Mike Jacobsen

Welcome! We’re excited to have you here as you prepare for your Civil Service interview at the HEO (Higher Executive Officer) level. This post is designed to help you understand and excel in one of the key behaviors for this role: Delivering at Pace.

We’ll define what this behavior means, explore common interview questions, and provide guidance on how to effectively answer them using the B-STAR method. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

What is Delivering at Pace for HEO Roles?

Delivering at Pace means working efficiently to meet deadlines, keeping momentum in projects, and adapting to new challenges. At the HEO level, this behavior is crucial because you’ll be responsible for managing tasks, teams, and timelines to deliver results.

Unlike lower levels, HEOs are expected to take more ownership of outcomes. You won’t just complete tasks—you’ll make decisions, manage teams, and navigate complexities to ensure things get done, even when under pressure. Compared to more senior roles, HEOs may still need some guidance, but they’re expected to operate with a significant level of independence.

Common Interview Questions for Delivering at Pace

• Can you describe a time when you had to meet a tight deadline? How did you handle it?
• How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects at once?
• Tell us about a situation where you had to keep a team motivated to meet an important deadline.
• Give an example of a time when you had to adapt quickly to a change in plans to still deliver results.
• See more…

How to Answer Using the B-STAR Method

The B-STAR method is a structured way to answer competency-based questions. Here’s what it stands for:

• B – Belief: Start by sharing your belief or guiding principle that shapes how you approach the situation.
• S – Situation: Provide context by explaining the situation you were in.
• T – Task: Describe the task or challenge you were responsible for.
• A – Action: Detail the actions you took to handle the situation.
• R – Result: Finish by explaining the outcome of your actions.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Belief: Begin by expressing your belief in the importance of delivering results efficiently. For example, “I believe that delivering work on time is key to maintaining trust and momentum in any project.”
2. Situation: Briefly describe the situation you faced. Make sure it’s relevant to the role you’re applying for. “In my previous role, we had a major project that required completion within two weeks due to an unexpected deadline change.”
3. Task: Outline what you were responsible for. “As the team lead, I was responsible for coordinating the efforts of five colleagues to meet the new deadline.”
4. Action: Share the specific actions you took to resolve the challenge. “I quickly reassigned tasks based on everyone’s strengths, set daily check-ins, and maintained clear communication with stakeholders.”
5. Result: Wrap up by explaining the results of your actions. “Thanks to our efforts, we delivered the project a day early, and the client was extremely satisfied with the quality.”

Sample B-STAR Answer

Question: Can you describe a time when you had to meet a tight deadline? How did you handle it?

Answer: I believe that staying calm and focused is key to delivering high-quality work under pressure. In my previous role, we had a project with an initial six-week deadline, which was suddenly reduced to two weeks due to changes in client needs. As the team lead, I needed to ensure the project was completed on time without compromising on quality. I reorganized the team’s workflow, redistributed tasks based on strengths, and set up daily check-ins to track progress. Clear communication with both the team and stakeholders was crucial. In the end, we delivered the project ahead of schedule, and the client was delighted with the outcome.

Note: Your answer should be more detailed than this. For more comprehensive example answers, check out our Civil Service guide.

Why This Answer Works

💡 Belief: Starting with a guiding principle (“staying calm and focused”) shows you have a strong foundation in managing deadlines. It makes your actions seem deliberate rather than reactive.

🌍 Situation: The scenario is relevant and specific. The tight deadline makes it clear you’re used to handling pressure.

📋 Task: Defining your role as “team lead” immediately shows leadership and responsibility, which is crucial for an HEO.

🛠️ Action: You give concrete steps (reorganizing workflow, setting daily check-ins) to show how you tackled the problem. These actions highlight your ability to deliver at pace while maintaining quality.

🏆 Result: The outcome reinforces your effectiveness. Delivering early with a satisfied client showcases success and reliability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague answers: Don’t just say, “I delivered the project.” Be specific about the steps you took.
• Focusing only on yourself: Show how you managed others or worked as part of a team.
• Forgetting the outcome: Always mention the result of your actions, and quantify it if possible.
• Overcomplicating the situation: Keep the scenario simple and relatable to avoid confusion.
• Talking negatively about challenges: Frame problems as opportunities to showcase your skills.

