Inside the Headlines

Competency Framework and Competency-Based Interview

A competency-based interview focuses on a candidates past experiences to determine how well they align with the core competencies required for a specific job. Instead of asking hypothetical questions, interviewers use structured questions that prompt candidates to share real-life examples of how they handled situations in the past.

Typical competencies assessed might include:

  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Adaptability
  • Decision-making
  • Time management
  • Conflict resolution

To answer competency-based questions effectively, candidates are encouraged to use the STAR technique:

  • Situation – Describe the background and context.
  • Task – Explain the task or challenge involved.
  • Action – Detail the actions you took to address the situation.
  • Result – Share the outcomes or results of your actions.
  • This structured format helps interviewees provide clear, concise, and compelling responses.

Sample Competency-Based Questions

  • Teamwork. (Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team to achieve a goal.)
  • Problem-solving. (Describe a situation where you faced a difficult problem. How did you resolve it?)
  • Leadership. (Can you give an example of when you had to lead a project or motivate others?)
  • Adaptability. (Share a time when you had to adjust to a significant change at work.)
  • Conflict Resolution. (Describe a disagreement you had with a colleague. How did you handle it?)

To prepare for a competency-based interview, take the following steps.

  1. Understand the Job Description: Identify the key competencies required for the role.
  2. Reflect on Past Experiences: Think of examples from work, school, volunteer activities, or personal projects that demonstrate those competencies.
  3. Practice the STAR Technique: Write down your stories and practice delivering them with confidence.
  4. Be Honest and Specific: Avoid vague generalizations. Specific examples are more impactful and memorable.

Benefits for Employers and Candidates.

  • For employers, competency-based interviews reduce bias and ensure a fair, consistent approach to assessing candidates.
  • For job seekers, this format provides an opportunity to highlight strengths through storytelling, making it easier to stand out in a structured setting.