How to Succeed in a Competency-Based Interview

Many industries use competency-based interviews or incorporate competency-based questions into their interviews nowadays. How can you prepare?

Many industries use competency-based interviews or incorporate competency-based questions into their interviews nowadays. They are common across the board for jobs at all levels, but particularly in large organisations. The aim is to evaluate candidates' skills and experience against specific job requirements.

What is a Competency-Based Interview?

A competency-based interview - also known as a structured, behavioural or situational interview - follows a list of questions that aim to test a specific skill. It is more formal and systematic than a standard interview with a set of criteria used to score your answer for each particular skill that is considered relevant to the job.

Some of the key skills or competencies the interviews look to explore are communication, adaptability, resilience, teamwork, conflict resolution, commercial awareness, decision-making, problem-solving, organisation and leadership.

What Kind of Questions Will You Be Asked?

The questions will depend on the skills needed for the job you are interviewing for. They often begin with a request for you to give an example of an occasion where you used a particular skill, or what you would do in a particular scenario related to that skill.

For instance, you may be asked to describe a time when you solved a particular problem in your workplace, about a big decision you made at work, how you handled conflict at work or when you used your communication skills to good effect. You may be asked to describe your biggest achievement, how you function under pressure or how you coped with a major challenge.

How Should You Answer Competency-Based Questions?

Competency questions can best be tackled using what is known as the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action and Result). This method allows you to structure your answers clearly and show your skills off in the best light.

STAR involves:

Describe the Situation: Outline the situation or challenge you faced
Explain the Task ie what you needed to do to address the challenge
Outline the Action you took and why you chose that line of action
Describe the Result of that action and why it was effective

Try to relate your answers to the kind of role you are applying for and, although it is vital to prepare for particular questions, don’t make it look over-rehearsed. Do not embellish the truth.

How to Prepare for a Competency-Based Interview

To prepare, read the job description thoroughly, in particular the person specification. What skills are required for that role? Think about concrete examples of when and how you have demonstrated the skills required. Practise taking a STAR approach to your answers with a friend or family member so your answers are clear and concise.