Seven examples of competency-based interview questions
posted 07 Aug 23
If you’ve ever been for a job interview, chances are you were asked a series of competency-based questions. Competency-based questions are commonplace in recruitment and are used by employers to test a potential candidate’s skills and abilities; this increases the likelihood that if selected, they’ll be able to perform the role to the required standard.
The questions are often phrased in ways such as “give an example of a time when…”, which is a prompt for you to describe a situation from start to finish. Although daunting, you shouldn’t fear competency-based questions, as good preparation and practice will ensure you handle the questions effectively and confidently.
Competency-based interview questions cover a range of aptitudes that all employers want to see in candidates applying for their jobs. This list is not conclusive but will give you an idea of what you can expect. To help you prepare for that all important interview, we have outlined the most common competency-based questions covering the seven important aptitudes you should display in an interview.
Competency-based interview questions examples
1. Adaptability
Describe the biggest change that you have dealt with in the workplace? How did you cope with it?
2. Communication
Tell us about a situation where your communication skills made a difference?
3. Creativity
Tell us about a time where you had to think ‘outside the box’?
4. Decisiveness
Describe a time when you had to make a crucial decision in the workplace?
5. Flexibility
Describe a situation where you had to change your approach to a task.
6. Leadership
Tell us about a time where you faced a challenge leading your team, and how did you address this?
7. Teamwork
Describe a time where you positively contributed to your team.
So now you know some of the most common competency-based questions, draw on your experiences to answer and demonstrate the seven aptitudes above. We recommend you use the 4-step STAR technique to structure your answer and cover all bases, including Situation, Task, Analysis, and Result.
Are you ready to put your newly acquired interview tips to the test? Check out our current jobs to browse opportunities in your industry. Alternatively, if you need more support improving your interview technique, contact your nearest Search office and a specialist member of our team will be happy to assist.
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