Strength Interview Coaching

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Strength based interviews form part of the UK Civil Service Success Profiles framework and are used across most grades in England. From entry level AO and EO roles, through HEO to G7 professional posts, and into senior leadership and SCS appointments, Strength questions are now a routine part of assessment.Unlike Behaviour questions, Strength questions assess what energises you, how you naturally approach work, and whether you are a genuine fit for the role.

Many candidates underestimate Strength interviews because the questions feel simple. In reality, they are fast-paced, probing and carefully scored. Your enthusiasm, tone of voice and authenticity are assessed as closely as the content of your answer.

On this page, I explain how Strength based interviews work in the Civil Service, how they differ across grades, and how to prepare effectively.

What is a Strength based interview?

A strength is something that energises you. It feels natural and authentic. When you use a strength, you tend to perform well because you enjoy the activity itself.

Strength based interview questions are designed to uncover:

  • What motivates you
  • What comes naturally to you
  • How you behave under pressure
  • Whether your strengths align with the role

Under the UK Civil Service Success Profiles framework, Strengths sit alongside Behaviours and Experience. They are not personality tests and they are not trick questions. They are structured, assessed and mapped to the role profile.

Unlike Behavioural questions, Strength questions are usually shorter and more conversational. The panel may ask multiple follow-up questions quickly. They are looking for fluency, authenticity and energy as well as substance.

How Strength questions differ from competency questions

Candidates often struggle because they prepare for Strengths in the same way they prepare for Behaviours.

Behaviour questions usually require a structured STAR example.
Strength questions require reflection, self-awareness and natural explanation.

For example:

Behaviour question:

  • Tell me about a time you managed a difficult stakeholder?

Strength question:

  • What does a good day at work look like for you?
  • When are you at your best?
  • How do you respond when priorities change?

You may still draw on experience, but you do not deliver one long rehearsed story. Instead, you demonstrate natural alignment and enthusiasm supported by brief examples.

How Strength questions are used at different Civil Service grades

Strengths are used differently depending on grade and department.

EO and video interviews
At EO level, particularly in pre-recorded video interviews, strength questions may form the entire interview. Candidates often face multiple short strength questions with limited thinking time. Delivery and natural energy are critical.

HEO to G6
At these grades, panels often assess behaviours first. They may then say, “We are now going to ask you Strength-based questions.” These are typically asked at the end of the interview and scored separately.
Some panels will open the interview with an unscored strength-style question such as “What does a good day look like for you?” to gauge natural energy and communication style.

SCS, Deputy Director and above
At senior levels, Strength questions are often woven into the main interview discussion without signposting. Panels assess alignment, leadership energy and authenticity through integrated questions rather than clearly labelled strength questions.

Understanding this variation is important when preparing.

Common Strength based interview questions

Examples include:

  • What does a good day look like for you?
  • When are you at your best?
  • How do others describe you?
  • What motivates you?
  • How do you react when plans change?
  • What does a high-performing team look like to you?

Strong answers show:

  • Self-awareness
  • Alignment with the role
  • Genuine enthusiasm
  • Consistency between what you say and how you say it

Why candidates struggle with Strength interviews

Many capable candidates underperform in Strength interviews for three main reasons.

  1. They over-structure their answers and sound rehearsed.
  2. Yhey focus only on content and forget that tone, pace and expression are being assessed.
  3. Nerves suppress natural energy. Strength interviews reward authenticity. If anxiety flattens your delivery, you may score lower than your experience deserves.

Learning how to regulate nerves and communicate naturally is part of effective preparation.

How to prepare for Civil Service Strength questions

Preparation should focus on three areas:

  1. Analysing the job description and Success Profiles criteria
  2. Identifying your genuine strengths that align with the role
  3. Practising concise, natural answers with rapid follow-up probing

You should understand the difference between authentic strengths and learned skills. Panels are skilled at spotting rehearsed or exaggerated responses.

For a deeper explanation of the Success Profiles framework and how strengths are assessed, you may find my guide to Civil Service Success Profile strength questions helpful.

You can also explore broader Civil Service interview preparation guidance here:

Strength based interview coaching

If you are preparing for a Civil Service interview that includes Strength questions, preparation should be tailored to both the framework and your grade.

One-to-one interview coaching

I focus specifically on:

  •  Identifying the Strengths the role is likely to assess under Success Profiles
  • Clarifying your genuine strengths and motivations, and how they align with the post
  • Practising fast-paced questioning with realistic probing follow-ups
  • Refining delivery so that your tone, pace and energy support your answers
  • Integrating Strengths smoothly alongside Behaviour and motivation questions

If you would like one-to-one interview coaching you can find full details here: Civil Service interview coaching

Live HEO–G7 preparation webinar

If you are preparing for a Civil Service interview at HEO–G7 level and would prefer a lower-cost group option, I also deliver a regular live Civil Service Interview Preparation Webinar.

This session explains how Success Profiles are assessed, how Strength questions are scored, and how to calibrate your answers to the right level. This is similar to a course I’ve delivered internally to the Civil Service departments.

AO–EO online preparation course

If you are applying at AO or EO level and need structured guidance at an accessible price point, I offer a pre-recorded Civil Service interview preparation course designed specifically for entry-level Success Profile interviews.

This is a good fit if:

  • You need immediate access to training
    You are facing a Behaviour and Strengths interview
    One-to-one coaching is not the right investment for you

Request a consultation

If you are preparing for a Civil Service interview that includes Strength questions and would like one-to-one coaching, you are welcome to request a consultation.Please include the role, grade, job specification and any draft CV or Personal Statement. I will review your information personally and come back to you to arrange a call so we can talk through the best coaching options for you.

