Competency Based Interview Tips
In a competency based interview the interviewer is ultimately looking for you to demonstrate examples of when you have demonstrated certain skills and competencies.
A great way to prepare for a competency based interview is to get hold of a copy of the job description. Quite often, the competencies the interviewer is looking for can be found here, so take some time to think about the times when you have demonstrated those competencies in the past.
Once you are in the interview, you must ensure that you structure your answer. When the interviewer asks you to describe when you have worked in a team or when you have dealt with conflict, for example, you must answer the question having thought back to your examples, but in a set manner:
- Firstly, set the scene by explaining the background behind the example you are about the give. This should only take around 10-20 seconds.
- Next, talk about your part in that. For example, when talking about team work, it is a common mistake for people to refer to terms such as ‘the team did this…’ or ‘we did that…’ It is extremely important that your bear in mind that you are there to talk about yourself, your skills and your experience. Remember to talk about the role you personally played.
- The go on to explain the outcome of that action, was it positive or negative?
- Finally, talk about what you have learnt from the experience. If the outcome was negative, explain how you would have handled it differently. The interviewer is looking to hear that you have learnt and developed from the experience.
For more information about competency based interviews, or perhaps you would like more examples about the kinds of questions which could be asked in competency based interviews, then please contact CK Clinical on +(0)1438 743047 or visit our website.
About CK Clinical
Here at CK Clinical, we pride ourselves on our honest and supportive approach. Our team of specialist recruiters and career consultants are here to help you achieve your career ambitions within the clinical and pharmaceutical industry. We can actively offer you careers advice, help with writing your CV, assistance with your interview preparation and provide you with up to date information about the industry.
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Good sound advice. We often advise our students to think of STAR when trying to answer competency based questions which sounds pretty much the same
1) Situation Put the example in context – when and where did this happen?
2) Task/Target What was it you were trying to achieve? What did you have to do?
3) Action How did you do it? What did you contribute? How did your contribution make a difference? Be sure to make particular reference to the skill(s) in the question.
4) Result/Review What was the outcome? What did you learn from this?
Hi Helen,
Many thanks for your comment, it really serves to reinforce the message we were trying to put across in our article. It would be great if you had any practical examples you could also share.
CK Clinical are always interested to hear from any one who has any useful advice for job seekers. Times have been tough for job seekers recently, so the more advice we can all provide, the better!