CIVIL Services Interview Questions and Answers

1 :: Some questions are asked in order to determine your ability to argue a particular case, both for and against in some cases. Here are some questions which can arise:

The NHS should be abolished. Tell me why I am right?

A return to capital punishment at the earliest opportunity is in the best interests of everyone concerned with reducing violent crime. Do you agree?

The summary dismissal of bad classroom teachers is in the best interests of parents, schools and pupils. Why is this assertion impractical?

Asylum seekers should, in every case, be deported if unable to prove their case within 60 days of their entry to the UK. Tell me why I am right?

For the sake of pensioners the age limit at which the state pension becomes activated must be increased. Is this correct?

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2 :: Where, in government, do you hope to be in fifteen years time?

A common question at the Selection Board. It is mostly used in order to assess that you have an appropriate level of ambition for the role of a fast stream entrant. That you are ambitious needs to be at least evident to the interviewers!

They will probably expect you to show that you have been successful in many different contexts. This question can also reveal some more of your knowledge of the department you hope to enter.

You should certainly therefore be optimistic in your answer. Assume promotion will take place at regular intervals and anticipate where that would put you. Consider also where you might like to be and show that you have given the question some thought. This is no time to be modest!

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3 :: What would your present employer say about your suitability for the Civil Service?

Bearing in mind that the Board has plenty of references from your previous employers you need to be careful here. Be confident, but also be honest. Just pick on a few issues to start with and see if the discussion goes any deeper. There may be a reason for the Board to be checking something out that a previous employer of yours has said about you. This could be either positive or negative.

Alternatively it could just be a conventional and routine question. It is best to be prepared and perhaps check with your referees before attending the Selection Board.

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4 :: Explain what you will bring to the fast stream should you be successful?

A straightforward question asking you to outline your strengths and qualities. At least that is the way you should look at it. You should ideally consider the key requirements made of fast stream applicants from the information the selection board provided you with and reflect this back to the board.

You should certainly consider mentioning some or all of the following:

Desire/ambition to succeed
Interests in taking a lead role
Willingness to work flexibly and as required
A profound interest in researching and preparing policy documents
An interest in and aptitude for team work
Ability to take decisions
Ability to priorities activities etc,

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5 :: Which piece of bad publicity do you feel the government could have avoided in recent years?

It is no good to simply identify the bad publicity (ie H.E. top-up fees haven't gone down too well). You should also offer your opinion as to why the situation was avoidable. This is an example of a question where a straightforward answer with no further explanation simply is not enough. You may wish to consider:

How partial or widespread the bad publicity was
The precise nature of the incident or activity leading to the publicity
How it was dealt with at the time
How things have changed since
How you would have dealt with it with the benefit of hindsight
What has resulted from the publicity

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