Welcome! If you're preparing for an interview at the Higher Executive Officer (HEO) level, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll dive into one of the key Civil Service Behaviours: Working Together.
We’ll explore what it means at the HEO level, how to ace the interview questions using the B-STAR method, and offer tips to ensure you nail your responses. So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s get started!
What is Working Together and Why Is It Important?
Working Together focuses on collaboration, teamwork, and building relationships. At the Higher Executive Officer level, this behavior becomes more advanced. HEOs are often managing teams, guiding projects, and working across departments. Unlike more junior roles, you’re expected to influence, motivate, and ensure others collaborate efficiently.
It differs from lower levels in that HEOs must not only work well in teams but also lead and inspire teams, ensure alignment of goals, and manage conflicts effectively. At this level, it’s not just about being a team player — it’s about fostering an environment where everyone contributes their best.
How to Answer Using the B-STAR Method
When answering questions related to Working Together, using the B-STAR method is a great approach. Let’s break it down:
B - Belief: Start by sharing your belief or approach to working together. What principles guide how you collaborate with others?
S - Situation: Set the scene by explaining the context of the situation where you had to work with others.
T - Task: Describe your responsibility or role in that situation.
A - Action: This is the heart of your answer. Talk about the steps you took to bring people together, resolve conflicts, or drive collaboration.
R - Result: End with the outcome. How did your actions positively impact the team or project?
Common Interview Questions for Working Together
Here are some of the most common Working Together interview questions you may encounter for the Higher Executive Officer role:
🔹 Tell us about a time you worked with others to achieve a goal.
🔹 How do you handle conflicts within a team?
🔹 Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with different departments or stakeholders.
🔹 Can you give an example of how you motivate your team to work together?
🔹 Click this link to see more example questions...
What Interviewers Are Looking For
When it comes to Working Together questions, interviewers want to see several key qualities in your responses. Let’s break it down:
Tell us about a time you worked with others to achieve a goal
The interviewer will be looking for your ability to build positive relationships and foster teamwork. They want to see how you contribute to team success, whether you offer support or take the lead. Highlight how you value each team member’s input and work toward a common goal.
How do you handle conflicts within a team?
Conflict resolution is crucial at the HEO level. The interviewer will expect to see that you can manage differences constructively. It’s important to demonstrate your ability to navigate disagreements and bring people together toward a resolution, rather than letting conflict linger.
Describe a situation where you collaborated with different departments or stakeholders
At the HEO level, cross-departmental collaboration is essential. Your interviewer will be looking for evidence of your ability to work across teams and manage relationships with a variety of stakeholders, ensuring that everyone’s needs are met while pushing forward common objectives.
Can you give an example of how you motivate your team to work together?
The focus here is on leadership. The interviewer wants to know if you can inspire and motivate your team. Discuss how you create a positive, collaborative environment and encourage team members to give their best, ensuring everyone feels valued.
Scenario Ideas for Working Together Questions
Need help thinking of scenarios for your answers? Here are some real-life examples to spark ideas:
💡 Leading a cross-functional team to launch a new initiative across multiple departments.
💡 Resolving a team conflict by bringing together differing opinions and creating a unified approach.
💡 Collaborating with external stakeholders or partners to achieve a shared objective.
💡 Motivating a team to meet tight deadlines during a high-pressure project.
These situations show how you can contribute to, and lead, effective teamwork.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When answering Working Together questions, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
🚫 Talking too much about yourself – Focus on the team and collaboration, not just your individual achievements.
🚫 Ignoring the conflict resolution aspect – Working Together isn’t just about harmony; it’s also about handling disagreements productively.
🚫 Not explaining the result – Always share the outcome of your efforts. How did your actions impact the team or the project?
Key Takeaways for the Higher Executive Officer Level
👥 Collaboration is key: At the HEO level, your ability to build relationships and work across teams is critical.
⚖️ Conflict resolution is crucial: You need to show that you can handle disagreements and bring people together.
🌟 Leadership matters: The ability to inspire, motivate, and lead teams is what sets HEOs apart.
Mastering Working Together at the HEO level will show your ability to bring people together, lead effectively, and drive results. Focus on collaboration, resolve conflicts constructively, and always highlight positive outcomes. Good luck!
Learn more about HEO/SEO Civil Service interviews with our guide...
