More and more of our clients in the IT sector are now using competency based interview techniques as part of their selection process. Understanding the nature of this type of interview and how to answer questions is key to achieving success.
Below is some background and advice on how to perform well in this scenario...
Definition – What is Competency Based Interviewing?
Traditional versus competency (behavioural) based interviews?
A traditional interview focuses on education, qualifications and experience. Often responses given do not provide information on actual performance on the job or about specific accomplishments. It is difficult therefore for a panel to determine how a person will perform into the future without an idea of what and how they have performed in the past. In a traditional interview, you will be asked a series of questions which typically have straight forward answers like "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" or "What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?" or "Describe a typical work week."
A Competency interview however is a form of behavioural interview. Competency based interviews focus on past performance as a predictor of future performance. Research has shown that behavioural interview achieve a higher level of accuracy than traditional interviews.
In a competency based interview, candidates are asked to provide detailed accounts of what they have done, said, thought and felt in situations similar to what they will experience in the role they are interviewing for.
What is a Competency?
A competency is defined as a skill, knowledge, ability or behavioural characteristic that is associated with superior performance.
There are two basic levels of Competencies: technical and behavioural. The first level, Technical Competencies are predominately about acquired knowledge and technical abilities and skills. These competencies are often easier to see, train for and develop. Examples of technical competencies include knowledge of programming languages or operating systems.
The second level of Competencies are behavioural competencies, such as communication skills, management skills or team member skills. These competencies can be harder to see and develop but are key indicators of how an individual approaches and ultimately performs in his/her role.
The good news is that most companies will have developed a competency framework which means a set of specific competencies have been developed for each position and it is good practice for candidates to be provided with this information as part of the person specification in the candidate pack.
Therefore, you should have an idea in advance what competencies may be covered and you will be able to prepare accordingly.
The Interview
As already stated, in a Competency Interview, an employer has decided in advance what skills are needed in the person they want to hire and will ask questions to find out if the candidate has those skills. Instead of asking directly how you would behave, they will ask how you did behave. The interviewer will want to know how you handled a situation, instead of what you might do in the future.
Examples of Competency Based Questions
Behavioural interview questions will be more pointed, more probing and more specific than traditional interview questions. Some examples of competency based questions include:
Competency: Communication
Question: Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.
Question: Tell me about an important written document you were required to complete.
Competency: Customer Service
Question: Describe a situation where you have provided superior Customer Service
Competency: Problem Solving
Question: Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
Question: Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem.
Competency: Flexibility
Question: Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
Competency: Teamwork
Question: Give me an example of when you handled a difficult situation with a co-worker? How?
It is likely that follow up questions will be asked when you start to get into your answer so expect this and be prepared for it. You may be asked exactly what you did, what you said, how you reacted or how you felt. Always check at the end of your answer with the interviewer(s) if you have given them sufficient detail, for example ask, “Does that answer your question fully?”
Preparation for the Competency Interview
As you don't know exactly what situations you will be asked about, refresh your memory and consider some special situations you have dealt with or projects you have worked on. You may be able to use them to help frame responses. Prepare stories that illustrate times when you have successfully solved problems or performed memorably. The stories will be useful to help you respond meaningfully in a behavioural interview.
Always review the job description, if you have it, or the job posting or ad. You should be able to get a sense of what competences, skills or behavioural characteristics the employer is seeking from reading the job description and position requirements. If unsure speak to your recruitment consultant.
Answering Competency Based Questions
In the interview, your response to each question needs to be specific and detailed. Candidates who tell the interviewer about particular, relevant situations that relate to each question will be far more effective and successful than those who respond in general terms.
Ideally, you should briefly describe the situation, what specific action you took to have an effect on the situation, and the positive result or outcome. This is known as the STAR approach:
S.T.A.R.
Situation or Task
Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation should be from a previous job or any relevant event.
Action you took
Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Even if you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you did -- not the efforts of the team. Don't tell what you might do, tell what you did.
Results you achieved
What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?
A good answer should be interesting and full of action. Give employers something to remember about you, something that makes you stand out. Since they are your stories, that shouldn't be hard. Let your personality and your core character shine through. Make sure you let them hear the steps you took to solve the problem. The more details and skills you can add, the better, within reason.
