CANDIDATE GUIDE TO COMPETENCE BASED INTERVIEWS

A competence based interview is an interview in which each candidate is asked similar questions, designed to obtain information about the match between the candidate’s competencies and those required for the job.

 

During the interview you will be asked questions to gain information about the key competencies, often beginning with phrases like:

 

“Tell me about a time when……………….”

“Describe an occasion when……………...”

“When has it been important to…………..”

 

This may feel strange at first, not at least because it appears rather formal as an approach and, the interviewer will be taking note of all the evidence for each of the competencies from your responses to the questions.

 

Remember that the interviewer is interested in finding out about you and what you have achieved, not about your team, project or manager’s achievements.  So, remember to talk about the part you played in the teams achievements, your contribution to the project’s deliverables and how you have supported your manager and the business through the achievement of your objectives.

 

During the interview, remember that you should try to answer the question as specifically as you can.  If the interview stops you from expanding on a particular point don’t let this put you off.  The interviewer must ensure that you have sufficient opportunity to discuss the key competencies they are interviewing for.  They may steer you back onto areas where you describe your competencies in more detail.

 

There will be an opportunity at the end of the interview for you to add any information that you think is relevant but has not been covered during the interview.  This is also the point at which you should ask any outstanding questions you have about the job.

 

After the interview

The interviewers will review the notes taken during the interview and make a decision regarding each candidate’s suitability for that role.

 

In summary, the competency based interview is being used to improve the objectivity and quality of selection decisions.  It makes no additional requirement of you, but you should prepare for the interview in a slightly different may, as outlined above.  The benefit of this approach is that it allows each individual interview the opportunity to explain how their own competencies and experience match the particular requirements of the job.