{"id":6895,"date":"2025-04-17T08:22:43","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T08:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/?p=6895"},"modified":"2026-04-22T10:13:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T10:13:34","slug":"communicating-and-influencing-civil-service-examples-questions-answers-and-statement-250-words","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/communicating-and-influencing-civil-service-examples-questions-answers-and-statement-250-words\/","title":{"rendered":"Communicating and Influencing Civil Service (Examples Questions Answers and Statement 250 Words)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-6904\" src=\"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/blog-header-communicating.jpg\" alt=\"communicating and influencing civil service\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/blog-header-communicating.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/blog-header-communicating-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/blog-header-communicating-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/blog-header-communicating-768x403.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>Communicating and Influencing is one of the 9 Civil Service behaviours forming part of the Success Profiles framework.<\/h4>\n<h4>It is a vital behaviour or competency required in most roles from AA\/AO, EO, HEO, SEO and up to senior posts including G7\/6 and beyond.<\/h4>\n<p>So just what is Communicating and Influencing and what does it mean?<\/p>\n<p>In this article we analyse this competency in detail, we make it easy to understand and we give you some sample questions along with how to answer plus you get a great 250 word STAR statement for inspiration.<\/p>\n<div class=\"calloutbox\">\n<h3>In this article:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>What is the Communicating and Influencing Civil Service Behaviour?<\/li>\n<li>What Does Communicating and Influencing Mean?<\/li>\n<li>Communicating and Influencing Sample Interview Questions<\/li>\n<li>How to Answer Communicating and Influencing Questions<\/li>\n<li>How to Demonstrate Effective Communicating and Influencing Behaviour<\/li>\n<li>Communicating and Influencing Examples<\/li>\n<li>Sample STAR Answer for Communicating and Influencing &#8211; 250 Words<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What is the Communicating and Influencing Civil Service Behaviour?<\/h2>\n<p>Communicating and Influencing is one of the most popular competencies and is common to a broad range of roles and organisations.<\/p>\n<p>The formal civil service definition is:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Put into simple terms, Communicating and Influencing involves:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Getting your message across in a way that is understood by your audience and is persuasive and accurate<\/li>\n<li>Choosing the most appropriate method to communicate whether simply drafting an email, making a phone call or writing a detailed report, crafting policy\u00a0 or giving a presentation to a large audience<\/li>\n<li>Ensuring your message has a clear purpose and is effective in terms of impact and results<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In your everyday interactions with colleagues, managers and your team you use a combination of verbal and non-verbal communication skills in order to understand, persuade and convey your message.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout\">Remember, it not just about what you are saying but also the way you communicate it.<\/div>\n<h2>What Does Communicating and Influencing Mean?<\/h2>\n<p>Whether you realise it or not you are using your Communicating and Influencing skills constantly both inside and outside of work. Staying in touch, making requests, giving instructions, talking through options and decisions, all the simple actions in our lives involve being able to listen, understand and respond.<\/p>\n<p>We use our Communication skills to build rapport with others and to get results.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Being able to communicate clearly, honestly and concisely both orally and in writing in a persuasive and accurate way.<\/li>\n<li>On a practical level, Communicating and Influencing is about delivering your message in a way that your audience clearly understands.<\/li>\n<li>A major part is being able to take the views of other people into consideration and using your skills to persuade them of the value of your ideas.<\/li>\n<li>For senior posts, it means introducing new and more effective ways of communicating, perhaps using digital resources whilst getting value for money.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Communicating and Influencing Interview Questions<\/h2>\n<p>Here are a small selection of competency based interview questions related to Communicating and Influencing taken from the InterviewGold online training system.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How would you answer?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Talk me through a time where you used your communication skills effectively resulting in a successful outcome.<\/li>\n<li>Describe a time when you successfully conveyed your ideas to an audience who were unfamiliar with the subject matter.<\/li>\n<li>Tell me about a time when you had to communicate complex technical information to a client. What was the situation, what approach did you take and what was the result?<\/li>\n<li>What strategies have you implemented to improve internal communication in your department or team?<\/li>\n<li>Talk us through the most challenging experience you had when communicating. How did you overcome the challenge?<\/li>\n<li>Give us an example of when you persuaded a key stakeholder to adopt a challenging policy change. What did you do?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n    <div class=\"cta\">\n      <div class=\"cta-header\">\n        <p class=\"sub-title\"><span> \u2022 <\/span> For civil service candidates <\/p>\n        <h3> Struggling to score well for Civil Service jobs?<\/h3>\n        <p class=\"paragraph\">See how to boost your scores (up to 6 and 7) and get offers.