How to Answer Competency Based Interview Questions
By Annette Lewis
Competency Based Interviewing is an increasing popular tool used in large organisations such as Banks and Government departments with interviewers now being trained in competency based systems as standard.
This format is used in an effort to make the interview process as standard and as fair as possible. It is being adopted increasingly where many managers are interviewing for the same type of position at the same time.
Studies have shown Competency Based Interviewing to be about 5 times more accurate than traditional interviewing in assessing and choosing the right applicant.
Questions asked in Competency Based Interviews
This article deals with how to answer questions asked in Competency Based Interviews. These are commonly Behavioural Based in nature and are used to assess how a candidates past actions can be used as a predictor of future performance.
Behavioural interview questions require you to provide specific examples and usually take the form of:
- Tell me about a time when you....
- Give an example of a situation where....
- Describe a scenario....
Answering Competency Based Interview Questions
When answering competency based interview questions, I suggest choosing examples based on real experiences you have had. Avoid the temptation to invent or embellish.
Your response needs to be relevant and sufficiently detailed to show that you understand what is required, that you possess the relevant core competency and can use it effectively.
Your answers will be scored and the quality will depend on the extent of your preparation. Use the job description or advertisement to get an idea of the essential competencies required and prepare example of situations where you used these skills to achieve a successful outcome.
To help structure your answer most effectively I recommend a simple technique we call iPAR:
i = Always use 'I' when answering rather than 'We' even if it was a team effort
P = Talk about the PROBLEM or situation
A = Detail the ACTIONS or steps you took
R = Most importantly emphasise the positive RESULT using figures where appropriate.
Tell it like a story as this will better engage the interviewer.
As an alternative to the above structure, start your answer by detailing the result and then carrying on by describing the problem and the actions you took. For example, imagine a management level candidate started their answer with:
'In my current role I delivered a change management project which increased productivity by over 25% in year one.'
This is a powerful statement, one which will stimulate the interviewer's interest. They will be keen to hear more about the project and how it was delivered.
We advise preparing answers in advance relating to all the achievements on your resume/cv. By doing so, you will find that you have a sufficient stock of information which will help you answer any competency based interview question irrespective of the style used.
How to Succeed in Competency Based Interviews
For expert help with answering these difficult competency based questions, enter your email below and receive my FREE 3-Part Interview Tips Course delivered direct to your inbox. This great course will boost your confidence and get you ready to win in your next interview.
FREE Interview Tips
Sign up now and get FREE Interview Tips from our expert interview coach
About the Author
Annette Lewis is an accredited interviewer and has recruited for many organisations
within Healthcare, Education, Customer Services and Banking.
Like this Article? Why not Bookmark it or Share it.
¦ 
Stumble It! ¦ 
Save to del.icio.us
The InterviewGOLD™ Interview System is unique. Developed by experienced recruitment specialists, InterviewGOLD™ has helped thousands of candidates win top jobs.
- Arrive Fully Prepared, calm and confident
- Know Exactly What to Expect
- Communicate Easily and Fluidly
- Answer Tough Questions Easily
- Avoid Common Mistakes
- Sell Yourself Effectively and Win
