Competency based interviews
Author
Discussion

Freakuk

Original Poster:

4,740 posts

180 months

Thursday 10th January 2013
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Just after some advice, I don't think I'm particularly good at interviews it's just not my thing and I've got an interview on Monday for a new role which is competency based.

I've got a brief from the agency but I thought I would ask the masses for any help and advise that you may have.

bigandclever

14,337 posts

267 months

Thursday 10th January 2013
quotequote all
What did the agency brief you on the likely competencies to be important to the interviewer?

blippo1984

358 posts

175 months

Thursday 10th January 2013
quotequote all
If you're asked a competancy based question they are looking for you to demonstrate certain skills in answering the question. For example 'Tell me a time you led a team' they want to see leadership, communication, organisation. To be honest, most interview questions are competancy based beyond 'tell me a bit about yourself'. Most commonly you will be asked 3 or 4.

I would prepare in the following manner

1. Google 'common competancy questions'

2. Select 5 to 10 different questions.

3. Write an answer to each question down in detail. Make sure each answer demonstrates the competancy. You can't take this into the interview but you should remember the details.


In the interview it is likely you will be asked variations of the same question ("tell me a time you led a team" vs "what do you think is important in a leader" etc).

When you get asked the question, take a moment to think. Select an experience or example you had thought about before and answer the question.

Be wary of negative questions, for example 'tell me a time you led a project and failed' as you are expected to talk about a specific example and then demonstrate self awarenes and knowledge by analysing why it failed and what you would do differently in the future.

I hope this is some help - good luck!


timbo999

1,537 posts

284 months

Saturday 12th January 2013
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Google STAR interview approach

Situation
Task
Action
Result

Gives you a framework to put your answer in - worked well for me in past (contractor so done a lot of interviews in my time - ahem!)

oldbanger

4,328 posts

267 months

Saturday 12th January 2013
quotequote all
timbo999 said:
Google STAR interview approach

Situation
Task
Action
Result

Gives you a framework to put your answer in - worked well for me in past (contractor so done a lot of interviews in my time - ahem!)
Yes, this is very useful. Having been on both sides of the table, it's quite obvious when people have used star, and they come off a lot better than other candidates because the answer is focused and clear.

T5R+

1,226 posts

238 months

Monday 14th January 2013
quotequote all
oldbanger said:
timbo999 said:
Google STAR interview approach

Situation
Task
Action
Result
Yes, this is very useful. Having been on both sides of the table, it's quite obvious when people have used star, and they come off a lot better than other candidates because the answer is focused and clear.
Situation
Task
Action
Result
Evaluation

If you are confident enough add E. Blows most interviewers minds.