Public Sector Interviews

Public sector and civil service interviews are typically competency based and very structured in nature. To do well in these interviews requires a lot of preparation but the investment pays off. As I’ve served on public sector interview panels I’ve a direct insight as to what it takes to score highly and succeed in this environment.

Competency Interviews

In our session together, I’ll explain the STAR technique and guide you on how to strategically choose examples to support your competencies. I’ll guide you on how your answers will be evaluated and highlight pitfalls to avoid. I’ll also give you tools to allow you construct your answer clearly, and deliver it in a fluid yet structured manner.

I hadn’t realised how competency questions were marked and how important it was to fully address all of the details outlined in each competency. It was a really useful session with Laura – we went over each competency a few times until I was happy that my answers were clear, tight and well punctuated. Mark, Dept Foreign Affairs

Just to let you know I passed the interview and was placed 1st on the panel. Thanks a million for your help. You were a great help. Bríd, Paramedic

Clients I’ve worked with:

I’ve coached clients for interviews with numerous organisations including the HSE, City and County Councils, Civil Service, Prison Service, Garda Síochána and the OPW. I’ve also coached clients for European and International organisations such as the United Nations, UNICEF, European Commission and EPSO.

Tips & Advice for Public Sector Interviews

• What do employers look for in a competency interview?
• How do you manage conflict?
• Behavioural/Competency Questions
• Tell me about a time you demonstrated your strong communication skills.
• Tell me about a time you influenced someone around to your way of thinking.
• Describe a difficult problem you had to solve.
• Are you a team player?
• Tell me about a time you worked under pressure.