Strength-based interview questions

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.

• How do you feel when your plans for the day change at the last minute?
• What kind of change at work do you find easiest to deal with, and what kind is hardest?

You seek and analyse information to inform your decisions, based on the best available evidence.

• When you have a decision to make, how do you decide what information you need?
• Do you enjoy working with data? What do you like or dislike about it?

You are self-aware and true to yourself in all situations, even when under pressure.

• How would your friends describe you, and would your colleagues say the same?
• When have you found it hard to be yourself at work or study?

You are self-motivated to act towards achieving a goal. You are confident using your own initiative to take forward actions.

• How do you get started on a task when nobody has told you what to do?
• What do you do when you notice something needs doing but it is not your job?

You can 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.

• How do you feel about questioning the way things have always been done?
• When did you last change your mind after hearing someone else's view?

You are positive and inspirational in leading and supporting others through change.

• How do you help other people when they are worried about a change?
• What do you enjoy, or not enjoy, about being part of something new?

You take charge of situations, people and decisions. You communicate with confidence and give direction.

• How do you feel when you are asked to take charge of a group?
• What do you do when a group cannot agree what to do next?

You are an innovator who tries new approaches. You push yourself to work outside your comfort zone.

• When did you last try something completely new? How did it feel?
• How do you feel when you are out of your comfort zone?

You use your judgement. You take a considered approach to situations and tasks when making decisions.

• How do you make a decision when you do not have all the information?
• Do you find it easy or hard to make decisions quickly? Why?

You follow processes, operating well within set standards, rules and guidelines.

• How do you feel about following rules you do not agree with?
• What helps you stick to a routine?

You convert resources into results in the most efficient and cost effective way.

• How do you decide what to do first when you have a lot on?
• What do you do when you see time or money being wasted?

You draw insight from your own emotions and those of others to show empathy.

• How can you tell when someone is having a bad day?
• How do you notice your own mood affecting your work?

You see the potential in everybody and encourage them to learn, progress and develop.

• How do you feel when someone you have helped succeeds?
• What do you enjoy about teaching someone a new skill?

You communicate thoughts and ideas, verbally or in writing. You simplify complexities and adapt communication so others can understand.

• How would you explain your favourite subject to someone who knows nothing about it?
• What do you enjoy about writing or presenting?

You strive for quality outcomes and excellence in everything you do.

• How do you know when a piece of work is finished?
• What do you do when you are tempted to cut corners?

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.

• How do you make sure quieter people in a group get heard?
• What do you do when you notice someone being left out?

You influence others, you articulate the rationale to gain their agreement.

• How do you persuade someone who disagrees with you?
• When have you changed someone's mind, and how did you do it?

You look for better ways of doing things and enjoy coming up with new and original ideas.

• What is something you have improved recently, at work, study or home?
• How do you feel when you find a better way of doing something?

You are inquisitive, seek out new information and look for new ways to develop yourself.

• What have you taught yourself recently, and why?
• How do you feel when you are asked to learn something new quickly?

You provide stability and cohesion within teams, finding common ground and purpose. You enjoy working with others towards a shared goal.

• What do you do when two friends or colleagues fall out?
• How do you feel in a team where people disagree?

You pursue things which give you a sense of meaning and purpose, working towards a longer term goal.

• What gives you a sense of purpose?
• Why do you want to work in public service?

You are highly driven and inspire others to move things along and make things happen.

• How do you keep a group going when energy drops?
• What motivates you on a dull day?

You support constructive discussion and enjoy getting all parties to reach an agreement.

• How do you feel about reaching a compromise?
• What do you do when two people want different things from you?

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.

• How do you go about meeting new people in a new job or place?
• How do you keep in touch with people you have worked with?

You make plans and are well prepared. You seek to maximise time and productivity.

• How do you plan your week?
• How do you feel when things are not planned in advance?

You concentrate on detail and make sure everything is accurate and error free.

• How do you check your work for mistakes?
• How do you feel when you find an error in your own work?

You think ahead to anticipate, identify and address risks or problems before they happen.

• How do you spot problems before they happen?
• What do you do when you think a plan has a risk nobody has noticed?

You take a positive approach to tackling problems. You find ways to identify suitable solutions.

• What kind of problems do you enjoy solving?
• What do you do when your first solution does not work?

You quickly establish mutual respect and trust, building long lasting relationships with others.

• How do you build trust with someone you have just met?
• Who do you work best with, and why?

You have inner composure, recover quickly from setbacks and learn from them.

• How do you bounce back after a disappointment?
• What do you do when you receive criticism you think is unfair?

You take ownership for your decisions. You hold yourself accountable for what you have promised.

• How do you feel when you cannot keep a promise?
• What do you do when you realise you have made a mistake?

You look for ways to serve customers putting their needs at the heart of everything you do.

• What does good customer service mean to you?
• How do you feel when you cannot give someone what they want?

You look at the big picture. You consider the wider factors and long term implications of decisions.

• How do you decide what matters most in the long term?
• Do you prefer thinking about the big picture or the detail?

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.

• What kind of leader are you, or would you like to be?
• How do you get the best out of different people in a team?

You work well as part of a team and strive to ensure the team pulls together and is effective.

• What role do you usually take in a team?
• How do you feel when the team succeeds but your part goes unnoticed?

You create and share a clear vision of the future.

• Where would you like your team or organisation to be in five years?
• How do you get other people excited about an idea?