Competency interviews are a common method used by employers to assess a candidate's skills, behaviours, and attitudes against the requirements of a specific role. These interviews evaluate how you have demonstrated particular competencies in your experiences. Here we will explain competency interviews simply, covering what they are, why they are used, and how you can excel in them.
What is a Competency Interview?
A competency interview is a structured interview format where candidates are asked to provide examples of past behaviour that demonstrate specific competencies relevant to the job they are applying for. These competencies can include skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Common Competencies Assessed
1. Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with others.
2. Leadership: Ability to lead and motivate a team.
3. Communication: Ability to convey information clearly and effectively.
4. Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve issues.
5. Adaptability: Ability to handle change and unexpected situations.
6. Attention to Detail: Ability to be thorough and accurate in tasks.
7. Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.
Why are Competency Interviews Used?
Competency interviews are used because they provide a reliable method for predicting future job performance based on past behaviour. Employers believe that past behaviour is a strong indicator of future behaviour, and by understanding how you have handled situations in the past, they can better assess your suitability for the role.
Structure of a Competency Interview
A typical competency interview follows a structured format:
1. Introduction
The interviewer explains the interview format and outlines the competencies they will be assessing. This sets the stage for the types of questions you can expect.
2. Competency-Based Questions
The interviewer asks questions designed to elicit specific examples of past behaviour. These questions often start with phrases like "Tell me about a time when..." or "Give me an example of how you...".
3. SAR Method Framework
The SAR framework was built in 2018 by Enterview LTD. The SAR Framework is a simple method to breaking down your competency answers into easy bite size story format:
- Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge.
- Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the task or challenge.
- Result: Share the outcomes or results of your actions, quantifying them where possible.
4. Follow-Up Questions
The interviewer may ask follow-up questions to probe deeper into your examples. These questions aim to understand your thought process, decision-making, and the impact of your actions.
5. Ending the Interviewer
The interview typically ends with an opportunity for you to ask questions about the role or the company. This is also your chance to summarize your interest in the position and reiterate your key strengths.
5 Top Tips
Prepare Thoroughly: Reflect on your experiences and identify examples that demonstrate the key competencies for the role. Use the SAR method to structure your answers.
Be Specific: Provide detailed and specific examples. Avoid general statements and focus on your individual contributions.
Highlight Results: Emphasize the outcomes of your actions and how they benefited your team or organization. Quantify results where possible.
Seek Training: Practising your delivery is an essential in delivery to ensure your responses are clear, concise and in line with the interviewees’ values. When it comes to first time jobseekers or high profile job opportunities, it is best to seek feedback through professional coaching
Stay Calm and Positive: Approach the interview with confidence and maintain a positive attitude. If you encounter a challenging question, take a moment to think before responding.
Common Competency Interview Questions
Teamwork: "Tell me about a time when you worked successfully as part of a team."
Leadership: "Give an example of a situation where you had to lead a team."
Communication: "Describe a time when you had to communicate a difficult message to someone."
Problem-Solving: "Can you provide an example of a problem you solved at work?"
Adaptability: "Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work."
Attention to Detail: "Give an example of a task that required you to pay attention to detail."
Time Management: "Describe how you manage your time when dealing with multiple tasks."
Competency interviews are a key part of the recruitment process, allowing employers to assess whether candidates possess the necessary skills and behaviours for a role. By understanding the structure of these interviews and preparing thoughtful, specific examples using the SAR method, you can demonstrate your competencies effectively. With thorough preparation and a confident approach, you can turn competency interviews into an opportunity to showcase your strengths and secure your desired role.
Content created by: Marios Zenonos
Marios brings nearly two decades of experience in building talent attraction functions from the ground up. He specializes in developing and implementing high-level strategies and training programs for senior leadership teams within small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Marios guides these teams through the complexities of modern talent attraction and retention, ensuring they have the necessary tools to secure and maintain their talent for future business growth.
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