Public Sector Interview Coaching  

Specialist one-to-one interview coaching for Civil Service, HSE and Local Authority interviews 

Hi, I'm Terry O'Brien. I've helped thousands of people prepare for interviews, and I'd be happy to help you prepare for yours

Book a Complimentary 15-Minute Call

Are you preparing for a Public Sector or Civil Service competency interview?

A great job opportunity doesn't come around often, and you want to make sure you do your best in your interview. But maybe you're unsure about your competency examples or how to show the interview panel that you're the right person for the role.

Gain the confidence you need to succeed

I specialise in preparing people for Civil Service, HSE, Local Authority and Public Sector interviews.

Whether you need help with your competency answers or want to practise with a mock interview, I can help.

In this video, I explain some key guidelines to follow when preparing for a competency-based interview.

Book a 15-minute call with Terry

I'd be happy to have a complimentary call to discuss your interview and how I can help you prepare. Just fill in your details below and I’ll be in touch.

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Preparing for a HEO interview?

If you're preparing for a HEO capability interview, I'll help you understand what's expected at HEO level and work with you to build your confidence for the interview.

What clients say

Your support was invaluable

"Hi Terry, I can't thank you enough for your excellent advice, training, and support. Your guidance helped me approach my interview with confidence and I’m delighted to tell you that I've been placed second on the panel. Thank you for your invaluable support."

Sarah

(Public Sector)

"

I'm thrilled I succeeded

"Hi Terry, I have great news! I got the job! The interview went really well and I felt really confident. Thank you so much for all your help, you really boosted my confidence. I'm thrilled and really appreciate all your support and advice."

Thomas 

(Private Sector)

"

I felt fully prepared and confident

"Terry, I just wanted to say thank you for helping me feel so much more prepared and confident for my interview. I’m so happy to share that I was successful and got the job! Your incredible support and encouragement is very much appreciated."

Margaret

( Public Sector)

"


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Google reviews 

  • Just had a great call with Terry. He REALLY listened to my issue and I gave me some great advice that I’m going to action right after I write this review. Would happily recommend Terry O’Brien for career advice, nice guy too.

    Brian Avatar Brian
  • Terry is a true professional providing valuable and sound advice. I would recommend to a friend.

    Lillian O'Reilly Avatar Lillian O'Reilly
  • I would recommend Terry to anyone looking to change career. He was a great help to me preparing my STAR examples and improving my interview skills. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Thanks Terry.

    Sarah McLean Avatar Sarah McLean
  • I did an interview session with Terry. I cannot recommend him highly enough. Terry was extremely knowledgeable and gave me a clear understanding of what employers are looking for. I came away with valuable new insights and a much clearer approach. The session also helped me to work through each part of the interview in a structured and practical way, leaving me feeling calm, prepared and confident for interview. I was delighted to secure the role that I was hoping for. Thank you!

    F C Avatar F C
  • Terry was very helpful when I called and gave very useful advice. I would highly recommend.

    peter lonergan Avatar peter lonergan
  • Terry is a lovely personable individual who is really good at giving clear and thoughtful insights and a steer based on your career direction. I am very glad I contacted him and I would highly recommend him.

    inis oilean 2 Avatar inis oilean 2
  • Terry was excellent and breaking down the requirements of the interview process and tool a lot of time going through the questions and helping me prepare my answers. I had previously undertaken 4 local interviews without sucess. Thanks to his help I was very sucessful on the national panel and got my dream job.

    b nay Avatar b nay
  • I found Terry really helpful. Clear guidance and insigthful advice.

    Kevin McCormack Avatar Kevin McCormack
  • Terry is simply exceptional. He helped me twice, for two international roles and 100% of success. He became a life long trusted partner and a go-to guy for my next endeavor. Hiring him was one of the best decisions I've ever taken in my professional life.

    jean salim Avatar jean salim
  • Terry is an amazing coach, I benefitted massively from his guidance, ability to highlight what is essential and actionable feedback. He is very reliable and was always available, even on short notice

    Customer Avatar Customer

For over 20 years, I have prepared people for public sector competency interviews

Book a 15-minute call with Terry

I'd be happy to have a complimentary call to discuss your interview and how I can help you prepare. Just fill in your details below and I’ll be in touch.

