Interview Question Tips
Competency Based Interviews
The idea behind a competency is to make interviews objective. In this style of interview you are looking for the interviewee to discuss relevant examples of things that they have actually done rather than theorize about may be done in a given situation.
One of the most important things to remember with this type of approach is that the you can only score on what is verbalised, you cannont score based upon what you think that they know.
Competency based questions tend to work in the following way:
Situation and Constraints
What you did?
Why you did it that way?
Who else was involved?
What you achieved?
Below are listed 16 common core competancies that you can select from depending upon your clients need, however it is not advisable to focus on more than 5 at any one time.
Each competancy has a a list of example questions that can be used when focusing on this competancy and tells you what desired behaviours and negative indicators to look for in the interviewees answers.
16 Core Competencies |
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A |
ACTION ORIENTATION | Demonstrates a readiness to make decisions, take the initiative and originate action. |
B |
COMMERCIAL AWARENESS |
Understands and applies commercial and financial principles. Views issues in terms of costs, profits, markets and added value. |
C |
CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION |
Creates new and imaginative approaches to work related issues. Identifies fresh approaches and shows a willingness to question traditional assumptions. |
D |
DRIVE AND RESILIENCE |
Maintains effective work behaviour in the face of setbacks or pressure. Remains calm, stable and in control of themselves. |
E |
FLEXIBILITY |
Successfully adapts to changing demands and conditions. |
F |
INTERPERSONAL SENSITIVITY |
Interacts with others in a sensitive and effective way. Respects and works well with others. |
G |
LEADERSHIP |
Motivates and empowers others to reach organisational goals. |
H |
ORAL COMMUNICATION |
Speaks clearly, fluently and in a compelling manner to both individuals and groups. |
I |
PERSONAL MOTIVATION |
Commits self to work hard towards goals. Shows enthusiasm and career commitment. |
J |
PERSUASIVENESS |
Influences, convinces or impresses others in a way that results in acceptance, agreement or behaviour change. |
K |
PLANNING AND ORGANISATION |
Organises and schedules events, activities and resources. Sets up and monitors timescales and plans. |
L |
PROBLEM SOLVING AND ANALYSIS |
Analyses issues and breaks them down into their component parts. Makes systematic and rational judgements based on relevant information. |
M |
QUALITY ORIENTATION |
Shows awareness of goals and standards. Follows through to ensure that quality and productivity standards are met. |
N |
SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE |
Understands technical or professional aspects of work and continually maintains technical knowledge. |
O |
STRATEGIC |
Demonstrates a broad based view of issues, events and activities and a perception of their longer-term impact or wider implications. |
P |
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION | Writes in clear and concise manner, using appropriate grammar, style and language for the reader. |