How to ace your competency-based interview questions
Posted On December 17, 2022 - 12:00 AM
Are you gearing up for a job interview and feeling a tad nervous about competency-based interview questions? You’re certainly not alone! Competency-based interviews have gained popularity as a way for employers to assess a candidate’s suitability for a position. These questions aim to delve deep into your past experiences and behaviours to predict your future performance. However, with the right approach, you can shine in your competency-based interview. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with valuable insights and tips to help you excel in your next competency-based interview.
Understanding competency-based interviews
Before we dive into tips for success, it’s essential to grasp what competency-based interviews entail. These interviews revolve around specific competencies or skills that are crucial for the role you’re applying for. Interviewers will pose types of questions that require you to provide real-life examples of how you’ve demonstrated these competencies in your previous work, education, or volunteer experiences.
Common competencies encompass teamwork, leadership, communication skills, problem-solving, adaptability, decision-making, and time management, among others. The key to acing these interviews is to prepare by identifying the competencies relevancy to the job and crafting well-thought-out answers.
Tips for excelling in competency-based interview questions
1. Thoroughly research the job and company
Kickstart your preparation by conducting comprehensive research on the role and the company. Gain an understanding of the core competencies needed for the role and the company’s culture and values. This knowledge will help you customize your answers to align with the company’s expectations.
2. Review your CV
Expect the interviewer to inquire about your past experiences and achievements. Take some time to review your resume and be ready to discuss the specific roles and responsibilities you’ve held in the past. Your resume serves as the primary reference for the interviewer, so ensure you can discuss it confidently.
3. Identify key competencies
Compile a list of the competencies that are likely to be evaluated during the interview. You can often find these in the job description or through online research. Contemplate specific examples from your past which showcase your proficiency in these areas.
4. Utilize the STAR method
When responding to competency-based questions, rely on the STAR technique. This technique highlights specific skills used in previous roles and is a common interview technique hiring managers look out for:
— S — Situation:
Describe the situation or context where you displayed the competency.
— T — Task:
Explain the task you needed to accomplish by giving an example of a situation.
— A — Action:
Detail the actions you took to address the task by giving examples of competency.
— R — Result:
Share the outcome and the lessons you learned from the experience.
5. Practice, practice, practice
Practice questions and answers to common competency-based interview questions. Enlist a friend or family member to conduct mock interviews or, even better, record yourself to review and refine your answers. The more you practice sample answers, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become.
6. Be honest and specific
Avoid embellishing or offering generic responses. Interviewers can often detect insincerity. Be truthful about your experiences, even if they weren’t all smooth sailing. It’s acceptable to discuss challenges you’ve faced as long as you can demonstrate what you’ve learned from those situations.
7. Seek feedback
After a mock interview or a real situational interview, request feedback. Discover your strengths, skill sets, and areas where you can improve. Constructive criticism is invaluable for personal growth.
8. Maintain composure
During the actual interview, stay calm and composed. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering questions and resist the urge to rush. Remember that the interviewer is interested in your ability to handle pressure, so demonstrating composure is a competency in itself.
9. Follow up
After the interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. This is also an opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention any key points you want to emphasize.
Conclusion
Competency-based interviews may be demanding, but with proper preparation and a systematic approach, you can thrive and increase your chances of securing your ideal job. Keep in mind that practice and the ability to draw from real-life experiences to support your assertions are the keys to success. By following the tips provided in this blog post, you’re well on your way to excelling in your next competency-based interview and moving closer to achieving your career aspirations. Best of luck!