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"target-form\">\n        <div class=\"target-job-form\">\n            <form id=\"target-job-form\">\n              <label> Enter your target job title <\/label>\n              <br>\n              <div class=\"inputs\">\n                <input \n                  type=\"text\" \n                  id=\"targetJobTitle\" \n                  placeholder=\"e.g. Policy Adviser, HEO, Project Manager...\" \n                  required\n                >\n\n                <button type=\"button\" onclick=\"goToTargetPage()\">\n                Show Me How &raquo;\n                <\/button>\n              <\/div>\n\n            <\/form>\n                   <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <script>\n    function goToTargetPage() {\n      const targetJobTitle = document.getElementById('targetJobTitle').value.trim();\n\n      if (!targetJobTitle) return;\n\n      localStorage.setItem('targetJobTitle', targetJobTitle);\n\n      window.location.href = \"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/civil-service-interview.html?job=\" + encodeURIComponent(targetJobTitle);\n    }\n    <\/script>\n\n    \n<h2>How to Answer Communicating and Influencing Questions<\/h2>\n<p>Communicating and Influencing is a core skill required in most roles and you should except interview questions exploring times when you have demonstrated this previously.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are our top tips for a successful answer:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use the STAR or IPAR Method:<\/strong> As with all competency-based questions in the interview, you need to give a specific example of your ability to Communicate and Influence. We recommend using the STAR or IPAR structure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Positive Behaviours Demonstrated:<\/strong>\u00a0You must show the correct positive behaviours relevant to the role and your level. These will be scored accordingly as they are mentioned.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Show the Correct Civil Service Strengths:<\/strong> Be sure to refer to the Civil Service Strengths Dictionary as well, since interviewers will be listening for these strengths and will score you when they hear them demonstrated.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Demonstrate Practical Experience:<\/strong> There are untold scenarios where you have used your communicating and influencing skills and your answer must include an example which is complex and relevant. Show an understanding of good communication and an ability to communicate and influence at all levels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"calloutbox\">\n<h3>Are you missing out on job offers because of simple mistakes?<\/h3>\n<p>Simple mistakes can result in low scores of 2 or 3. These will not be enough to get through the initial selection process or interview. See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/civil-service-interview.html\">how proper preparation will help you boost your scores<\/a> up to the required 6 and 7 that get offers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>How to Demonstrate Effective Communicating and Influencing Behaviour<\/h2>\n<p>Communication skills are essential in almost all roles and your application and interview are perfect opportunities to display yours. Whether you realise it or not you are using your Communicating and Influencing skills constantly both inside and outside of work.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are 3 key points to include in your answers which will demonstrate the communicating and influence behaviour.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>1. <strong>Show you understand the importance.<\/strong> To be able to communicate and influence effectively, you must first be aware of and to understand the significance of it.<\/p>\n<p>2. <strong>Know your message<\/strong>. Before you communicate a message to others, it is essential to know exactly what your message is and what you want to achieve from it.<\/p>\n<p>3. <strong>Choose the most relevant platform<\/strong>. Once you are clear on what your message is and what you are trying to achieve from it, you need to select the best form of communication. Think about the type of message and the audience you are communicating to and hoping to influence.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout\">For more senior posts a presentation may be used to test your ability to communicate to the panel. A topic will usually be given in advance in this case and you will have specific time to prepare.<\/div>\n<h2>Communicating and Influencing Examples<\/h2>\n<p>In order to answer questions successfully you will have to think of examples of when you were effective in communicating and influencing, either in the workplace or outside.<\/p>\n<p>There will be untold scenarios where you have used your communicating and influencing skills and your answer must include an example which is complex and relevant. Show an understanding of good communication and an ability to communicate and influence at all levels.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Effective communication and influencing can be displayed in many forms and here are some potential scenarios to help refresh your memory when choosing your examples.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In the past, when have you communicated complex information clearly, in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, perhaps in a written report or verbally?<\/li>\n<li>Have you given a presentation to a group of people and dealt with questions?<\/li>\n<li>Have you presented technical or complex information to a non-technical group and made it easy to understand?<\/li>\n<li>Did you persuade others to accept your point of view, perhaps getting buy-in for your recommendations?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"calloutbox\">\n<h3>Boost Your Confidence and Get Your Target Civil Service Job<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/civil-service-interview.html\">Know what to say to get high scores and win job offers with InterviewGold. See how it works.