Civil Service interview preparation webinar

Live | Success Profiles | Interviews HEO and SEO

Civil Service live interview preparation webinar (HEO-SEO)

Success Profiles interviews at HEO & SEO level

I designed this live online workshop for candidates preparing for HEO and SEO Civil Service interviews who want clear, practical guidance on how to prepare stronger Behaviour and Strength answers.

I tailor the session to the needs of the group, while still covering the key areas candidates usually need most: understanding the level, structuring evidence, showing judgement and impact, and avoiding common mistakes. Where time allows, I will invite one or two volunteers to practise a Behaviour or Strength answer and receive direct feedback, so the whole group can learn from the coaching discussion.

I have delivered this training internally within the Civil Service and am now making it available as a live online workshop for individual candidates preparing for HEO and SEO interviews. The session is not recorded, so candidates can ask questions and take part in the discussion more openly.

https://live.vcita.com/site/interviewskillsclinic/online-scheduling?event=lggg2hu953hnpfd6
Joining details and preparation guidance will be sent after booking.

Client review

Elizabeth’s insight really helped me come to understand the Civil Service approach after having left for the private sector. Her advise ensured that I was able to communicate my examples in a way that maximised the scorers I achieved. This resulted in my examples being concise and allowed me to remain adaptable to respond to the additional questions that now form part of the new approach, and I got the job!

Who this webinar is for

This live session is particularly well suited if you:

  • Are not familiar with Civil Service interviews and want clarity on what panels expect at HEO or SEO level

  • Feel your examples are strong but your previous interview scores are not reflecting this and you are being rejected

  • Are moving from EO→HEO or HEO→SEO and want to know how to meet the higher criteria

  • Prefer live coaching with explanation and Q&A

If you are preparaing for an AO or EO interview, my online Civil Service Civil Service interview course is a more appropriate starting point but you are still welcome.

What the webinar covers

This is a live, insight-led webinar, structured around Civil Service Success Profiles Behaviours and Strengths.

The session covers:

  • How Behaviour and Strengths are assessed at HEO and SEO level

  • What panels listen for in higher-scoring Behaviour and Strength answers

  • How to demonstrate the level of responsibility, thinking and impact expected at HEO and SEO level

  • The difference between describing a process and evidencing your thinking and actions

  • How to adapt STAR for HEO and SEO interviews

  • Common reasons strong candidates score 3s and 4s instead of 5s and 6s

  • How strength questions are assessed at pace

  • How to answer opening and motivation questions with impact

  • Live explanation and Q&A throughout

The emphasis is helping you communicate your answers naturally without scripted answers.

How this fits alongside one-to-one coaching 

Many candidates use this webinar to:

  • sense-check their understanding of Success Profiles interviews

  • identify how to prepare effectively and flexibly for these interviews

  • understand why apparently strong answers may not be achieving the high scores your want

  • decide whether tailored one-to-one coaching would add value

If you are preparing for senior interviews at Grade 7 level and above, one-to-one coaching is more appropriate.

About the trainer  

I’m Elizabeth Conley, founder of Interview Skills Clinic and a specialist Civil Service interview coach with over a decade of experience supporting clients through Civil Service applications and interviews.

I’ve successfully delivered  similar interview preparation training for internal audiences at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for International Trade (DIT) and one-to-one-coaching to clients from entry level through to Senior Civil Service and Director General level. Much of my work comes through recommendation from candidates who’ve gone on to secure roles and promotion. As recruitment is much quieter during the summer holidays the webinar will start in September. 

How to book

Format: Live online small-group webinar

Level: HEO and SEO

Duration: 90 minutes

Includes: Live teaching, practical guidance, resources and Q&A

Price: £175 + VAT, £210

Schedule: Wednesday evenings, 6.00–7.30pm

Booking: Online booking

Access: Joining details are sent automatically after booking.

Places are limited to keep the session focused and allow time for questions. Each workshop will run with a minimum of three bookings. If a session does not reach the minimum number of participants, you will be offered a place on the next available date or a full refund.

Ready to prepare for your HEO or SEO interview?

Join my live, small-group Civil Service interview workshop and learn how to prepare stronger Behaviour and Strength answers, understand what interview panels are looking for, and approach your interview with greater confidence.


Book Your Place

Interview Skills Clinic

Anthony on August 09, 2025 at 13:05 pm

Elizabeth is truly exceptional. I reached out to her after being told by an interviewer that “interviewing was obviously not my thing”—hardly encouraging feedback, especially at my stage in life. Her training helped me understand my communication style, demystified the interview process, and equipped me with practical tools I could apply immediately. She made herself available at very short notice, even over a weekend, and helped me secure a role that was a significant step up. Worth every penny. I only wish I’d done this sooner—I mourn the opportunities lost by not having had her guidance earlier. Thank you, Elizabeth!

