MockQuestions

Civil Service Mock Interview

30 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Civil Service interview, here are 30 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

30 Civil Service Interview Questions

15 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   Tell me about a time you had to adapt to change in the workplace.

What You Need to Know

The work of someone in the civil service is often referred to as repetitive and monotonous. It is also considered the perfect working environment for someone who enjoys a predictable and routine professional environment. Civil servants are also expected to be self-managed; therefore, your interviewer wants a sense of how adaptable you are when things alter the status quo, either on a micro or macro scale, and go outside the routine.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

How to Answer

Try to communicate how flexible you are to working in a work environment that sometimes forces you to adapt and act quickly to the occasional contingencies. Offer examples of times this has happened to you, whether it was something unexpected or a change in management where new standards and procedures were implemented. Whatever example you offer, showcase that you can handle any challenges that come your way.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

In my current role, everyone was assigned a particular task. I was responsible for drafting reports based on the forms I was given, and I entered that data into our system. Then, there was a restructuring, and everyone was suddenly required to learn every aspect of the system and was responsible for entering their reports, along with all the other aspects of a job. So suddenly, everyone was doing everything independently. This was a hard adjustment as I enjoyed doing the reporting. Eventually, I surrendered, and although it was a difficult adjustment, I learned a lot.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Answer Example

At my last job, we had a supervisor who everyone got along with and who established a great deal of mutual trust with the team. Everyone was self-reliant, and things operated smoothly. That supervisor got transferred, and another supervisor, who was new to the job, supplanted him. The new supervisor was more inexperienced and insecure than the last. They didn't seem to have much confidence in their abilities, which manifested in a lack of trust in the team. They created all these checks and balances for everyone's work, which we all complied with, but significantly slowed productivity. It was quite an adjustment, but we all made do.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

2.   What would you do if you were in the middle of a task and your manager asked you to do something else?

What You Need to Know

This question probes your flexibility and how effectively you shift your priorities on short notice. How you answer could offer insights into how adept you are at tracking your progress, managing your time, and your ability to prioritize and keeping your eye on the big picture.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Focus Your Answer On

Before your interview, research and read the Civil Service code and its values. As they state, they expect their employees to "co-operate with and be open to the possibilities of change and consider ways to implement and adapt to change in own work role." So offer your interviewer an example of a time you creatively and resourcefully adapted to something out of the ordinary while maintaining a positive attitude. Describe how you prepared for it by integrating what you learned from that experience into your systems.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"I would first inform them about what I was working on to clarify they wanted me to re-prioritize. Then I would ask to make sure I couldn't continue my current task at that moment. If it was necessary to drop what I was doing, I would take some notes about where I left off and do as I was told."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Answer Example

I would mark where I left off and move on to the greater priority. I will do whatever best serves the team. I have a pet peeve about performing unnecessary rework, so I have simple systems to track where I left off when putting a project on hold. This way, I can come right back to where I left off without losing progress.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

3.   Do you have any questions for us?

What You Need to Know

Most roles in the Civil Service require those holding their position to be self-managed in their work. Training is light, and determination and diligence are required. To indicate that you are well equipped, display the research you have already put into the role by showcasing how resourceful and independent you are. When asking interviewers questions, never ask questions you could have easily answered on your own when preparing for your interview.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"What does a routine day on the job look like in this position? Are the shifts likely to change, or can I expect predictability concerning the hours? How long have you worked in the civil service, and what do you love most about it?"

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Answer Example

"I've read a few employee reviews of this position, and it seems that some believe there is little room for growth from within, while others say there is job security and a strong work/life balance. What advice would you give someone entering this position who was interested in moving into management?"

