Applying to GCHQ
The guidance in these pages will help with your application journey
Pages
Page 4 of 5
Competencies and interview preparation
We use competency-based interviews as part of the recruitment process for all our roles. The following information will help you understand the competency-based interview structure in preparation for either a telephone, video call or face-to-face interview.
Our competencies
At GCHQ, we measure the aptitude of our staff and candidates against three key competency themes: Future, People, and Delivery. We also have varying level requirements which depend on the role you are applying for. The competencies focus on behaviours rather than skills, knowledge or abilities. You can expect to be asked competency-based questions at interview to ensure you are at the required level. A little more information about each of our competencies can be found by expanding the menu below.
Seeing the big picture
I understand how my goals support and align with other teams and organisational objectives. I recognise wider priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
Driving innovation and change
I seek out opportunities for experimentation and suggest ideas for change and improvement. I review and adapt ways of working to prepare for the future, including seeking and providing feedback.
Continuously developing
I prioritise continuous learning and development for myself, others and the organisation. I recognise different contributions and embrace all learning, even when things do not go as planned.
Communicating and influencing
I engage and listen to the perspectives of others, respecting their needs, responses and opinions. I make sure I understand others and am prepared to adapt. I communicate purposefully with clarity, integrity and empathy.
Working collaboratively
I develop effective partnerships and relationships internally and externally, seeking out a range of diverse perspectives, sharing information, resources and support generously.
Leading inclusively
I show pride in my organisation’s work and role model our values. I create, engage and empower others to deliver a shared vision. I value equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring fairness and opportunity for all.
Making effective decisions
I use data, evidence and knowledge to support advice and transparent decision making, taking account of compliance standards. I consider alternative options and consult others. I recognise bias and the implications and risks of decisions.
Delivering outcomes
I take responsibility for delivering timely and high-quality results with agility, focus and drive. I plan, review and adapt my approach to meet priorities.
Providing customer value
I form an understanding of customers and manage their requirements. I deliver with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse needs and expectations.
What to expect during an interview
A competency-based interview is timed and structured and comprises specific questions relating to each competency area being assessed. The interviewer selects the most important competencies for the job and asks you for specific examples of your past behaviour in relation to each of them.
The interviewer will want to learn about your past situations. So instead of asking how you feel about working in a team, you’ll be asked to talk about actual examples of working in a team.
You will typically have around five to ten minutes per question. During that time, the interviewer will ask the initial question followed by a series of probing questions to gather all the information they need.
"Tell me about a situation where it was important that you worked as part of a team."
- "What was the situation?"
- "What part did you play in the team?"
- "What difficulties did you encounter and how did you approach these?"
- "What have you learnt from this experience?"
Preparation tips
Check key skills on job listings
- Unfortunately we can't tell you exactly what we are assessing at the interview, however, you can spend some time looking at the key skills that are listed int eh job advert and on the website
List key words and phrases and provide examples from work
- List key words and phrases, and for each one, think of two or three examples from your previous work experience where you used your skills to achieve a positive result and what you learnt from that experience
If you don't have work experiences, you can pull from school or personal life
- If you don't have work-related experience, use examples from school, sport, voluntary work, hobbies or even your personal life where you can remember lots of detail about what you did and why
STAR is a useful mnemonic to structure answers and use "I" rather than "we" so we can get a clear picture of your own role
- Situation - define the context
- Task - what were your aims?
- Action - what did you do and why?
- Result - what was the outcome of your actions?
General tips
- Be yourself, we want to get to know you.
- Listen attentively and take your time answering questions.
- It's okay to ask the interviewer to repeat a question or check your understanding of what's being asked.
- Don’t be distracted by the interviewer taking notes, it’s their job to accurately record the interview.
- Telephone interviews are just as important as face-to-face interviews.