Strength Definitions, Questions & Answers - Civil Service Interview Guidance

AA/AO Strength Questions & Answers FULL BOOKLET

EO Strength Questions & Answers FULL BOOKLET

HEO/SEO Strength Questions & Answers FULL BOOKLET

Grade 6 & 7 Strength Questions & Answers FULL BOOKLET

Below are all 30+ strengths as they are defined by the Civil Service Success Profiles. 

Adaptable
You can adapt to variations in work or environment. Your effectiveness is not affected by change. You are flexible and versatile. You act as an advocate for change.
Question: How do you usually respond when plans change at short notice?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Analytical
You seek and analyse information to inform your decisions, based on the best available evidence.
Question: How naturally do you use information or data when making decisions?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Authentic
You are self aware and true to yourself in all situations, even when under pressure.
Question: How important is it for you to stay true to your values at work?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Catalyst
You are self motivated to act towards achieving a goal. You are confident using your own initiative to take forward actions.
Question: How often do you take action without waiting to be asked?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Challenger
You bring a fresh perspective whatever the situation or context. You see other people’s views and appreciate that there are many different angles to consider.
Question: How comfortable are you questioning existing ways of doing things?

Change agent
You are positive and inspirational in leading and supporting others through change.
Question: How do you feel about helping others adapt when change happens?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Confident
You take charge of situations, people and decisions. You communicate with confidence and give direction.
Question: How naturally do you step forward to lead or make decisions?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Courageous
You are an innovator who tries new approaches. You push yourself to work outside your comfort zone.
Question: How willing are you to try new methods or approaches at work?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Decisive
You use your judgement. You take a considered approach to situations and tasks when making decisions.
Question: How do you feel about making decisions when time is limited?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Disciplined
You follow processes, operating well within set standards, rules and guidelines.
Question: How important is it for you to stick to agreed processes and standards?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Efficient
You convert resources into results in the most efficient and cost effective way.
Question: How do you naturally look for ways to save time or effort while still delivering results?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Emotionally intelligent
You draw insight from your own emotions and those of others to show empathy.
Question: How aware are you of how others are feeling when working in a team?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Enabler
You see the potential in everybody and encourage them to learn, progress and develop.
Question: How often do you support others to build their skills or confidence?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Explainer
You communicate thoughts and ideas, verbally or in writing. You simplify complexities and adapt communication so others can understand.
Question: How do you usually make complex information easy for others to understand?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Focused
You strive for quality outcomes and excellence in everything you do.
Question: How do you stay focused on delivering high standards in your work?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Inclusive
You recognise everyone as an individual. You accept people for who they are and treat everyone fairly. You actively encourage and provide opportunities for others to share ideas and contributions.
Question: How do you ensure everyone feels included and able to contribute?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Influencer
You influence others. You articulate the rationale to gain their agreement.
Question: How comfortable are you persuading others to support your ideas?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Improver
You look for better ways of doing things and enjoy coming up with new and original ideas.
Question: How often do you look for ways to improve how work is done?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Learner
You are inquisitive, seek out new information and look for new ways to develop yourself.
Question: How do you keep developing your knowledge and skills?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Mediator
You provide stability and cohesion within teams, finding common ground and purpose. You enjoy working with others towards a shared goal.
Question: How do you usually handle disagreements within a team?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Mission
You pursue things which give you a sense of meaning and purpose, working towards a longer term goal.
Question: What motivates you to stay committed to long term goals?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Motivator
You are highly driven and inspire others to move things along and make things happen.
Question: How do you naturally energise others to take action?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Negotiator
You support constructive discussion and enjoy getting all parties to reach an agreement.
Question: How comfortable are you finding solutions that work for everyone?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Networker
You create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships. These can be with a wide range of people within and outside your organisation. You identify connections and reach out to bring people together.
Question: How do you build and maintain strong working relationships?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Organiser
You make plans and are well prepared. You seek to maximise time and productivity.
Question: How do you typically plan and organise your workload?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Precise
You concentrate on detail and make sure everything is accurate and error free.
Question: How naturally do you pay attention to detail in your work?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Preventer
You think ahead to anticipate, identify and address risks or problems before they happen.
Question: How do you spot potential risks before they cause issues?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Problem solver
You take a positive approach to tackling problems. You find ways to identify suitable solutions.
Question: How do you usually respond when you face a problem at work?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Relationship builder
You quickly establish mutual respect and trust, building long lasting relationships with others.
Question: How do you build trust with new colleagues or stakeholders?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Resilient
You have inner composure, recover quickly from setbacks and learn from them.
Question: How do you react when things do not go to plan?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Responsible
You take ownership for your decisions. You hold yourself accountable for what you have promised.
Question: How naturally do you take responsibility for outcomes?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Service focused
You look for ways to serve customers, putting their needs at the heart of everything you do.
Question: How do you make sure customer needs guide your work?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Strategic
You look at the big picture. You consider the wider factors and long term implications of decisions.
Question: How do you keep the wider goals in mind when making decisions?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Team leader
You are confident to lead a team. You effectively manage team dynamics toward a shared goal. You consider everyone’s individual needs and create a genuine team spirit.
Question: How comfortable are you leading a group towards a shared objective?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Team player
You work well as part of a team and strive to ensure the team pulls together and is effective.
Question: How do you contribute positively within a team environment?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

Visionary
You create and share a clear vision of the future.
Question: How do you help others understand and work towards a shared future direction?
How to answer: AA, EO, HEO/SEO, Grade 6/7

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