1. Thoroughly Research the Job and Company
Kickstart your preparation by conducting comprehensive research on the role and the
company. Gain an understanding of the core competencies needed for the role and the company’s
culture and values. This knowledge will help you customize your answers to align with the company’s
expectations.
2. Review Your CV
Expect the interviewer to inquire about your past experiences and achievements.
Take some time to review your resume and be ready to discuss the specific roles and responsibilities
you’ve held in the past. Your resume serves as the primary reference for the interviewer, so ensure
you can discuss it confidently.
3. Identify Key Competencies
Compile a list of the competencies that are likely to be evaluated during the
interview. You can often find these in the job description or through online research. Contemplate
specific examples from your past which showcase your proficiency in these areas.
4. Utilize the STAR Method
When responding to competency-based questions, rely on the STAR technique. This
technique highlights specific skills used in previous roles and is a common interview technique
hiring managers look out for:
— S — Situation:
Describe the situation or context where you displayed the competency.
— T — Task:
Explain the task you needed to accomplish by giving an example of a
situation.
— A — Action:
Detail the actions you took to address the task by giving examples of
competency.
— R — Result:
Share the outcome and the lessons you learned from the experience.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice questions and answers to common competency-based interview questions.
Enlist a friend or family member to conduct mock interviews or, even better, record yourself to
review and refine your answers. The more you practice sample answers, the more comfortable and
confident you’ll become.
6. Be Honest and Specific
Avoid embellishing or offering generic responses. Interviewers can often detect
insincerity. Be truthful about your experiences, even if they weren’t all smooth sailing. It’s
acceptable to discuss challenges you’ve faced as long as you can demonstrate what you’ve learned
from those situations.
7. Seek Feedback
After a mock interview or a real situational interview, request feedback. Discover
your strengths, skill sets, and areas where you can improve. Constructive criticism is invaluable
for personal growth.
8. Maintain Composure
During the actual interview, stay calm and composed. Take a moment to gather your
thoughts before answering questions and resist the urge to rush. Remember that the interviewer is
interested in your ability to handle pressure, so demonstrating composure is a competency in itself.
9. Follow Up
After the interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the
opportunity. This is also an opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly
mention any key points you want to emphasize.