Use the following guidelines to prepare your interview responses
HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR ANSWERS
Always speak in the first person:
“I thought, felt, did”
Discuss events that have occurred and speak in the past tense:
“The way I handled the situation with the media was I first called my local contact…”
Focus on what actually happened:
“At that time, I responded by…”
Presenting thoughts on incident:
“I should have handled it by doing…”
WHAT TO AVOID IN YOUR ANSWERS
Avoid plural/indirect subject statements:
“In the region we…”
“At the local level we…”
Using hypothetical or future tense:
“What I usually do is…”
“What I would do is…”
Example Question & Answer Using STAR
Question: Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty.
Answer:
Situation & Task
“I have a number of examples I could share with you.
In one instance, I was working as a business analyst at ABC Company. The sales team was pulling together a bid for a large piece of work. The deadline was pressing and the analyst that normally helps them out with their IT information was on leave.
Action
I was aware of the situation and volunteered to help them out. I cleared this with my own manager and gave him reassurances that my own work wouldn’t suffer as my schedule was quite pressing and I had my own deadlines to meet.
I worked to 10 o’clock every night for two weeks pulling together the bid information they needed and liaised with the bid leader on the sales side to make sure the information I was providing was relevant and gave the bid best chance of success. I worked longer days to ensure that my own work didn’t suffer while this was happening.
Result
The bid got submitted on time and the sales team where happy with my input and the information that was provided. As it turned out we won the bid which for a major piece of work and I was rewarded for my input with a weekend away for my wife and I which came completely out of the blue.”
Final Thoughts
It's important to keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers. The interviewer is simply trying to understand how you behaved in a given situation. How you respond will determine if there is a fit between your skills and the position the company is seeking to fill. So, listen carefully, be clear and detailed when you respond and, most importantly, be honest. If your answers aren't what the interviewer is looking for, this position may not be the best job for you anyway.
Spend some time well before your first interview to craft and polish several "short stories" about your past using some of the above examples. Take the best examples you can and hone them to a fine edge. Practice them out loud, practice them in front of a mirror, and practice them often. These are your successes. Told well, they'll give your interviewer a clear picture of who you are let him or her easily determine whether you're the right person for the job.
However, remember that in an interview you cannot predict exactly what will be asked so while preparation is important, it is equally important to remember that you must be sharp and able to think on your feet. Having some prepared answers or subject areas should really help you to perform at your very best.
Good luck.........
30 November 2009
1 September 2009
How to Close Interviews Effectively
How To...Close the Interview Effectively
Something that a lot of people don't consider is that when interviewing for a new role careful consideration needs to be given in advance to how you are going to close the interview.
Handled well this part of the process can reinforce any positive impact you have made during the interview itself, handled badly it can damage the good work that you have done and hand the edge to other candidates.
Do not underestimate how much emphasis employers place on candidates' level of interest in taking up the role they are being interviewed for and your close should reflect this. If you are interested in the position enquire about the next interview stage, if applicable. If the opportunity arises and you feel it's appropriate state clearly that you are interested in the role and feel you could make a positive impact if selected.
Ask your planned questions to clarify any points where necessary. Never close an interview without asking at least a few pertinent questions. Asking questions will reinforce your interest in the role.
Should the interviewer offer you the position and you want it – accept on the spot. If you would like some time to think the offer over, be courteous and tactful in asking for that time. Set a definite date when you will provide an answer. Anything more than one to two days will show a lack of interest in the role.
Don't be discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary discussed. The interviewer will probably want to consult with colleagues first or interview other candidates before making a decision.
If you have got the impression that the interview has not went well and that you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show. Once in a while, an interviewer who is genuinely interested in hiring you may appear to discourage you in order to test your reaction.
Positively thank the interviewer(s) for taking the time to see you.
Something that a lot of people don't consider is that when interviewing for a new role careful consideration needs to be given in advance to how you are going to close the interview.
Handled well this part of the process can reinforce any positive impact you have made during the interview itself, handled badly it can damage the good work that you have done and hand the edge to other candidates.
Do not underestimate how much emphasis employers place on candidates' level of interest in taking up the role they are being interviewed for and your close should reflect this. If you are interested in the position enquire about the next interview stage, if applicable. If the opportunity arises and you feel it's appropriate state clearly that you are interested in the role and feel you could make a positive impact if selected.
