that the position trains you to ask the right questions and helps develop your intuition and "make informed, swift decisions." However, when intuition is all you have to go on, how you prioritise security is just as important as how you uphold the values of the Border Force. Share an example of when you had to trust your intuition while displaying professionalism, integrity, commitment, discipline, respect and moral courage.

Can you give an example of a time you had to make a difficult decision?

"I feel like we're at a turning point in our country, and my career has progressed to the point where I feel prepared for this role, and the timing seems right. Yet, I developed quite the rapport and grounded relationships with my current teams, so deciding to leave and pursue an opportunity else is a difficult yet necessary priority."

You'll want to align your example of a difficult decision you made on the job with the expectations of this role. Showcase that you are equipped to perform the duties expected of you. Consider the more challenging aspects of being a Border Force Officer, and remember that the job won't always be easy. Sometimes difficult decisions must be made, especially when deciding who you decide who to permit entering the country. As they state on their website, "Security will always be our top priority. With both data and intelligence, we have a clear picture of those wanting to enter the country. It's about blending this knowledge with the skill and intuition of our officers to make informed, swift decisions. That's how we're able to stop certain individuals or goods from crossing our borders and minimise the threat they pose."

Do you have any scheduling restrictions or a preferred schedule you would like to work?

"I pride myself on my work ethic and prefer to perform at my best. So, I would prefer a good night's sleep and the ability to recharge, which ideally would include two consecutive days off. The less erratic my schedule, the more ideal. But I am flexible and very interested in earning the position."

Your interviewer wants to know how well you have prepared for this opportunity and how flexible your hours are. Although they advertise that they have flexible work schedules, be mindful that the Border Force is a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As a result, their preferred candidates will be open to working a variety of shifts, which may include starting early, finishing late, covering night shifts, and working weekends and holidays. You may also be expected to work a minimum of a 37-hour week, yet shifts can sometimes be up to 12 hours long. So when answering this question, it is best to be honest and set your expectations.

How do you handle working under pressure or tight deadlines?

"I take that stress, pound coffee, and keep at it. I use that energy and put it to good use. Some allow their stress to get the best of them and choose to interpret that cortisol as a negative - fight or flight. But I use that burst of cortisol, get to work, and work hard and fast as if my life depended on it. This is why I am the right person for the job when you need someone in a pinch. I deliver."

A Border Force Officer is expected to perform in high-pressure environments and situations. Try to come up with an example of when you made well-balanced decisions and maintained your calm and professional focus while working in a high-pressure situation on the job. As they state on their website, they are looking for "only those candidates who display those qualities."

How would you work with a colleague who wasn’t pulling their weight?

"I would pull them aside and have a chat with them. I'd explain that if I noticed, others would as well. I'd open the door and create a dialogue to see if there was anything I could do to help. If I felt like they weren't going to help themself and would hurt the team, I would recruit the help of a higher-up to assist with the situation. But I would start as a teammate and proceed from there."

Your interviewer is looking for candidates who "are able to confidently manage potentially difficult and challenging situations." As detailed on the Home Office's website, "Our staff created our new values - to be compassionate, respectful, courageous and collaborative, and we strive to be guided by these in everything we do. We want to always put people before processes, and create the best possible environment for all our colleagues to work in." Describe the efforts you would take to support and help someone on your team to improve their performance while prioritising the vision and values of the agency.

Can you give an example of a time you worked effectively as part of a team?

"I recently overheard things turning volatile with a coworker and their customer, and I decided to step in. Before I opened the door, I made myself smile and walked in, chuckling. I figured that if I came in as stern, it would make this customer more defensive. But I came in laughing instead, which confused them. I then apologised for interrupting and explained that I just had to share this joke with them. They didn't necessarily find it funny, but it did disarm them, and then I was able to enter the equation as an impartial party and mediate from there. That's the kind of teamwork I feel strongly about - everybody has each other's backs, even when it is uncomfortable."

