Preparing for capability-based interviews (Civil Service - Capability Framework)

When interviewing with the new Civil Service Capability Framework, you can expect a more comprehensive evaluation than the traditional competency-based or example-based approach. While you'll still be asked to share specific examples of your experiences, interviewers will also explore other key predictors of your potential performance, such as your skills, motivation, values, and knowledge.

Their goal is to assess your capability, suitability, and readiness for the role by discussing and exploring the Capability Dimensions (as shown at the top of the diagram) with you. These four Dimensions serve as a guide for the interview, allowing you to present a full picture of your strengths and experience.

This approach gives you an opportunity to demonstrate a wider range of your abilities, as interviewers will look for different types of evidence, including skills, strengths, knowledge, values motivation, interests (as shown at the bottom of the diagram) as well as your examples (behaviours).

​Be prepared to showcase how your unique background aligns with the requirements and values of the role by considering each of the following in addition to your examples:

Skills: The practical abilities you have, like using Microsoft Word (hard skills) and working well with others or planning (soft skills)

Strengths: The areas where you excel and feel confident.

Knowledge: Topics or fields where you have deep expertise, gained from education or experience.

Values: The beliefs and principles that matter to you and guide your work and interactions.

Motivation: What inspires you to do your best, either from within (like feeling proud after completing a project) or from outside (like receiving praise).

Interests: The parts of the job or role you genuinely enjoy.​