Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. Today’s post is designed to help you feel confident and prepared when interviewing for a Civil Service HEO (Higher Executive Officer) role, focusing specifically on the behavior Working Together. Whether this is your first interview or you’re looking to sharpen your skills, you’re in the right place.
We’ll walk through what Working Together means at the HEO level, common interview questions you might face, and how to structure your answers using the B-STAR method. Let’s get started!
Contents
What is Working Together?
Working Together is about collaboration, supporting colleagues, and achieving shared goals. At the HEO level, this behavior focuses on managing relationships across teams, understanding diverse perspectives, and driving collective success.
While junior levels may be expected to cooperate within their team, HEOs must facilitate collaboration between teams and across departments. You’re not just contributing; you’re leading by example, helping others to work together efficiently and inclusively.
At higher grades (SEO or G7), the focus shifts even further toward strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement. At HEO, the emphasis is on team dynamics and cross-functional collaboration.
Common Interview Questions for Working Together
- Tell me about a time you worked with others to achieve a goal.
- Describe a situation where you had to build a relationship with a difficult colleague or stakeholder.
- Can you give an example of when you supported a team member during a challenging project?
- How have you handled a conflict in a team setting?
- See more…
How to Answer Using B-STAR
The B-STAR method will help you structure your answers logically:
B – Belief: What are your core beliefs about teamwork and collaboration? Start by sharing your mindset about the importance of working together.
S – Situation: Describe the context. What was happening? Who was involved?
T – Task: What was your specific role or responsibility in this situation?
A – Action: What actions did you take to help the team collaborate or resolve issues?
R – Result: What was the outcome? How did your actions contribute to the team’s success?
Sample B-STAR Answer
Question: Tell me about a time you worked with others to achieve a goal.
Answer:
B: I believe that effective teamwork is built on trust and clear communication. When everyone’s aligned and supported, the team performs at its best.
S: Last year, my team was tasked with delivering a new digital service in just three months. We were a mix of new and experienced team members, and initial communication was scattered.
T: As the project lead, it was my responsibility to ensure that everyone was on the same page and that any blockers were swiftly addressed.
A: I organized weekly meetings to keep the team updated, set up a shared platform for easy access to resources, and introduced daily check-ins to catch issues early. I also made sure everyone had a clear understanding of their roles.
R: As a result, we delivered the project on time and with positive feedback from senior management. The team felt more cohesive, and some members even adopted the communication practices I introduced for future projects.
Why This Answer Works
🔑 Belief: Clearly stated upfront, demonstrating the candidate’s approach to teamwork. It shows a proactive mindset.
🌍 Situation: Gives context to the scenario, highlighting the complexity of the task and the team dynamics.
🎯 Task: Focuses on the candidate’s responsibility as a leader, indicating an understanding of their role within the team.
🏃 Action: Detailed explanation of the steps taken to foster collaboration, showing initiative and problem-solving skills.
🏆 Result: Emphasizes both the success of the project and the positive impact on team cohesion, showing a measurable outcome.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being vague: Always provide specific examples. General answers won’t demonstrate your skills.
- Focusing only on yourself: This behavior is about working with others. Don’t make it all about what you did alone.
- Skipping the result: Always explain the impact your actions had. Outcomes matter.
- Talking negatively about others: Stay professional, even when discussing conflicts or challenges.
- Overcomplicating your answer: Keep it structured and to the point.
Key Takeaways
- Working Together at the HEO level means actively managing team dynamics and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
- Your ability to communicate, resolve conflicts, and support others is critical for success in this role.
- Use the B-STAR method to structure your answers and ensure they are clear and impactful.
With this guidance, you’re well on your way to mastering the Working Together behavior in your next Civil Service interview!