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Sample STAR 250 Word Statement for Communicating and Influencing<\/h2>\n<p>This is tailored for a Civil Service Executive Officer (EO) post. Get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/civil-service-interview.html\">statements and answers fully personalised to you and your level<\/a> covering all Civil Service level from AA\/AO right up to G6.<\/p>\n<p>A word of warning, some departments such as the Department of Transport ask specifically not to use the STAR formula when creating your answer. However, others suggest using it as a way to formulate your response. Our advice is to refer to the careers page of the department or your application process for clarity.<\/p>\n<div class=\"calloutbox text-left\">\n<h3>Situation<\/h3>\n<p><em>To write a strong 250-word example for the &#8220;Communicating and Influencing&#8221; behaviour, start with the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Choose a scenario which shows your ability to communicate at any level, for example:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>&#8220;Recently, in my role as Executive Officer with my current department, I researched, prepared and delivered an outstanding presentation to the management team gaining excellent feedback and securing engagement.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Task<\/h3>\n<p><em>Detail with a sentence or two the task or project. <\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Action<\/h3>\n<p><em>Describe the actions you took that led to the positive outcome whether it was a tough task being completed on time or a problem resolved effectively. Use active language and show accountability, adaptability, and resilience under pressure.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>This is the part that will score most marks. In the actions you must show three things:<\/em><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><em>Correct positive behaviours matching the Civil Service framework<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>The relevant Civil Service strengths<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Clear capability with this behaviour<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><em>Without those, your answer will not score well.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Result<\/h3>\n<p><em>The result must show a clear and successful outcome. After all, this is how you show evidence of your skills. Mention feedback received, skills improved, challenges overcome and show relevant strengths.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Get your target Civil Service job with InterviewGold<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/civil-service-interview.html\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/images\/screen25-01.jpg\" alt=\"Get your target Civil Service job\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The InterviewGold online interview training platform covers Civil Service interviews, Success Profiles and behaviours in detail. It is designed to rapidly bring your interview skills up to date and help you answer brilliantly whether on an application, in an interview or during an assessment centre.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are just some of the ways in which InterviewGold will help you succeed in your Civil Service interview.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ticklist\">\n<li>Boost your confidence and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/civil-service-interview.html\">know what to say with <strong>TAILOR MADE<\/strong> statements and answers<\/a> for your applications and interviews.<\/li>\n<li>Fully personalised to you and including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/civil-service-interview.html\"><strong>brilliant STAR examples<\/strong><\/a> based on your real life experiences.<\/li>\n<li>You will get <strong>detailed 250, 500, 750+ personal statements and answers<\/strong> for behaviour and suitability statements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n    \n    <div class=\"enter-job-form\">\n      <form id=\"enter-job-form\">\n        <h3>What Civil Service role are you seeking?<\/h3>\n        <input \n          type=\"text\" \n          id=\"jobTitle\" \n\t       placeholder=\"Enter Target Job e.g. Policy Adviser, HEO, Project Manager...\" \n          required\n        >\n\n        <button type=\"button\" onclick=\"goToPage()\">\n        See How to Get Your Target Job Faster &raquo;\n        <\/button>\n\n      <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <script>\n    function goToPage() {\n      const jobTitle = document.getElementById('jobTitle').value.trim();\n\n      if (!jobTitle) return;\n\n      localStorage.setItem('jobTitle', jobTitle);\n\n      window.location.href = \"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/civil-service-interview.html?job=\" + encodeURIComponent(jobTitle);\n    }\n    <\/script>\n\n    \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Communicating and Influencing is one of the 9 Civil Service behaviours forming part of the Success Profiles framework. It is a vital behaviour or competency required in most roles from AA\/AO, EO, HEO, SEO and up to senior posts including G7\/6 and beyond.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6904,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[79,55],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6895","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-civil-service","category-how-to-answer"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6895","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6895"}],"version-history":[{"count":27,"href":"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6895\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7953,"href":"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6895\/revisions\/7953"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6904"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6895"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6895"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interviewgold.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6895"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}