Ask your planned questions to clarify any points where necessary. Never close an interview without asking at least a few pertinent questions. Asking questions will reinforce your interest in the role.
Should the interviewer offer you the position and you want it – accept on the spot. If you would like some time to think the offer over, be courteous and tactful in asking for that time. Set a definite date when you will provide an answer. Anything more than one to two days will show a lack of interest in the role.
Don't be discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary discussed. The interviewer will probably want to consult with colleagues first or interview other candidates before making a decision.
If you have got the impression that the interview has not went well and that you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show. Once in a while, an interviewer who is genuinely interested in hiring you may appear to discourage you in order to test your reaction.
Positively thank the interviewer(s) for taking the time to see you.
25 August 2009
Worst Job Ever
Check out http://www.youtube.com/worstjobever for details...
No applicants please, we could not put someone into a role like this and sleep easy at night!!!
No applicants please, we could not put someone into a role like this and sleep easy at night!!!
7 July 2009
How to Conduct Yourself at Interview
You are being interviewed because the interviewer wants to fill a vacancy. However, it is important to remember that you are being assessed throughout the entire interaction that takes place, not just the answers you give.
Below are some tips not only on how to impress but also, importantly, what to avoid
during the process.
Do:
- Arrive a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
- Dress to impress! Offer a firm handshake with direct eye contact.
- Fill out any forms you’re presented with neatly and completely.
- Use the interviewer’s names throughout the interview. You will reinforce the message that you interested in being there!
- Wait until offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, and look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker – smile.
- Look a prospective employer in the eye when conversing with them.
- Follow the interviewer’s leads but try to obtain any additional clarity you require on the details of the position and duties expected early in the interview, so that you can effectively relate your appropriate background and skills.
- Make sure that your strengths are presented to the interviewer in a factual and sincere manner. It’s important to remember that you should sell yourself and make the interviewer aware of the potential benefits that you can offer to the organisation.
- Conduct yourself at all times as if you’re determined to get the job you’re discussing, even if you’re unsure if it’s really for you. One purpose of the interview is for you to find out more and make that decision with better information. Never close the door on an opportunity. It’s better to be in the position where you can choose from a number of jobs, rather than only one.
During the course of an interview, your negative factors, in addition to your positive attributes, will be evaluated. Listed below are those that are most likely to lead to rejection.
• Poor personal appearance or hygiene.
• An overbearing, aggressive or conceited attitude.
• Inability to clearly express thoughts, poor grammar and diction.
• Inability to listen and answer the question asked.
• Lack of planning for career.
• Lack of interest and enthusiasm.
• Lack of confidence.
• Over-emphasis on money.
• Making excuses for unfavourable factors in your record.
• Lack of tact, maturity and courtesy.
• Failure to look the interviewer in the eye.
• Limp handshake.
• Failure to ask good questions about the job and company.
• Overall lack of preparation.
Below are some tips not only on how to impress but also, importantly, what to avoid
during the process.
Do:
- Arrive a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
- Dress to impress! Offer a firm handshake with direct eye contact.
- Fill out any forms you’re presented with neatly and completely.
- Use the interviewer’s names throughout the interview. You will reinforce the message that you interested in being there!
- Wait until offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, and look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker – smile.
- Look a prospective employer in the eye when conversing with them.
- Follow the interviewer’s leads but try to obtain any additional clarity you require on the details of the position and duties expected early in the interview, so that you can effectively relate your appropriate background and skills.
- Make sure that your strengths are presented to the interviewer in a factual and sincere manner. It’s important to remember that you should sell yourself and make the interviewer aware of the potential benefits that you can offer to the organisation.
- Conduct yourself at all times as if you’re determined to get the job you’re discussing, even if you’re unsure if it’s really for you. One purpose of the interview is for you to find out more and make that decision with better information. Never close the door on an opportunity. It’s better to be in the position where you can choose from a number of jobs, rather than only one.
Don’t
- Don’t answer questions with a simple yes or no. Explain whenever possible and describe those things about yourself which relate to the position.
- Don’t lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and to the point at all times.
- Don’t make derogatory remarks about your present or former employees.