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

4.   What would you do if a man dropped a bag you suspected was money and ran off?

What You Need to Know

This seemingly fun ice-breaker question is designed to get you out of interview mode and loosen up. When questions like this arise, you need to be personable and offer insights into your personality. However, this question holds another purpose: to see how well your values align with what they are looking for in a candidate. When answering this question, you'll want to align your values with the core values of the Civil Service.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Focus Your Answer On

As stated in the statutory guidance of the Civil Service Code, "These core values support good government and ensure the achievement of the highest possible standards in all that the Civil Service does. This in turn helps the Civil Service to gain and retain the respect of ministers, Parliament, the public and its customers: 'integrity' is putting the obligations of public service above your own personal interests; 'honesty' is being truthful and open; 'objectivity' is basing your advice and decisions on rigorous analysis of the evidence; and 'impartiality' is acting solely according to the merits of the case."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"Well, that's something worth evaluating. Considering it could be an illegal affair, I would have to be honest and do the right thing. I consider myself a person with a lot of integrity, so I would likely report the incident and wait for someone more qualified to handle it to arrive."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Experienced Example

"If someone abandoned a bag of cash, there's probably a good reason for it, and I likely wouldn't want to involve myself in the situation. I wouldn't touch it and would alert the proper authorities without delay. I would then document with my video on my cellphone in case anyone else attempted to take it, and would inform them that the authorities were on their way."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

5.   What do you consider your greatest weakness?

What You Need to Know

Some view this as a trick question and are hesitant to share their self-perceived weaknesses out of fear that they are giving the interviewer what they need to know to not hire them, but not all weaknesses raise red flags. For example, telling the interviewer that your weakness is your attendance and that no matter how hard you try, you can never seem to get to work on time is a solid reason to not hire you. However, telling them your greatest growth opportunity is in trying to find a better work/life balance and that you often take work home with you will likely not be viewed negatively.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Focus Your Answer On

Showcase your weakness as a strength; take ownership of it. The interviewers are looking for a candidate who constantly takes charge of their professional development. As the Civil Service puts it, they expect their employees to "role model continuous learning and self-development, evaluating own effectiveness and growth and planning next learning steps accordingly."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"I would say my greatest weakness is that I sometimes am too self-reliant. In my last review, my supervisor told me I don't always have to go it alone and that it would help me to come to others for help from time to time. So I am working on that."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Answer Example

"My greatest weakness is being too hard on myself when I make a mistake. I hold myself to a higher standard, and when I slip up, which is rare, it takes me a while to recover. As a result, I never make the same mistake twice. I have gotten better about this, but it is part of my makeup, so I know these things sometimes take time."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

6.   What three words would you use to describe yourself?

What You Need to Know

Not only are they curious about the three words you would use to describe yourself as a professional and what those three words say about you, but they are also curious how well your self-description aligns with their culture and values. Do your homework before your interview and familiarize yourself with the language used by the civil service on their websites. Examine their values and what they look for in a candidate, and align the words you choose with that.

Additionally, explore the ten competencies of the civil service: "Seeing the big picture. Changing and improving. Making effective decisions. Leading and communication. Collaborating and partnering. Building capability for all. Achieving commercial outcomes. Managing a quality service. Delivering at pace."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"I would describe myself as responsible, accountable, and communicative."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Experienced Example

"I would describe myself as determined, successful, and reliable."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

7.   Why should we hire you? What makes you a good candidate?

What You Need to Know

Your interviewer is asking if you have done your research and are aware of the qualities they are looking for in a candidate. Don't lead with assumptions. Do your research and take note of the specifics of what they are looking for in a candidate and how you meet those expectations. For example, they are looking for people who are motivated to serve the public and desire to improve the lives of others.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Pro Tip

When deciding on a candidate, the Civil Service advises their interviewers to "consider each criterion carefully and decide whether it is actually essential rather than desirable. We may ask for evidence or a rationale as to why desirable criteria has been included. The use of desirable criteria in assessment should be clearly set out in the advertised material. Departments should note assessments must only be made against criteria that has been published. We recommend that desirable criteria are only used in the event of a strong field of candidates, and as a second stage after essential criteria have been considered. Desirable criteria can be used when there is a need to distinguish between candidates who are closely tied or the same after the initial consideration of essential criteria, either at sift or interview. We would ask you to consider carefully whether you should add a qualification as a desirable criterion. Our recommendation is that a qualification is either needed or it is not, and if it is needed it should be in your essential criteria or in the eligibility requirements for the role."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"My father always called me a do-gooder. I like helping people, and when I am doing so, I am at my happiest. I look at life as a civil servant as doing what I am good at and what comes naturally to me."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Answer Example

