Competency based interview

kay126

i have an interview tomorrow which is going to be made up of biographical and competency based questions. I have been trying to come up with examples of things i have done in the past but im afraid of repeating myself as my work experience is limited and i havent had a formal interview before, has anybody got any tips, im am familiar with the STAR technique and i have been practicing this... Im so nervous...

gibson123

The Good thing about a competency based interview is that it allows you to draw from a wide range of experience not just work-based. So for example if you had to talk about team work, you could talk about a team sport you are involved in, your role in the team, how you contribute to the overall team and how the team is better for you being in it.

bevanuk

Most competancy's are also scored on how well you answered, not just the content of your answer.

Try and use work related examples - but if you can't go outside of it. These should be your first port of call though.

GL!

paddyrg

And RELAX! It is possible to over-prepare and get yourself in a state!

Have a big breathe, don't try to anticipate every question, but think of a couple of achievements you've been proud of which you can refer to. More importantly, arrive in good time, dress tidy, read up a bit about the company to show you're interested, and relate with the interviewer - be personable, respectful, listen to what they say and give it back to them in the answers where appropriate, and just make sure you represent yourself as you are, but in your best light.

Lovelyjoolz

Don't be afraid to take a notebook with you, with notes in to prompt you. You can always ask if they mind you refering to your notes, but I doubt if they would.

I am always impressed with candidates who are visibly prepared and keen. The fact that they have taken the time to list down their strengths and reate them to the job spec is proof that they would actually like the job.

It's OK to be nervous too - it shows that you care about the role. If you weren't nervous then I would assume that you didn't give a hoot whether you got the job or not. And no one wants to employ someone in a decent job who doesn't want to be there.