- Don’t ramble or over answer questions. Be careful with questions that can be controversial, trying not to say more than is necessary.
- Don’t enquire about salary, holidays or bonuses at the initial interview, unless you are certain the interviewer is interested in hiring you. However, you should be aware of your market value and be prepared to specify your required salary or range.
During the course of an interview, your negative factors, in addition to your positive attributes, will be evaluated. Listed below are those that are most likely to lead to rejection.
• Poor personal appearance or hygiene.
• An overbearing, aggressive or conceited attitude.
• Inability to clearly express thoughts, poor grammar and diction.
• Inability to listen and answer the question asked.
• Lack of planning for career.
• Lack of interest and enthusiasm.
• Lack of confidence.
• Over-emphasis on money.
• Making excuses for unfavourable factors in your record.
• Lack of tact, maturity and courtesy.
• Failure to look the interviewer in the eye.
• Limp handshake.
• Failure to ask good questions about the job and company.
• Overall lack of preparation.
How to Prepare a WINNING CV
Your CV is usually the first opportunity a prospective employer will have to form an impression of you, yet it's amazing how many people get this horribly wrong!! Here are some tips on how to get it right and have your CV working effectively for you...
Remember, your CV is a sales tool and you must be sure that your CV will reflect your skills, experience and competency appropriately and do enough to ensure that you get shortlisted for interview. When preparing your CV, following these guidelines will undoubtedly ensure you get the most from your CV every time you submit it for consideration.
1. Tailor your CV to the position you are applying for
Preparing a CV is not a one-off exercise. Remember your CV is a tool designed to help get you an interview when you apply for a particular position. Rarely are two positions exactly the same so it is necessary to tailor your CV each time ensuring that it reflects most positively the experience or skills you have that is relevant in that instance. To achieve this you will need to have a good understanding of what the employer is looking for of course!
2. Accuracy
Always check your spelling and grammar. Regardless of the type of job you are applying for it will reflect badly on you if the employer finds errors that could otherwise be easily avoided. If grammar or spelling isn’t your strong point, get a friend or relative you trust to review your CV for you. Proof reading is a must!
3. Keep it short (and single-sided)
No matter how experienced you are, your CV should be no more than 3 pages long. Don’t try to cheat by applying double-sided printing when sending by hard copy. It is the quality of the information you provide that counts, not the quantity!
4. Formatting is important
Don’t over-format your CV- avoid excessive use of italics/highlighting etc. Some use of bold to highlight certain skills can be beneficial but not if your entire CV is filled with features. Use bullet points to avoid large chunks of text which can be difficult to read.
5. Word documents work best
A MS Word document is the preferred CV choice of employers. Avoid using obscure programmes or specialist programmes that are not commonly used by administrators when preparing your CV as the employer may not even be able to open it. Also, many companies and recruiters store your data electronically and later search for specific skills using word recognition software which will always be compatible with a common programme like Word.
6. Contact & personal data
Ensure all personal and contact information is kept up to date; it does not reflect well if you have to admit later in the process that you did not check (or could not be bothered) to update your details.
7. Include a leading paragraph/personal statement at the beginning
A well worded summary creates an initial impact. Avoid flowery language which will put the reader off. Make it a positive but succinct paragraph focusing on your key skills and competencies only.
8. Put information in reverse chronological order
Put information in reverse chronological order Always start with your most recent role and work back. What you did 10 years ago is usually less relevant than what you are doing now.
9. Keep education details to the point
Few employers are interested in the fine details underpinning your qualifications. Institutions, dates, qualifications achieved and grades are sufficient.
10. Be clear about experience and skills
When describing current or previous roles, keep your description interesting and concise, relating systems and technologies you have used to the relevant role or project. Explain clearly your own roles and responsibilities and outline any achievements. Use I‚ and not we.
11. Explain career gaps or breaks and check timelines
Do not leave obvious gaps without explanation; unless it is relevant to the role there is no need to delve into great detail. Ensure the dates are accurate and make sense in the bigger picture of your CV.
12. Don’t lie
Fudging dates or hiding jobs will make things worse as it will come to light. Doing so can turn something innocent into a question mark against your character. Unlike on The Apprentice most employers do not hire proven liars.
