What do you do if you want to ace a competency-based interview?

1 Understand Competencies

To excel in a competency-based interview, you must first understand what competencies are. Competencies are the skills, behaviors, and attributes that you need to perform a job effectively. They are often outlined in the job description, so review the listed requirements carefully. Identify the key competencies the employer is looking for, such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and communication. Once you have a clear understanding of these, you can begin to prepare relevant examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these qualities.

2 Reflect on Experiences

Take time to reflect on your past experiences and identify instances where you've demonstrated the competencies required for the job. Think about different situations you've faced at work, in volunteer roles, or during your education where you've applied these skills. Prepare specific examples that show how you handled challenges, worked with others, led a project, or communicated effectively. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a useful framework to structure your responses and provide concise, relevant anecdotes.

3 Practice Your Responses

Once you've identified your examples, practice articulating them clearly and confidently. Rehearse your responses to potential competency-based questions aloud, either with a friend or in front of a mirror. This will help you refine your answers, ensure they are to the point, and help you become more comfortable with the format of the interview. Remember to focus on your role in the examples you provide and the positive outcomes that resulted from your actions.

4 Tailor Your Examples

It's important to tailor your examples to the job you're applying for. This means choosing stories that best match the competencies the employer is seeking. Even if you have a great example of leadership, it might not be as relevant for a role that primarily requires customer service skills. Review the job posting again before the interview and think about which of your experiences align most closely with each listed competency.

5 Listen Carefully

During the interview, listen carefully to each question. Competency-based questions are often phrased in a way that requires a specific example. Pay attention to the competency being targeted by the question and resist the urge to give generic or overly broad answers. If you need a moment to think, it's perfectly acceptable to take a brief pause before responding. This ensures that your answer is well thought out and directly addresses the competency in question.

6 Stay Positive

Finally, maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview. Even if you're discussing a challenging situation or a failure, focus on what you learned and how you grew from the experience. Employers are not only looking for competencies but also for candidates who can demonstrate resilience and a positive approach to problem-solving. Your attitude can make a significant difference in how your examples are received and can leave a lasting positive impression on the interviewer.