Competency-based Interviews

[Deleted User]

Hi everyone,

I have a competency based interview (my first face to face one ever) for a job this week. I was wondering if anyone had been successful at this type of interview in the past and if you might have some advice for me? Also, I completed a telephone interview for the same company where I had to discuss two competencies. The man who conducted the telephone interview will be one of the interviewers in person. Would it be a complete no-no to use the same competencies as those I used on the phone in person? There are a total of 6 competencies face to face in addition to a test.

Thanks everyone x

want-it-all

Deleted_User wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I have a competency based interview (my first face to face one ever) for a job this week. I was wondering if anyone had been successful at this type of interview in the past and if you might have some advice for me? Also, I completed a telephone interview for the same company where I had to discuss two competencies. The man who conducted the telephone interview will be one of the interviewers in person. Would it be a complete no-no to use the same competencies as those I used on the phone in person? There are a total of 6 competencies face to face in addition to a test.

Thanks everyone x

The point of CBIs is for you to demonstrate a specific example of how you've achieved any particular competency in the past.

So, for example, if you're asked about a time when you've worked under pressure, an appropriate answer would be along the lines of: "one day, my line manager was unexpectedly sick, but there were still x, y, z tasks to be completed in her absence. So, I rallied the team together and delegated x, y, z tasks to team members a, b, c. It was tough, but by putting in extra hours and quickly mastering new tasks, myself and my team managed to get the job done to a high standard".

An inappropriate example would be along the lines of: "oh, I work under pressure all the time [full stop]".

Would try to avoid re-hashing competencies already used (especially if you'll be facing the person who interviewed you over the phone). Try to think of different examples, but call on your existing examples if desperate (better to re-hash an 'old' competency story than to not answer in a competency-based manner at all)

[Deleted User]

Thank you! Do you have any idea how long the competencies should be in length (time wise)?

want-it-all

Deleted_User wrote: »

Thank you! Do you have any idea how long the competencies should be in length (time wise)?

As in the length of time you'd be expected to talk over one specific competency? Dunno, couple of minutes? There's only so much you could say, but it depends as much on the question as upon what example(s) you've got stories to tell of...

soccermom

sounds like you are going for the same job as I did not for the ambulance service is it they are recruiting in Newcastle.

They will ask you questions like when did you give good customer service and give specific example.

Give me a time when you had to make a tough decision.

An example of when you had to ask for some extra help or training

An example of hen you listened.

Look at the job you are going for I think about the skills you will need and ask yourself what type of question could they well ask.

I got the job

[Deleted User]

want-it-all wrote: »

As in the length of time you'd be expected to talk over one specific competency? Dunno, couple of minutes? There's only so much you could say, but it depends as much on the question as upon what example(s) you've got stories to tell of...

Thanks, yes I meant the length of time. My problem is that I have just finished uni and don't have a GREAT deal of work experience so I am using mostly examples from uni an volunteer work as my work-based examples are pretty lame. I know one of my competencies will be team work but I can't think of anything that could impress the interviewers! Nerve wracking!

want-it-all

Deleted_User wrote: »

Thanks, yes I meant the length of time. My problem is that I have just finished uni and don't have a GREAT deal of work experience so I am using mostly examples from uni an volunteer work as my work-based examples are pretty lame. I know one of my competencies will be team work but I can't think of anything that could impress the interviewers! Nerve wracking!

I wouldn't worry about the just finished uni thing...I just assumed you were working, but you can apply scenarios from your personal/academic/work/voluntary life, no problem.

Presumably your interviewers already know the extent of your experience, so don't see it as a barrier

London18

I've done loads of these, on both sides of the fence... It's OK, you just can't make unsubstantiated claims such as "I have excellent influencing skills" as you'll be asked to back it up!

I'm assuming that the job description lists the competencies required? Using that and the job duties you should be able to work out what sort of experience they are looking for. (Competencies are very broad so within them there is still quite a bit of narrowing down to mach the specific job requirements).