Key Takeaways

• Delivering at Pace at the HEO level means managing projects and teams effectively while meeting deadlines.
• You’ll be expected to handle more responsibility and demonstrate initiative.
• Practice using the B-STAR method to structure your answers.
• Stay specific, focus on the outcome, and maintain a positive attitude when describing challenges.

By mastering this behavior, you’ll show you’re ready to thrive in a fast-paced, results-driven environment!

Welcome! If you’re preparing for an interview for a Senior Executive Officer (SEO) role in the Civil Service, you’re in the right place. We’ll be focusing on the behavior Delivering at Pace—what it means at the SEO level, common interview questions, and how to nail your answers using the B-STAR method. Let’s get you ready to shine!

What is Delivering at Pace?

Delivering at Pace is about working efficiently, maintaining momentum, and achieving high-quality results, even when time is tight. At the SEO level, this behavior takes on added importance. SEOs are expected to lead teams, manage workloads, and deliver outcomes that impact broader organizational goals.

How does it differ from other levels? Well, in more junior roles, Delivering at Pace focuses on meeting personal objectives. But at SEO level, it’s about balancing the speed of delivery with quality—managing multiple priorities while ensuring teams hit deadlines without cutting corners.

Common Interview Questions for Delivering at Pace

• Can you describe a time when you had to deliver a project under a tight deadline?
• How do you manage multiple tasks and ensure timely delivery?
• Tell me about a time you improved a process to speed up delivery.
• How do you ensure quality while delivering at pace?
• Describe a situation where you had to overcome a delay to deliver on time.
• See more…

How to Answer Using the B-STAR Method

The B-STAR method will help you structure your answers clearly and effectively:

B – Belief: What motivates your approach to delivering at pace? This is your core principle.
S – Situation: Set the scene. What was happening?
T – Task: What was your role?
A – Action: What specific steps did you take?
R – Result: What was the outcome?

Let’s walk through each step.

Sample B-STAR Answer

Question: Can you describe a time when you had to deliver a project under a tight deadline?

Answer:
Belief: I believe that staying calm and focusing on priorities is essential when working under pressure.
Situation: Last year, my team was tasked with delivering an urgent report for a ministerial briefing. We had just five days to gather data, analyze it, and prepare the final document.
Task: As the team leader, it was my responsibility to ensure everyone worked efficiently and that the report met the high standards expected.
Action: I immediately set up a clear project plan, broke the task into manageable sections, and delegated roles based on team strengths. I also set up daily check-ins to monitor progress and resolve issues quickly. When a key data set was delayed, I worked closely with stakeholders to find an alternative source, avoiding further delays.
Result: We delivered the report a day ahead of schedule, and it was praised for its thorough analysis and clarity. This helped inform a key policy decision.

Note: Your answer should be more detailed. If you’d like to see more example answers, check out our Civil Service guide!

Why this answer works

💡 Belief: This shows the candidate’s core principle—calmness and prioritization when facing tight deadlines. It demonstrates their mindset.

🎯 Situation: The example sets a clear context, showing urgency and the high stakes of the task.

🛠 Task: Describing the role as the team leader highlights responsibility and leadership.

🚀 Action: This breaks down the specific steps the candidate took. Mentioning daily check-ins and problem-solving underlines their proactive approach.

🏆 Result: The positive outcome (early delivery and praise) shows effectiveness and impact. It links directly to the importance of delivering at pace.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being vague: Provide clear details of your actions and their impact.
• Focusing too much on the problem: Highlight how you overcame challenges, not just what went wrong.
• Skipping the “belief” part: Employers want to know why you approach work the way you do, not just what you did.
• Neglecting the result: Always tie your answer back to the final outcome.

Key Takeaways

Delivering at Pace at the SEO level is about leading teams, managing multiple priorities, and achieving results without sacrificing quality. Mastering this behavior is essential for success at this level, and you can effectively communicate this by structuring your answers using the B-STAR method. Stay calm, prioritize, and focus on solutions—that’s the mindset you’ll want to convey in your interview.