Your interviewer wants to understand who you are and whether you pose a security risk. How well you collaborate with the others on your team is one aspect of this. "You've got to be calm and professional under trying circumstances and enjoy being part of a team. The team working ethos means you will build a strong bond with colleagues, supporting each other and solving problems together." Share how your team mentality has protected and strengthened your communal goals in the past and the impact your sense of teamwork has on your decision-making.

Border Force Interview Questions

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1. Can you give an example of a time you had to adapt to a changing situation?
2. How do you maintain your professionalism and impartiality in your work?
3. What do you think are the most important qualities for someone working in a law enforcement agency?
4. What operational location are you most interested in working in?
5. How would you handle a situation where you had to work with someone who had a different opinion or approach to a problem than you did?
6. Can you give an example of a time you had to communicate complex information to someone who didn’t have a background in your field?
7. What do you think are the main challenges facing the UK border today?
8. How do you ensure you follow health and safety procedures in your work?
9. What would you do if you had to work with someone who had a strong personality or was difficult to work with?
10. What would you do if a member of the public was being difficult or confrontational?
11. Can you give an example of a time you had to work with limited resources to achieve a goal?
12. What would you do if you suspected someone was trying to smuggle goods across the border?
13. Can you give an example of a time you had to provide excellent customer service?
14. What steps would you take to comply with our ethical standards in your work?
15. How do you maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information?
16. Why do you want to work for Border Force?
17. Would you have any issues with undergoing a vetting interview?
18. How do you like to spend your spare time?
19. Have you ever travelled abroad, and if so what was the last destination you visited?
20. How do you handle situations where you have to work with people from different backgrounds or cultures?
21. Tell me about a time you exhibited moral courage.
22. What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good fit for this job?
23. Can you give an example of a time you had to take initiative to solve a problem?
24. How do you prioritise your workload when dealing with multiple tasks?
25. Can you give an example of a time you lacked data and had to rely solely on your judgement to make a decision?
26. Can you give an example of a time you had to make a difficult decision?
27. Do you have any scheduling restrictions or a preferred schedule you would like to work?
28. How do you handle working under pressure or tight deadlines?
29. How would you work with a colleague who wasn’t pulling their weight?
30. Can you give an example of a time you worked effectively as part of a team?

Border Force Interview Questions

1. Can you give an example of a time you had to adapt to a changing situation?

2. How do you maintain your professionalism and impartiality in your work?

3. What do you think are the most important qualities for someone working in a law enforcement agency?

4. What operational location are you most interested in working in?

5. How would you handle a situation where you had to work with someone who had a different opinion or approach to a problem than you did?

6. Can you give an example of a time you had to communicate complex information to someone who didn’t have a background in your field?

7. What do you think are the main challenges facing the UK border today?

8. How do you ensure you follow health and safety procedures in your work?

9. What would you do if you had to work with someone who had a strong personality or was difficult to work with?

10. What would you do if a member of the public was being difficult or confrontational?

11. Can you give an example of a time you had to work with limited resources to achieve a goal?

12. What would you do if you suspected someone was trying to smuggle goods across the border?

13. Can you give an example of a time you had to provide excellent customer service?

14. What steps would you take to comply with our ethical standards in your work?

15. How do you maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information?

16. Why do you want to work for Border Force?

17. Would you have any issues with undergoing a vetting interview?

18. How do you like to spend your spare time?

19. Have you ever travelled abroad, and if so what was the last destination you visited?

20. How do you handle situations where you have to work with people from different backgrounds or cultures?

21. Tell me about a time you exhibited moral courage.

22. What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good fit for this job?

23. Can you give an example of a time you had to take initiative to solve a problem?

24. How do you prioritise your workload when dealing with multiple tasks?

25. Can you give an example of a time you lacked data and had to rely solely on your judgement to make a decision?

26. Can you give an example of a time you had to make a difficult decision?

27. Do you have any scheduling restrictions or a preferred schedule you would like to work?

28. How do you handle working under pressure or tight deadlines?

29. How would you work with a colleague who wasn’t pulling their weight?

30. Can you give an example of a time you worked effectively as part of a team?