"I feel like my personal makeup is ideal for a career as a civil servant. I enjoy monotonous work, thrive in a regimented and rule-bound environment, am hard-working and productive, and am self-managed in my work. I can adapt when needed, can work in either a solitary or team-oriented environment, and love helping people."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

8.   Why choose to work for the Civil Service?

What You Need to Know

Your interviewer wants to know if you thoroughly researched the position and are certain this opportunity is the right fit. Working in the Civil Service isn't for everyone. The work is hard and often repetitive, but the benefits, job security, and flexibility are celebrated by their employees. The work-life balance is purportedly positive, and the opportunity to train in different areas is high, depending on the position. Some positions have far less room for growth, and there are frequent lulls in other positions. "A career in the Civil Service offers you the opportunity to make a difference to people's lives in the UK learning on the job and good career development opportunities, flexible working hours and comprehensive benefits."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"I feel like my personality is a good fit for that environment. I am very self-managed in my work, am resourceful and can adapt well. I am a team player and enjoy fostering strong professional relationships at work. I enjoy helping people, am responsible, and maintain boundaries. I have a lot of integrity and would have no trouble adhering to the code of conduct as detailed by the civil service."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Answer Example

"I am looking for a job where the work is as reliable and predictable as I am. I enjoy the routine and do my best to promote a positive work/life balance. My values align with those embraced by the civil service, and it seems we would be a good fit for a long-term employment relationship."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

9.   What are your long-term career plans?

What You Need to Know

Many complain that a position in the civil service has little growth opportunity, and you could be grounded doing the same work you are performing long term. Though this is true for many positions available to the public, it is not necessarily true for all positions. So examine your career plan and how well working in the Civil Service would align with these goals and further your career to effectively answer this question.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Pro Tip

Some positions have opportunities for growth from within through their 'The Civil Service Accelerated Development Schemes'. These "aim to develop high-potential individuals to build a robust and diverse pipeline to the most senior and critical Civil Service roles." They also offer a 'Future Leaders Scheme.' Thoroughly research all of the opportunities available to familiarize whether the position you are contending for will open the right doors to where you would like to take your career.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"In the next two years, I would like to qualify for one of the accelerated development schemes, preferably the Future Leaders Scheme, where, in five years, I will hopefully have attained a leadership position."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Answer Example

"In the next five years, I hope to be still working as a civil servant. I am looking for long-term employment with job security. I don't mind hard work, but I am looking for reliable work that offers flexibility and fosters a healthy work-life balance. I have a great deal of integrity and a strong ethical nature, and I enjoy helping people. The kind of rewarding and meaningful work I would look forward to as a civil servant is in line with what I am looking for. I feel as if I am the perfect person for this position and that this is the perfect job for me."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

10.   Tell me about a time you communicated complicated information that was clear, well structured, and tailored to your audience.

What You Need to Know

Your interviewer is looking for the candidate with the strongest communication skills. How you answer will inform them of how skilled you are at communicating professionally, how strong your interpersonal skills are, and how effectively you relay complex information in the simplest terms, saying the most in the least words possible. As stated online, The Civil Service is looking for individuals who "lead by example, communicate in a truthful, straightforward manner with integrity, impartiality, while promoting a working environment that supports the Civil Service values and code."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"Well, I try to communicate whatever I am conveying as simply as possible, using relatable terms, and gauge responses for verbal and non-verbal cues to make sure they are following me. If I feel they are confused, I will simplify even more and see if they repeat what I am saying at any point. If a person is interested, they will typically repeat what you are relaying to them in their own words. Once they do this, you have a two-way conversation. Then you can further clarify and ask them if they need any clarification."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Answer Example

"I did a presentation to a group not long ago, which had visuals and was constructed in clear terms with eye-catching fonts and imagery. I got the audience involved through group participation and left no one out. Questions arose, and I addressed each one accordingly as they came up, even though, in most instances, the presentation answered each question in a consequential slide. By the end, everyone learned a lot and was on the same page."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

11.   Tell me about a time your communication skills were resoundingly effective.

What You Need to Know

A strong communicator will adapt their communication style to less skilled communicators. They will be objective, make decisions based on the situation rather than being dictated by their emotions, actively listen, observe, empathize with others, and be excellent mediators. The strongest leaders exhibit leadership potential.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Focus Your Answer On

