I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Defra (Bristol, England) in Jan 2017
Interview
This was a competency interview. On my application form I had given answers to 5 competencies, I knew in advance that the questions would focus on these examples. In the interview they merely asked me to expand on the competency examples I had already given, and later i received feedback and marks out of 7 for each of my answers. Its quite challenging to tailor your answers to tick their competency boxes and score marks.
3 behaviour questions
3 strength based questions
Why you want to work for defra
How does your experience match the description
What communication style suits you
How do you stay productive under pressure
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about yourself and why you want to work for DEFRA
Interview process was efficient, organised albeit quite slow in terms of time submitting application to being invited to interview. Panellists helpful and considered. Interview was online and all information was provided well in advance.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me a time you managed multiple deadlines to produce a good result and how you went about this
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Defra (London, England) in Feb 2025
Interview
I attended a video call with three people, two of whom were connected to the role I was applying for. On this call, I was asked a set of questions based on the Civil Service behaviours: Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, and Communicating and Influencing.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Please tell me about a time when you had to make a decision based on conflicting pieces of evidence.