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Anthony on August 09, 2025 at 13:05 pm

Elizabeth is truly exceptional. I reached out to her after being told by an interviewer that “interviewing was obviously not my thing”—hardly encouraging feedback, especially at my stage in life. Her training helped me understand my communication style, demystified the interview process, and equipped me with practical tools I could apply immediately. She made herself available at very short notice, even over a weekend, and helped me secure a role that was a significant step up. Worth every penny. I only wish I’d done this sooner—I mourn the opportunities lost by not having had her guidance earlier. Thank you, Elizabeth!

Samuel on July 13, 2025 at 21:26 pm

I had just turned fifty years old and was at a very difficult stage in finding a new career. I had not applied for a job, sat an aptitude test or had an interview in almost twenty years. Elizabeth was highly professional and guided me through the obstacles I was likely to face which encouraged me to prepare just that bit harder for each stage of the selection process. Having come 9th out of approximately 1,500 candidates in the aptitude tests, the final hurdle was the interview. I had two sessions with Elizabeth. The first was where she acted as my interviewer and then constructively examined my responses at the end . The second was similar, though now my responses were tailored to her advice from the first session and further refined. The actual interview for the job went so well, I began to suspect it had gone too well as towards the end, the interviewers almost stepped out of character and began making small talk about how I would find the day-to-day pros and cons of working for the organisation, however Elizabeth had cautioned me to remain professional, polite and keep to my brief. In total, fifteen people were successful out of the 1,500 and thanks to Elizabeth, I was one of them. I highly recommend her services and professionalism which are beyond reproach. Above all, if you make the effort and follow her advice, you will be confident before and during the interview which combined with answering the questions competently, will give you a high chance of success. Thank you again, Elizabeth.

Chloe on February 18, 2025 at 11:36 am

Hi Elizabeth, I just wanted to let you know that my interview took place yesterday and today I was offered the role! According to my new G6, the panel agreed that I ‘knocked it out the park’ in the interview, and I beat nine other interviewees to the position. A huge thank you for your coaching, advice and encouragement. Without it, I can categorically say I wouldn’t have been offered the role. I’ll be back in a few years’ time, when I’m looking for my next role!

Fabiula Rifiski on October 16, 2024 at 09:16 am

Elizabeth is truly amazing. She has not only helped me stand tall but also completely transformed how I approach interviews and view my skill set. As an interview coach, she goes beyond the basics of preparing for a role. She helps you tailor your skills to fit the specific roles you’re applying for, but more importantly, she opens your eyes to what you’re truly capable of. Sometimes we underestimate our natural abilities because they come easily to us, but Elizabeth shows you how to express these in a way that highlights their full value. She helps you see beyond tasks and focus on the big picture - especially on soft skills, which are crucial in today’s job market. When I first worked with Elizabeth, I received offers from three major companies immediately after our sessions, and I was able to choose the role that was the perfect fit for me. When I later went through a career change, she helped me again, and I successfully landed the job I was aiming for. I highly recommend Elizabeth. Her insights and guidance are invaluable!

Emily Stroud on September 24, 2024 at 11:06 am

Coaching with Claire Hodgson was the best decision I made to kick start my career. Warm and approachable and also punchy, she challenged me to improve much more than I believed I was capable of, and then built up my confidence to perform optimally at interview. I know I would not have got my dream job in the Civil Service without her help. She’s a great coach, so do not waste another second thinking about hiring her. Do it. If you want the job, she is the key to get you through the door.

Jon on September 04, 2024 at 11:40 am

I highly recommend Elizabeth and the interview skills clinic. Elizabeth helped me prepare for an interview for a Civil Service Grade 6 role and the three sessions gave me the confidence and skills needed to get the job. As someone who has struggled with interviews in the past I now have the skills to confidently tackle senior Civil Service interviews for the years to come. Elizabeth has a complete understanding the civil service behaviours and interview format so it felt like getting insider knowledge which proved to be essential. Thanks again to Elizabeth and the team.

Ivana on March 25, 2024 at 08:43 am

Elizabeth is an outstanding interview coach whom I highly recommend. Her sessions helped me overcome insecurities as a non-native speaker working in higher education, boosting my confidence and highlighting my skills and abilities. Elizabeth’s calm and kind attitude helped me to stay grounded, but also guided me back to my strengths when I felt lost during the interview, ultimately leading to the attainment of my dream job. I am immensely grateful for her support and look forward to future collaborations.

Sonal on February 22, 2024 at 13:04 pm

Elizabeth is a very supportive coach. I was applying for a Business Analyst role and within an hour of a second interview I was called back by the company to let me know that they really liked me and offered me the job. I thought I knew how to use the STAR approach before but Elizabeth has a unique interpretation of it and I was complimented on my response. What really helped me was the way she broke the STAR up for me in a way which was relevant to the role and sector I was going for. My interview felt much more like a conversation. I learnt a lot and feel so much more confident in interviews

Aashna on February 20, 2024 at 12:50 pm

After five years abroad,I decided to re enter the London job market. Having used Elizabeth's services before, I did not hesitate to contact her again. With her guidance and support I was successful in getting offers from multiple companies. Elizabeth is sincere and cares about her clients and their job satisfaction beyond the remit of her role as an interview coach, her many years of experience give her a discerning eye and she can predict in a very short space of time what her clients need and how to get them from A to B. I would recommend her wholeheartedly. She also goes out of her way to make time for her clients and is very punctual and organised.

Alexia on February 11, 2024 at 16:38 pm

Interview coaching with Matt was exactly what I needed. My skills were rusty and I'd lost confidence. I really liked Matt's direct but supportive approach. I was out of my comfort zone during the sessions (which was good!) but through practice my confidence grew and learning took place. I now have an excellent structure to work with for future interviews. I'm very grateful for Matt's help. Thank you.

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