Samuel on July 13, 2025 at 21:26 pm

I had just turned fifty years old and was at a very difficult stage in finding a new career. I had not applied for a job, sat an aptitude test or had an interview in almost twenty years. Elizabeth was highly professional and guided me through the obstacles I was likely to face which encouraged me to prepare just that bit harder for each stage of the selection process. Having come 9th out of approximately 1,500 candidates in the aptitude tests, the final hurdle was the interview. I had two sessions with Elizabeth. The first was where she acted as my interviewer and then constructively examined my responses at the end . The second was similar, though now my responses were tailored to her advice from the first session and further refined. The actual interview for the job went so well, I began to suspect it had gone too well as towards the end, the interviewers almost stepped out of character and began making small talk about how I would find the day-to-day pros and cons of working for the organisation, however Elizabeth had cautioned me to remain professional, polite and keep to my brief. In total, fifteen people were successful out of the 1,500 and thanks to Elizabeth, I was one of them. I highly recommend her services and professionalism which are beyond reproach. Above all, if you make the effort and follow her advice, you will be confident before and during the interview which combined with answering the questions competently, will give you a high chance of success. Thank you again, Elizabeth.

Chloe on February 18, 2025 at 11:36 am

Hi Elizabeth, I just wanted to let you know that my interview took place yesterday and today I was offered the role! According to my new G6, the panel agreed that I ‘knocked it out the park’ in the interview, and I beat nine other interviewees to the position. A huge thank you for your coaching, advice and encouragement. Without it, I can categorically say I wouldn’t have been offered the role. I’ll be back in a few years’ time, when I’m looking for my next role!

Fabiula Rifiski on October 16, 2024 at 09:16 am

Elizabeth is truly amazing. She has not only helped me stand tall but also completely transformed how I approach interviews and view my skill set. As an interview coach, she goes beyond the basics of preparing for a role. She helps you tailor your skills to fit the specific roles you’re applying for, but more importantly, she opens your eyes to what you’re truly capable of. Sometimes we underestimate our natural abilities because they come easily to us, but Elizabeth shows you how to express these in a way that highlights their full value. She helps you see beyond tasks and focus on the big picture - especially on soft skills, which are crucial in today’s job market. When I first worked with Elizabeth, I received offers from three major companies immediately after our sessions, and I was able to choose the role that was the perfect fit for me. When I later went through a career change, she helped me again, and I successfully landed the job I was aiming for. I highly recommend Elizabeth. Her insights and guidance are invaluable!

Jon on September 04, 2024 at 11:40 am

I highly recommend Elizabeth and the interview skills clinic. Elizabeth helped me prepare for an interview for a Civil Service Grade 6 role and the three sessions gave me the confidence and skills needed to get the job. As someone who has struggled with interviews in the past I now have the skills to confidently tackle senior Civil Service interviews for the years to come. Elizabeth has a complete understanding the civil service behaviours and interview format so it felt like getting insider knowledge which proved to be essential. Thanks again to Elizabeth and the team.

Nats on March 27, 2024 at 17:01 pm

Elizabeth was really helpful in supporting me to prepare for an upcoming interview. She completely understood the type of interview I would be facing, and with her support I managed to reshape my case studies and improve my performance, which meant I was able to give a much better account of my skills, experience, and suitability for the role which I was applying. Elizabeth was recommended to me by a colleague (and a brilliant recommendation it was too), and I have since recommended her to several other friends and colleagues.

Ivana on March 25, 2024 at 08:43 am

Elizabeth is an outstanding interview coach whom I highly recommend. Her sessions helped me overcome insecurities as a non-native speaker working in higher education, boosting my confidence and highlighting my skills and abilities. Elizabeth’s calm and kind attitude helped me to stay grounded, but also guided me back to my strengths when I felt lost during the interview, ultimately leading to the attainment of my dream job. I am immensely grateful for her support and look forward to future collaborations.

Sonal on February 22, 2024 at 13:04 pm

Elizabeth is a very supportive coach. I was applying for a Business Analyst role and within an hour of a second interview I was called back by the company to let me know that they really liked me and offered me the job. I thought I knew how to use the STAR approach before but Elizabeth has a unique interpretation of it and I was complimented on my response. What really helped me was the way she broke the STAR up for me in a way which was relevant to the role and sector I was going for. My interview felt much more like a conversation. I learnt a lot and feel so much more confident in interviews

Aashna on February 20, 2024 at 12:50 pm

After five years abroad,I decided to re enter the London job market. Having used Elizabeth's services before, I did not hesitate to contact her again. With her guidance and support I was successful in getting offers from multiple companies. Elizabeth is sincere and cares about her clients and their job satisfaction beyond the remit of her role as an interview coach, her many years of experience give her a discerning eye and she can predict in a very short space of time what her clients need and how to get them from A to B. I would recommend her wholeheartedly. She also goes out of her way to make time for her clients and is very punctual and organised.

Kris on January 30, 2024 at 12:43 pm

I was feeling insecure in my communication skills when I met with Elizabeth for a mock interview. Her knowledge paired with her straightforward approach meant that in one hour we had covered a number of actionable insights that instantly boosted my confidence. I walked into the interview with a clear plan (and renewed belief in my competence) and dare I say I even enjoyed it! Thank you for doing what you do!

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