"Changing & improving" for a candidate applying for jobs in the UK Civil Service means being open to new ideas and ways of working, and actively seeking to make things better.
This involves:
👀 Being open to change and adapting to new situations or challenges.
🔍 Always looking for ways to improve how things are done, both in your own work and in the wider organization.
📚 Being willing to learn from both successes and failures, and using that knowledge to make improvements.
🤝 Encouraging others to embrace change and improvements, and supporting them through the process.
🔄 Being proactive in seeking feedback and using it to make positive changes.
In job applications for the UK Civil Service, "changing & improving" can be assessed in two main ways:
Interview: During the interview, you may be asked to provide examples of when you have demonstrated a willingness to change and improve. This could include talking about a time when you adapted to a new situation, learned from a mistake, or took steps to improve a process or outcome.
250-word statement: As part of the application, you may be required to submit a 250-word statement. In this statement, you should highlight specific examples of how you have demonstrated the behaviour of changing and improving. Focus on clear and concise examples that show how you have actively sought to make things better, and how you have encouraged others to do the same. Make sure to explain the impact of your actions and how they contributed to positive outcomes.
Changing & Improving Interview Questions
🤔 Why: This question is asked to understand how you handle new situations and if you are open to change
💡 Tips: Talk about a specific situation where you faced a significant change. Explain what the change was, how you adapted, and what the outcome was. Focus on the positive aspects and what you learned from the experience.
See example answers...
Question: Describe a situation where you identified a need for improvement and took steps to make that improvement.
💡 Tips: Choose a specific example where you saw an opportunity for improvement and took action. Explain what you did, why you did it, and what the result was. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
See example answers...
Question: How do you seek and use feedback to improve your work?
🤔 Why: This question is asked to see if you are proactive in seeking feedback and if you use it to make positive changes.
💡 Tips: Talk about a time when you actively sought feedback from colleagues, managers, or others. Explain how you used that feedback to make improvements in your work. Focus on the positive outcomes that resulted from the changes you made.
See example answers...
250 Word Statement Example for 'Changing & Improving'
Check out 5 complete statements that all scored extremely highly in civil service applications
In my role as a Finance Policy Analyst, I consistently strive to embody the principle of "changing and improving." A key example of this was when I identified a significant gap in our department's approach to analyzing the economic impact of policy changes. The existing process was time-consuming and often resulted in incomplete analysis.
Recognizing the need for improvement, I took the initiative to develop a new framework that streamlined the analysis process and ensured a more comprehensive examination of the economic implications of policy changes. I collaborated with colleagues from various departments, incorporating their feedback to create a more robust and efficient system. This new framework was subsequently adopted by the department, resulting in a 50% reduction in the time required to complete policy analyses.
Furthermore, I actively seek feedback from both peers and superiors to continuously improve my work. After completing a policy analysis, I always ask for feedback and use it to make necessary adjustments. This approach not only enhances the quality of my work but also fosters a positive and collaborative team environment.
By embracing change and continuously seeking ways to improve, I have been able to contribute significantly to the efficiency and effectiveness of our department's policy analysis process. My commitment to learning from both successes and failures, and my proactive approach to seeking and utilizing feedback, have been instrumental in driving positive outcomes in my role.
