Competency Interviews

Navigating competency-based interview questions can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right planning and strategy, you can shine in these situations.

These interviews assess your abilities in alignment with the specific role you’re interviewing for, deep diving into skills, experience, and cultural fit crucial for long-term success in the organisation.

Why Competency-Based Interviews?

They are designed to gauge how well you align with the competency profile of the role. Partly to draw out skills and experience from previous roles which will benefit this role and organisation but also to ensure you match with the organisation’s values.

How to Prepare:

1. Study the Job Profile and Organisation: Understand the key competencies by studying the job profile and organisation to determine the key challenges and the skills and experience they would require.
2. Reflect on Achievements: Recollect 2-3 situations from the last 12-24 months that highlight achievements related to the key competencies.
3. Analyse Each Situation: Break down each situation by understanding its origin, key stages, your specific contribution, the result, and the lessons learned.

Execution During Interview – Employ the STAR System:

• S – Situation: Set the scene by providing context to the project or situation.
• T – Task: Highlight your specific tasks and objectives clearly.
• A – Action: Emphasize what you did, using ‘I’ and providing detailed insights.
• R – Result: Conclude with a positive, quantifiable result and insights into what you learned.

Final Tips:

• Be Flexible: Adapt your examples to the specific questions asked.
• Be Succinct: Less is more. Provide one key point for each element of the STAR system.
• Prepare Questions: Finish strong by having thoughtful questions that demonstrate your research about the organisation and your potential value in this role.

In essence, competency interviews demand adaptability, clarity, and a focused approach. Strive for precision, showcase your value, and always have thoughtful questions at the ready to leave a lasting impression.