13. Interests and other skills
Do not use this section of your CV as a big opportunity to apply your personality. Stay to the point about your interests out of work and make sure they reflect the type of character a prospective employer may want to employ. Avoid trying to inject humour – it just doesn’t work!
14. References
Either detail two prospective references with contact details or insert a statement that references are available on request. Make sure that references are work related and correlate with your career history i.e. going back four jobs for a referee and missing the 3 most recent employers raises a red flag to employers.
Summary
Applying for jobs is usually something people take seriously so invest the time and do it right. If you cannot find the time to spend preparing your CV properly you should ask yourself why you are in the job market at all!
Remember, your CV is a sales tool and you must be sure that your CV will reflect your skills, experience and competency appropriately and do enough to ensure that you get shortlisted for interview. When preparing your CV, following these guidelines will undoubtedly ensure you get the most from your CV every time you submit it for consideration.
1. Tailor your CV to the position you are applying for
Preparing a CV is not a one-off exercise. Remember your CV is a tool designed to help get you an interview when you apply for a particular position. Rarely are two positions exactly the same so it is necessary to tailor your CV each time ensuring that it reflects most positively the experience or skills you have that is relevant in that instance. To achieve this you will need to have a good understanding of what the employer is looking for of course!
2. Accuracy
Always check your spelling and grammar. Regardless of the type of job you are applying for it will reflect badly on you if the employer finds errors that could otherwise be easily avoided. If grammar or spelling isn’t your strong point, get a friend or relative you trust to review your CV for you. Proof reading is a must!
3. Keep it short (and single-sided)
No matter how experienced you are, your CV should be no more than 3 pages long. Don’t try to cheat by applying double-sided printing when sending by hard copy. It is the quality of the information you provide that counts, not the quantity!
4. Formatting is important
Don’t over-format your CV- avoid excessive use of italics/highlighting etc. Some use of bold to highlight certain skills can be beneficial but not if your entire CV is filled with features. Use bullet points to avoid large chunks of text which can be difficult to read.
5. Word documents work best
A MS Word document is the preferred CV choice of employers. Avoid using obscure programmes or specialist programmes that are not commonly used by administrators when preparing your CV as the employer may not even be able to open it. Also, many companies and recruiters store your data electronically and later search for specific skills using word recognition software which will always be compatible with a common programme like Word.
6. Contact & personal data
Ensure all personal and contact information is kept up to date; it does not reflect well if you have to admit later in the process that you did not check (or could not be bothered) to update your details.
7. Include a leading paragraph/personal statement at the beginning
A well worded summary creates an initial impact. Avoid flowery language which will put the reader off. Make it a positive but succinct paragraph focusing on your key skills and competencies only.
8. Put information in reverse chronological order
Put information in reverse chronological order Always start with your most recent role and work back. What you did 10 years ago is usually less relevant than what you are doing now.
9. Keep education details to the point
Few employers are interested in the fine details underpinning your qualifications. Institutions, dates, qualifications achieved and grades are sufficient.
10. Be clear about experience and skills
When describing current or previous roles, keep your description interesting and concise, relating systems and technologies you have used to the relevant role or project. Explain clearly your own roles and responsibilities and outline any achievements. Use I‚ and not we.
11. Explain career gaps or breaks and check timelines
Do not leave obvious gaps without explanation; unless it is relevant to the role there is no need to delve into great detail. Ensure the dates are accurate and make sense in the bigger picture of your CV.
12. Don’t lie
Fudging dates or hiding jobs will make things worse as it will come to light. Doing so can turn something innocent into a question mark against your character. Unlike on The Apprentice most employers do not hire proven liars.
13. Interests and other skills
Do not use this section of your CV as a big opportunity to apply your personality. Stay to the point about your interests out of work and make sure they reflect the type of character a prospective employer may want to employ. Avoid trying to inject humour – it just doesn’t work!
14. References
Either detail two prospective references with contact details or insert a statement that references are available on request. Make sure that references are work related and correlate with your career history i.e. going back four jobs for a referee and missing the 3 most recent employers raises a red flag to employers.
Summary
Applying for jobs is usually something people take seriously so invest the time and do it right. If you cannot find the time to spend preparing your CV properly you should ask yourself why you are in the job market at all!
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