Civil Service Interview Preparation

Prepare for Civil Service competency and capability based interviews with a clear understanding of what the interview panel is looking for.

Competency & Capability Interviews for Public Sector

Identify your strongest examples and develop answers that clearly demonstrate your competencies, capabilities, experience and achievements.

CO, EO, HEO, AP & PO Interviews

Specialist interview preparation for Civil Service competitions from Clerical Officer & Executive Officer to HEO, Assistant Principal and Principal Officer.

Mock Interview Support & Feedback

Practise the questions you're likely to face, test your answers and get clear, practical feedback before the real interview.

HSE Competency Interview Preparation

One-to-one interview coaching for HSE competency-based interviews, tailored to the role, competencies and requirements of your interview.

Support with Interview Presentations 

Get support developing the structure, content and key messages for your interview presentation - and practise delivering it with confidence.

HSE Interview Preparation

I work with people across a wide range of HSE roles – from medical consultants, Clinical Nurse Managers and nurses to physiotherapists, occupational therapists, managers and administrative staff.

HSE interviews vary depending on the role and level, so we'll tailor your preparation using your job specification and competency framework, focusing on what the interview panel is looking for.

Civil Service Interview Preparation

I prepare people for Civil Service interviews, from CO and EO through to HEO, AP and PO competitions.

What the interview panel expects changes as you move through the grades. We'll focus on the level you're applying for and make sure your examples demonstrate what the panel is looking for.

Competency Interview Preparation Package

€580

  • Comprehensive 3-hour coaching package with leading interview expert Terry O'Brien. 
  • Designed for Civil Service, HSE and public sector interviews.
  • Templates and worksheets provided so you can begin preparing before the coaching session.
  • Mock interview and review of STAR competency answers.
  •  Get all the support you need to prepare for a competency or capability based interview. 

Mock Interview

1-hour mock interview session with Terry O'Brien

€200

  • Build confidence: A one-to-one personalised session to practice your interview answers and build confidence
  • Suitable for all levels: Ideal for anyone looking to improve at interview, from junior to senior professionals.


Confidently showcase your competencies, experience and achievements and make a lasting impression


"When I met Terry, I had applied for a senior role. I was overthinking things, lacking in focus and lacking in confidence. After an afternoon with Terry, I was in a much better position. Terry helped me draw out the best examples of my skills and experience to use. He kept reminding me to focus on what the interview panel needed to know. I was ultimately successful in the interview and have been in this job for several months now


Jack Hyland

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I boost my confidence if I'm nervous about interviews?

If you're feeling anxious about interviews, coaching can be very beneficial. We’ll work together to create strong, impactful answers that align perfectly with the role you are applying for. We'll also practice your answers during a mock interview, to perfect your delivery and reduce nerves. We will use various strategies to help you feel calm, confident and ready to perform in your interview. 

I've been unsuccessful in previous interviews. Can you help me?

Yes of course. I’m here to help you learn from those experiences and perform well in your next interview. We'll review your past interviews to see what didn't work. Together, we'll focus on building your confidence and improving your answers and communication. With practice and support, you'll feel more confident and ready to succeed in your next interview.

Should I schedule a call with Terry before making a booking, or can I book directly?

You can do whatever works best for you. If you'd prefer to have a chat first, feel free to schedule a call to discuss your needs and how I can best support you. Otherwise, you can go ahead and book your coaching session directly here. 

Your Interview Coach

In his early career, Terry owned and ran his own recruitment company. He has worked with hundreds of professionals across the public and private sector, preparing them for interviews and success. 


If you're ready to excel at interview and communicate with confidence, get in touch.

How it works

  1. 1
    Make a Booking
    Choose your interview package and book a session at a time that suits your schedule
  2. 2
    Preparation and Mock Interviews
    Together we will prepare your interview answers, create your unique story and do a mock interview 
  3. 3
    Perform at Interview
    Communicate your answers and competencies with confidence and ease 

Book a 15-minute call with Terry


I'd be happy to have a complimentary call to discuss your interview and how I can help you prepare. Just fill in your details below and I’ll be in touch.



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