Good luck, you’ve got this! 🎉

Welcome! 👋 We’re thrilled to have you here. If you’re preparing for an interview for a Senior Executive Officer (SEO) role in the Civil Service, you’ve come to the right place. This article will focus on one of the key behaviors you’ll be assessed on: Developing Self and Others.

We’ll guide you through what this behavior means at the SEO level, common interview questions, and how to craft standout answers using the B-STAR method. You’ll also find tips on what to avoid and key takeaways to help you succeed. Let’s get started!

What is Developing Self and Others?

Developing Self and Others is about striving to improve both yourself and those around you. It focuses on seeking out opportunities for growth, sharing knowledge, and encouraging development in others.

At the SEO level, this behavior involves a more strategic approach. You’re expected to take ownership of your professional development and actively promote growth in your team. You should be identifying skills gaps, offering guidance, and leading by example. In contrast, at more junior levels, the focus might be more on personal development or simply supporting colleagues.

At this stage, you are a role model for development and learning, not just for yourself but also for the wider team. It’s about creating an environment where people are empowered to improve and develop.

Common Interview Questions for Developing Self and Others

• Tell me about a time when you helped someone develop a skill.
• Can you give an example of how you’ve worked on your own professional development?
• Describe a situation where you had to encourage someone who was struggling.
• How do you identify development needs within your team?
• See more…

How to Answer Using the B-STAR Method

To answer questions effectively, we recommend the B-STAR method, which stands for:

B – Belief: What was your personal belief or mindset going into the situation?
S – Situation: Set the scene. What was happening?
T – Task: What was your role?
A – Action: What did you do? Be specific.
R – Result: What was the outcome? What did you learn or achieve?

Here’s how you can approach these questions step by step:

1. Start with your belief: Explain why you think developing self and others is important.
2. Describe the situation: Provide context around the scenario.
3. Explain your task: Be clear about your responsibilities in that specific situation.
4. Detail your actions: Focus on what you did to support development. Show leadership.
5. Share the result: What happened because of your efforts? Highlight positive impacts.

Sample B-STAR Answer

Question: “Can you give an example of how you’ve worked on your own professional development?”

Answer:
B: I believe that continuous learning is vital for personal and team success.
S: In my previous role, I noticed that my skills in data analysis needed improvement as we increasingly relied on data-driven decisions.
T: I was responsible for creating performance reports for senior management, and I knew enhancing my data skills would lead to better insights.
A: I enrolled in an advanced Excel course, dedicated time each week to practice, and sought feedback from a colleague who was skilled in this area. I also shared what I learned with my team during a knowledge-sharing session.
R: My reports became more accurate and insightful, which senior management appreciated. I also noticed a positive change in the team as they became more engaged in learning new skills after the session I held.

Note: Your answer should be more detailed. If you’d like to see more detailed example answers, check out our Civil Service guide.

Why This Answer Works

✨ Belief: The candidate clearly states why self-development matters to them and their team.
📝 Situation: The candidate provides clear context around their skills gap.
🎯 Task: The specific responsibility makes it easy to understand why development was necessary.
🔧 Action: The steps taken to improve are concrete, showing initiative and effort.
🏆 Result: The outcome demonstrates tangible improvements and also highlights the influence on the wider team. The candidate shows that their actions had a ripple effect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Being vague: Don’t give general answers without specific examples.
❌ Ignoring the result: Always mention the impact your actions had.
❌ Forgetting to mention others: At the SEO level, it’s not just about your development, but also how you help others grow.
❌ Overcomplicating the situation: Keep the scenario simple and focus on your actions.
❌ Neglecting your belief: Your mindset and approach to development are crucial parts of your answer.

Key Takeaways

At the SEO level, Developing Self and Others is about leading by example and fostering a culture of growth. You’re expected to take ownership of your learning and actively support the development of others.

Remember:

• Share clear, specific examples.
• Use the B-STAR method to structure your answers.
• Always highlight the positive impact of your efforts.

With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to ace your interview and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and development! Good luck! 🎉