At H-Suite, our roots run deep in the Public Sector — having been actively involved when the Competency-Based Interview Framework was first introduced in the mid-to-late 1990s. This long-standing experience gives us a unique, insider perspective on how the process works, how it has evolved, and what it takes to truly stand out. We are also keenly aware of the new Capability Framework recently developed by the Public Appointments Services.
Over the past 30 years, we’ve helped thousands of candidates successfully prepare for interviews across the Public and Civil Service, from local authority roles to senior leadership positions, HSE roles and candidates from an Garda Síochana. We’ve also trained and sat on Interview Board panels, giving us a 360-degree understanding of the expectations, nuances, and standards required at every level.
Whether you’re preparing for your first public sector interview or aiming for a senior leadership role, H-Suite provides expert, tailored support to help you meet and exceed the benchmark.
Ciarán Hourican, Managing Director of H-Suite, leads our Competency-Based Interview Coaching and Executive Development programmes. With decades of experience coaching professionals across both the Public and Private Sectors, Ciarán brings a powerful combination of strategic insight, deep empathy, and a proven, results-driven approach to every client engagement.
Ciarán has worked extensively with a wide range of public sector organisations, including the HSE, Irish Prison Service, An Garda Síochána, Tusla, numerous Local Authorities, along with Fórsa Trade Union. His breadth of experience across these sectors allows him to offer clients a unique, nuanced perspective on the challenges they face — and how to confidently overcome them.
As an accomplished Executive Coach, Ciarán is passionate about helping people unlock their full potential. His coaching style is grounded, practical, and tailored — empowering clients to communicate with clarity, lead with confidence, and perform at their best when it matters most.
Competency Based Interview Support sessions focus on your experience, challenges and how best to communicate your competitive advantage. We regularly support candidates to place at the top of panels and secure roles. Given our engagement across hiring processes, and having trained a range of interview boards we are uniquely placed to offer specialist expertise to clients across the public sector & civil service along with multinationals and SME’s. Please note these session can be applied to Application Form Preparation or Interview Prep.
Career Coaching sessions begin with identifying a clients strategic career and lifestyle goals. From here development opportunities that support and clarify what a fulfilling lifestyle looks like are further reviewed. Collaborating with organisations across recruitment and training enables us to assist candidates in mapping out pathways, leveraging their experience and communicating their value effectively. This work is also conducted in light of the financial realities of each client, but it is important to emphasis that it is not a purely financial endeavour and we derive great fulfilment in supporting people to get what they want.