So now you can anticipate the questions and prepare some answers. I strongly suggest writing them down as it helps with short term memory, and it will make you feel more confident and the interview flow better.

Competency questions are looking for real life examples of when you demonstrated those behaviours. So consider
a) What was the situation you were faced with (briefly describe for background)
b) What you did in response (actual things you did /said - be reasonably specific)
c) Why you did it (thought processes behind your decisions/actions)
d) What the outcome or result of your actions were (did it work?)
e) What you would do differently in hindsight

I would say if you can come up wih different examples from the telephone interview then try to but don't worry, the other interviewer hasn't heard them so if they are the best examples to display your skills don't worry about repeating yourself.

If you google competency based questions or the like, you'll get lots of sites giving advice.

NB: don't try to make stuff up that you haven't actually done, you'll probably get caught out so stay honest!

Hope it goes well.

[Deleted User]

soccermom wrote: »

sounds like you are going for the same job as I did not for the ambulance service is it they are recruiting in Newcastle.

They will ask you questions like when did you give good customer service and give specific example.

Give me a time when you had to make a tough decision.

An example of when you had to ask for some extra help or training

An example of hen you listened.

Look at the job you are going for I think about the skills you will need and ask yourself what type of question could they well ask.

I got the job

Hi Soccermom,

Actually I did see that job (the one that you got, well done by the way!) but didn't apply because I didn't think I was suitably qualified. The one I am going for is in Darlington. On the job description, they have 7 key skills highlighted in bold so I'm guessing these are the ones they'll be asking at the interview. How much did you prepare before your interview?

[Deleted User]

London18 wrote: »

I've done loads of these, on both sides of the fence... It's OK, you just can't make unsubstantiated claims such as "I have excellent influencing skills" as you'll be asked to back it up!

I'm assuming that the job description lists the competencies required? Using that and the job duties you should be able to work out what sort of experience they are looking for. (Competencies are very broad so within them there is still quite a bit of narrowing down to mach the specific job requirements).

So now you can anticipate the questions and prepare some answers. I strongly suggest writing them down as it helps with short term memory, and it will make you feel more confident and the interview flow better.

Competency questions are looking for real life examples of when you demonstrated those behaviours. So consider
a) What was the situation you were faced with (briefly describe for background)
b) What you did in response (actual things you did /said - be reasonably specific)
c) Why you did it (thought processes behind your decisions/actions)
d) What the outcome or result of your actions were (did it work?)
e) What you would do differently in hindsight

I would say if you can come up wih different examples from the telephone interview then try to but don't worry, the other interviewer hasn't heard them so if they are the best examples to display your skills don't worry about repeating yourself.

If you google competency based questions or the like, you'll get lots of sites giving advice.

NB: don't try to make stuff up that you haven't actually done, you'll probably get caught out so stay honest!

Hope it goes well.

Hi London18,

Yes, the job description has several key skills (such as team work, communication, problem solving) highlighted, and since I believe these are quite commonly targets of competency based interviews, I'm guessing they will come up. I agree that writing them down is a good idea, and if I can, I'm going to try and think of a couple of examples for each, just in case they ask. I am avoiding making anything up too; interviews are stressful enough without attempting to remember the details of a made-up story! Thanks so much for your advice, I'll be using your structure for every answer.

soccermom

Deleted_User wrote: »

Hi Soccermom,

Actually I did see that job (the one that you got, well done by the way!) but didn't apply because I didn't think I was suitably qualified. The one I am going for is in Darlington. On the job description, they have 7 key skills highlighted in bold so I'm guessing these are the ones they'll be asking at the interview. How much did you prepare before your interview?

TBH I did a lot of googling competancy based interviews tried to research as many questions as I could.

From what it sounds like you would have been well suited, there are a few there with your kind of background.

The 4 weeks training would have seen you right hard work but worth it in the end.

Theres lots of appraisals and coaching and help is always on hand plus lots of benefits and great pay.

Thanks by the way.


Good luck with your interview.