Here is how the Civil Service details its expectations on leading and communicating: "At all levels, effectiveness in this area is about showing our pride and passion for public service, communicating purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. It's about championing difference and external experience, and supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all. For leaders, it is about being visible, establishing a strong direction and persuasive future vision; managing and engaging with people in a straightforward, truthful, and candid way."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"In my current position, we ended up short-staffed one day, and several other circumstances occurred that made the work seem rather overwhelming. One of our employees had an emotional breakdown that impacted the team's morale. I told this person to sit down with me to work things out. I then acted as a soundboard for their frustrations and concerns. I kept asking them questions and clarifying their perspectives. They expressed that what we were facing couldn't be done. I asked them why they thought that. I kept asking questions and mirrored what they were communicating to understand and validate their concerns and fears. I explained our need to get moving and why taking action was necessary. I suggested that at the end of the day, with the right attitude, we could choose to feel good about what we were accomplishing rather than feel stressed. Even if we didn't accomplish every goal, we'd still be 100% successful in our efforts and could go home at the end of the day feeling good about that. I was able to turn their attitude around and dispel their stress and fears, and we got to work."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Experienced Example

"I often find it challenging to have to seek clarification on the nature of the work involved. Being told to do something is simply not good enough without understanding the purpose of the work and why it is necessary. Recently, I was in charge of a team project and was responsible for getting everyone on the same page. I explained to everyone in the group what we were doing, why we were doing it, and the big-picture view of the project's impact on the organisation. Then, I broke down each part of the project into groups or individuals on the team so that each person understood the impact of what they were doing and took ownership of it. This way, everyone on the team is a stakeholder in the project's success. I feel I communicated rather well, addressing each individual's concerns, and we all led this project to its successful conclusion."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

12.   What does integrity mean to you?

What You Need to Know

Integrity can mean many things to many people. For most, it is one's moral code; for others, it's equated to how honest you are. While trying to answer this question, examine the civil service's competency framework, which "sets out how we want people in the Civil Service to work. It puts the Civil Service values of honesty, integrity, impartiality and objectivity at the heart of everything we do."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Focus Your Answer On

Your interviewer is looking for candidates who possess the values of the civil service. They are looking for empowering, inspiring, and confident individuals who set direction and can see the big picture. Those who are always changing and improving while making effective decisions. Those who engage people while delivering results, and are inspired by their work and its future. Those who are confident in their engagement while empowering their teams to deliver.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"Integrity is more than just doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do. It's more than having an ethical or moral code. It should be part of your makeup. I believe I have a lot of integrity, so much so that when someone asks me a question that I don't know the answer to, I won't ever guess or speak with conviction. I am not afraid to say the words, 'I don't know.' But in a professional setting, I will always follow up with 'I will find out.' All I can do is live my life in a way that makes me proud and regret-free. So I consider myself to have a lot of integrity."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Experienced Example

"To me, integrity is an issue of character. It is how you conduct yourself on a day-to-day basis. It is not only how ethical you are but also how impartial and objective you are. It comes down to emotional maturity. It is not only how honest you are to others but how honest you are with yourself. It is taking responsibility for your actions and inactions."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

13.   What does 'the big picture' mean to you?

What You Need to Know

Your interviewer is curious how closely your view of the big picture aligns with theirs. How you answer this question will help them determine how well-suited you are for the role, their culture, and their work environment. Examine what the big picture means to you and compose a brief statement to coherently convey your thoughts on this matter in a manner according to your nature yet aligned with their expectations.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Focus Your Answer On

As detailed in their code of conduct, "Seeing the Big Picture - Seeing the big picture is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs and the national interest. For all staff, it is about focusing your contribution on the activities which will meet Civil Service goals and deliver the greatest value. For leaders, it is about scanning the political context and taking account of wider impacts to develop long-term implementation strategies that maximise opportunities to add value to the citizen and support economic, sustainable growth."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Pro Tip

