Interview practice
HMPPS describes a 30-minute interview: three strengths (up to two questions each) and two behaviours, Communicating and Influencing and Managing a Quality Service. You get thinking time, and the STAR structure (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is advised for behaviour questions. Formats and timings can change between campaigns, so always check your own invitation.
Strengths questions
Strengths question
How do you usually feel at the end of a really difficult day?
What they look for: They want to see that setbacks don't knock you off course for long, and that you have healthy ways to reset. A prison officer can have a hard shift and still needs to come back fresh and fair the next morning. Strengths questions test what genuinely energises you, so answer quickly and honestly. The Success Profiles guidance says not to rehearse because "we are looking for your initial response": treat this model as a guide to the shape of a good answer, not a script.
AI feedback on your own answer, checked against the marking points, is included with Complete (up to 30 a day).
Strengths question
Tell me about a time you got something wrong. How did you feel about it afterwards?
What they look for: They look for honesty, ownership and a quick recovery: you felt it, learned from it and moved on. Avoid answers that blame others or claim you never make mistakes. Strengths questions test what genuinely energises you, so answer quickly and honestly. The Success Profiles guidance says not to rehearse because "we are looking for your initial response": treat this model as a guide to the shape of a good answer, not a script.
AI feedback on your own answer, checked against the marking points, is included with Complete (up to 30 a day).
Behaviour questions
Behaviour: Communicating and Influencing
Tell me about a time you had to calm down someone who was angry.
What they look for: Communicating and Influencing: they look for active listening, a calm tone, empathy and clear explanation that brings the temperature down. In a prison, de-escalation through talking is the first and best tool an officer has. Use the STAR structure (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and spend most of your time on what you personally did.
AI feedback on your own answer, checked against the marking points, is included with Complete (up to 30 a day).
Behaviour: Communicating and Influencing
Describe a time you had to persuade someone to do something they didn't want to do.
What they look for: Communicating and Influencing: they look for influencing through reasons and respect rather than force, adapting your approach to the person and finding a way they can agree. Officers regularly have to persuade prisoners to comply, such as going behind their door or attending an appointment. Use the STAR structure (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and spend most of your time on what you personally did.
AI feedback on your own answer, checked against the marking points, is included with Complete (up to 30 a day).
Behaviour: Managing a Quality Service
Tell me about a time you made sure someone received a high standard of service.
What they look for: Managing a Quality Service: they look for understanding what the person needs, planning to meet it and following through to a high standard. In prisons, the 'service' includes making sure prisoners get what they're entitled to, fairly and on time. Use the STAR structure (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and spend most of your time on what you personally did.
AI feedback on your own answer, checked against the marking points, is included with Complete (up to 30 a day).
45 more interview questions with model answers
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