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MASTERING THE ART OF ANSWERING COMPETENCY-BASED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Employers use competency-based interview questions to gauge a candidate’s knowledge and skills in particular fields. These questions are founded on the premise that past behavior is a good predictor of future performance, and they focus on previous situations and how the candidate handled them. Here are some pointers on how to answer competency-based interview questions:
Understand the job requirements and Competencies:
Review the job description before the interview and prepare a list of the main competencies necessary for the role. This will assist you in anticipating the types of questions that may be posed to you and preparing appropriate responses. Thorough preparation is key. Take the time to research the company, job description, and the competencies they value. This will enable you to align your experiences and achievements with their requirements, allowing you to tailor your answers accordingly. Additionally, practicing common competency-based questions and formulating concise and compelling responses will boost your confidence and ensure you deliver a strong performance during the interview.
Use the STAR method:
The STAR method is a useful tool for answering competency-based interview questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. When answering a question, describe the situation you were in, the task you needed to accomplish, the action you took, and the result of your actions. You offer a thorough and captivating story that highlights your skills by succinctly describing the situation, the task or problem you encountered, the steps you took, and the successful outcomes you attained. Keep in mind to highlight your unique contributions and the abilities and traits you displayed throughout the process. You should also explain what you learned from the experience. Most candidates overlook mentioning their learnings.
Provide specific examples:
When answering competency-based interview questions, provide specific examples of times when you demonstrated the competency in question. This might include situations in which you had to address a problem, work with a tough teammate, or manage a large project. Specificity makes the story compelling and clear and it helps engage the interviewer the more.
Be truthful:
When answering competency-based interview questions, it is critical to be truthful. If you lack direct experience with a certain competency, be honest about it and discuss relevant experiences or transferable talents that you could apply in the new capacity. The approach is to demonstrate that even though you do not have first-hand experience, you have dealt with relevant situations that have adequately prepared you for the role at hand.
Be concise:
While it’s important to provide specific examples, it’s also important to be concise and to the point. Stick to the key details of the situation and focus on the actions you took and the results you achieved. Rambling and contradictions make you appear untrustworthy. We recommend a clean and concise presentation.
Demonstrate Self-Awareness:
Competency-based interview questions are also designed to evaluate a candidate’s self-awareness and capacity for growth. Be open about areas where you need to improve, and talk about steps you’ve taken to develop your skills. Employers value individuals that are self-aware and show a desire to learn and progress. By demonstrating your capacity to reflect on prior events and learn from them, you position yourself as a candidate who is always looking for ways to grow.
Listen Actively:
Actively participate in the interview by listening to the questions and interacting with the interviewer. Take the time to comprehend each question’s purpose, seek clarification if necessary, and offer pertinent examples to support your answers. Employers want to know how well you can collaborate, communicate, and adapt to a variety of settings in addition to your technical talents.
By following the above approaches, you can confidently handle competency-based interview questions and make a lasting impression on potential employers.
Keep in mind that practice and preparation are essential, so put in the required time and effort to polish your responses and successfully showcase your skills. With every interview, you’ll gain useful experience, get better at showcasing your skills, and eventually boost your chances of getting the job you want.
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By Michael Kuma Avuglah