Mastering Competency-Based Interviews

Navigating competency-based interviews can be a daunting task for many candidates. However, with the right preparation and understanding, you can turn these opportunities into gateways for career advancement. Stephanie Mulholland, our Commercial Director and HR Recruitment Expert at Hunter Savage, brings over 20 years of experience in recruitment to share her essential tips for excelling in competency-based interviews.

Understanding Competency-Based Interviews:

Competency-based interviews are structured to assess specific attributes and skills by asking candidates to provide real-life examples as evidence of their past behaviour in certain situations. These interviews focus on skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.

Top Tips for Competency-Based Interviews:

Prepare Your Examples: Before the interview, review the job description and identify the competencies listed. Prepare examples that demonstrate these skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.

Be Concise but Detailed: When describing situations, be specific about your role and the outcome. Provide enough detail to paint a clear picture but avoid unnecessary filler.

Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your responses to ensure that you can deliver them smoothly during the interview. This practice will help you feel more confident and less likely to ramble.

Do's and Don'ts:

Do: Research the company thoroughly to tailor your examples to reflect the organisation's values and the role's requirements.

Don't: Avoid examples that don't conclude with a positive result or learning experience.

Do: Maintain a positive demeanour and professional body language.

Don't: Don’t speak negatively about past employers or colleagues.

Preparing for the Interview:

Research the company: Understand their mission, culture, and recent developments.

Review your CV: Be ready to discuss anything you have listed in detail.

Plan your journey: Ensure you arrive on time, considering potential delays.

Questions to Consider Asking the Panel: Ensure you have some relevant question to ask the panel when they have finished asking you their questions.  Some examples may include:

What are the main challenges facing the department currently?

How will success be measured in this role?

Can you describe the team or company culture?

What are the next steps in the interview process?

As you prepare for your competency-based interview, remember that this is also an opportunity for you to determine if the role and company align with your career goals.

For further guidance or to explore new career opportunities, visit our website at huntersavage.com or reach out to a member of our team for a confidential chat. We are here to help you navigate your career journey with confidence.

We hope these tips help you feel prepared and empowered for your next competency-based interview. Good luck!