One of the things you often see in the job reviews for the Civil Service is that training is minimal and an expectation for civil servants to be self-managed and self-guided in their work. Help is there when they need it, but they must be assertive when seeking help. So, while performing your research for the interview, imagine you are already training for the job. That way, when you answer your questions, you will already come across as an authority and well-aligned for the position.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"The big picture is like having the image of the completed puzzle. All the puzzle pieces are in the box, and the big picture is on the box lid. Everyone gets one piece of the puzzle and takes ownership of that, but their view is limited. So you have to understand exactly where your piece fits into the puzzle and that the picture is incomplete without your piece perfectly placed where it is supposed to go. Without your piece, not only do you fail on your part, but everyone else fails as well."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Answer Example

"The big picture means understanding the work you are performing, how it impacts the organisation, their objectives, and how it meets the needs of all stakeholders. Every contribution towards those big picture goals is of equal value, and the success of the individual's contribution holds as much value as the organisation as a whole."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

14.   Describe a time you overcame a disagreement.

What You Need to Know

There are many ways one could interpret a disagreement. It could be a conflict or simply two members of the same team working out the best approach to move forward while working on a project. The latter is more aligned with the Civil Service's Code of Conduct, which states, "Create a culture of working with and through delivery partners to achieve outcomes, establish and negotiate service levels and deliverables."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"They paired me with someone on a project, and we had different ideas of where we should start. Once I realised we were at an impasse, I looked at it from a time management perspective and suggested we begin independently, then proof each other's work and proceed collaboratively. My partner agreed, and we moved forward with this course of action. This proved an excellent approach, more beneficial than either of us realised, and gave us a tremendous head start with the project."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Experienced Example

"I worked with another employee who would often overthink our approach to any problem. They would want to formulate a very detail-orientated plan and go over it again and again until they felt every detail was perfect. However, this would often impede our progress, make our deadlines more unattainable, and result in poor time management. I eventually realised this was merely a symptom of their task paralysis, and they felt overwhelmed by the work ahead. I found a way of reducing their stock, as it were, and gave them smaller, more easily attainable tasks that they could manage. In the end, I gave them work that they felt less intimated and overwhelmed by, and they would be able to deliver on those smaller, more crucial tasks with greater success. It worked, and they felt a greater sense of accomplishment and security."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

15.   Tell me about a time you resolved a conflict.

What You Need to Know

Your interviewer is curious about how emotionally mature you are. They also want to know about your communication skills, especially your non-defensive and mediation skills. As they detail online, The Civil Service is looking for Civil Servants who "deal with conflict in a prompt, calm and constructive manner, Encourage collaborative team working within their team and across the Department."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"I stepped into a disagreement two employees were having in our staff lunch room. One coworker had brought in a nice store-bought sandwich, and another came upon it, thought it looked good and ate it. Well, the owner of the sandwich came in while they ate the last few bites, and the situation quickly devolved into a conflict. I came in shortly after and stopped them from exchanging blows. I explained to them that this could be resolved with an exchange. The owner of the sandwich said they would accept nothing less than a replacement sandwich with cola for the trouble. The violator of the sandwich laughed, but I explained that this could become a bigger issue if not properly addressed with an apology and making amends. They understood and said they would take a longer lunch break and go to a nearby sandwich shop, which he promised was far superior. He said that if they agreed this sandwich was better, they would be even and could move on. Reaching an agreement, he returned ten minutes later with a supposedly superior sandwich, and they ended up laughing about it."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023

Experienced Example

"Not long ago, I dealt with an angry customer who was a bit riled up. They were using offensive language and being quite aggressive with another employee. I could see this employee getting flushed and a bit glassy-eyed, so I stepped in and took over, asking what the problem was. They started by saying we were the worst, and we were all incompetent, and they were sick of dealing with us over the phone, so they were here to deal with us in person. I maintained my calm and validated their anger. I then stepped aside with them. Now that they had an attentive audience willing to listen and empathise with them, they calmed down. As I validated their frustrations further, mirroring them and making them feel heard, they incrementally calmed more. By the end of the conversation, I calmed them down quite a bit and told them that it was after hours for our corporate office but that I would the following day reach out to the appropriate channels and see what I could do about their problem and would call them by noon the following day to give them an update. They were grateful, and I called them the next day and handed them off to a specialist who was able to take care of their needs. A few days later, they came in and apologised to the original employee and thanked me for my assistance."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 16th, 2023