The Power of Competency-Based Interviews - Example Questions and How to Answer

​For some time now in today's competitive job market, employers have been increasingly adopting competency-based interviews to assess candidates effectively. This interview approach focuses on evaluating specific skills, knowledge, and behaviours that are critical for success in a particular role. By delving beyond qualifications and experience, competency-based interviews provide a comprehensive understanding of a candidate's potential and suitability for the job.

If you’re not familiar with this style of interviewing we have outlined below the concept of competency-based interviews, their benefits, and provide some examples of competency-based questions.

Competency-based interviews are structured interviews designed to assess how well a candidate demonstrates specific competencies required for a particular job. Rather than relying solely on past experiences and qualifications, these interviews focus on the candidate's abilities, behaviours, and personal attributes. By assessing competencies, employers gain insights into a candidate's potential performance, problem-solving skills, teamwork, adaptability, and more.

Benefits of Competency-Based Interviews:

1. Objective Assessment: Competency-based interviews provide a structured framework for assessing candidates uniformly, reducing bias and subjectivity in the selection process.

2. Predictive Validity: By evaluating specific competencies, these interviews offer greater predictive validity, enabling employers to identify candidates who are more likely to succeed in the role.

3. Tailored to Job Requirements: Competencies are defined based on the specific skills and attributes needed for the position, ensuring a better fit between the candidate and the job.

4. Behavioural Evidence: Competency-based questions elicit responses about past behaviours, allowing employers to gauge how candidates have handled situations relevant to the role.

5. Enhanced Candidate Experience: Candidates appreciate the structured and fair nature of competency-based interviews, as they provide a clear understanding of what is being assessed and an opportunity to showcase their skills effectively.

Common Competency-Based Questions:

1. "Tell me about a time when you faced a challenging situation at work and how you resolved it." - This question assesses problem-solving skills, resilience, and decision-making abilities.

2. "Describe a situation where you had to work as part of a team to achieve a common goal." - This question evaluates teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills.

3. "Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment?" - This question examines adaptability, flexibility, and openness to change.

4. "Tell me about a project where you demonstrated leadership skills and how you motivated your team." - This question assesses leadership qualities, delegation abilities, and the candidate's impact on others.

5. "Describe a situation where you had to handle a dissatisfied customer. How did you address their concerns?" - This question evaluates customer service skills, conflict resolution, and the candidate's ability to handle difficult situations.

How To Answer Competency Based Questions

Here's a guide on how to answer competency-based interview questions effectively:

1. Understand the Competencies:

Review the job description and identify the key competencies required for the role. Common competencies include teamwork, communication, problem-solving, leadership, adaptability, and attention to detail.

Familiarise yourself with each competency and consider examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your proficiency in those areas.

2. Use the STAR Method:

Structure your answers using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

• Situation: Describe the context and background of the situation.

• Task: Explain the specific task or challenge you faced.

• Action: Describe the actions you took to address the situation.

• Result: Share the outcome of your actions and highlight any achievements or lessons learned.

3. Prepare Examples:

Prepare examples from your previous experiences that highlight your competencies.

For each competency, identify specific situations or projects where you demonstrated that competency.

Focus on examples that showcase your skills and achievements, and how they align with the requirements of the job.

4. Answering the Questions:

Listen carefully to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering.

Provide a concise and clear response, avoiding excessive jargon or technical terms.

Begin by summarizing the situation briefly and then delve into the actions you took to address it.

Emphasize your role in the situation, highlighting the skills and competencies you utilised.

Discuss the results or outcomes of your actions, including any positive impact, lessons learned, or improvements achieved.

5. Tailor Your Answers:

Tailor your answers to the specific competencies sought by the employer.

Use the job description and research about the company to understand their expectations and values.

Connect your responses to the requirements of the role and demonstrate how your competencies make you a strong fit.

6. Be Honest and Authentic:

Be honest in your responses and avoid exaggerating or fabricating examples.

Focus on presenting your genuine skills and experiences, and how they align with the competencies being assessed.

Use confident and positive language, demonstrating your enthusiasm and passion for the role.

7. Practice, Practice, Practice:

Practice answering competency-based questions before the interview.

Rehearse your examples and refine your responses to ensure clarity and conciseness.

Seek feedback from a trusted friend or mentor to improve your answers.

Remember, the key to answering competency-based interview questions is to provide specific, relevant, and well-structured examples that showcase your skills and competencies. By preparing thoroughly and using the STAR method, you can effectively demonstrate your suitability for the role and increase your chances of success.

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