A competency-based interview is a structured way for employers to assess how well you are likely to perform in a role. Unlike traditional interviews, these focus on real-life examples of when you've demonstrated key skills and behaviors.
The key principle behind this method is that past behavior is the best predictor of future success. You will be asked to provide specific examples that showcase your skills, rather than discussing general approaches or hypothetical scenarios.
💡 Top Tip: Try to prepare multiple examples rather than relying on the same one for different questions—this shows greater versatility and breadth of experience.
Think about the skills and behaviors likely to be important for the job. These may include:
💡 Tip: Review the job description and highlight the competencies mentioned.
Reflect on your past experiences where you’ve successfully demonstrated these competencies. Examples can come from:
💡 Tip: Avoid generic responses—focus on specific situations where you personally made an impact.
A simple structure to craft compelling answers:
💡 Example Response Using STAR:
Question: Describe a time when you had to resolve a difficult conflict in the workplace.
✅ Situation: A customer was unhappy about a delayed product shipment and was considering canceling their contract.
✅ Task: As the Account Manager, I was responsible for addressing the issue and retaining the customer.
✅ Action: I immediately contacted the customer to acknowledge their frustration, explained the delay, and offered a temporary solution. I also worked internally with the logistics team to fast-track their next shipment.
✅ Result: The customer appreciated our transparency and stayed with us, renewing their contract for another year.
✔ Listen carefully – Make sure you answer exactly what’s being asked.
✔ Be specific – Provide a clear example rather than speaking in general terms.
✔ Focus on your role – Use “I” statements instead of “we” to highlight your contribution.
✔ Stay concise – Keep answers structured and to the point.
✔ Remain professional and confident – Even if you feel nervous, take a deep breath and speak clearly.
💡 Bonus Tip: If you need a moment to think, pause briefly instead of rushing your response. It’s perfectly fine to take a second to collect your thoughts.
A well-prepared competency-based interview can be your chance to shine. By using the STAR method, preparing multiple examples, and keeping responses clear and structured, you’ll be able to confidently demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
