A competency–based interview 

is an approach used by interviewers to assess your

performance in a particular key area or skill that is attributable to the job description.

As each interview question is asked, you need to provide a specific example of where
you match the competency being assessed.

In this blog article we will explore what a competency-based interview is, provide you
with some important tips for passing them, and also provide you with 25 sample
questions complete with answers.

HOW TO ANSWER? Use the star method when answering the questions.
It is vital you provide specific examples and concrete evidence of where you have
previously matched the assessable competency. To do this, make sure you structure
your answer using the following STAR TECHNIQUE:

SITUATION – Describe the SITUATION you were in.

TASK – Describe the TASK that needed to be done.

ACTION – Describe what ACTION you took and what action others took.

RESULT – Detail the RESULT of the task following your actions.

LIST OF COMMON ASSESSABLE COMPETENCIES

The following is a detailed list of the current competencies being assessed by

interviewers and recruiters:

 Teamwork
 Responsibility
 Problem solving
 Organization
 Commitment to development
 Decision making
 Openness to change
 Communication
  Leadership
 Commercial awareness
 Customer service
 Conflict resolution
 Career motivation
 Trustworthiness & Ethics
 Results driven
 Safety conscious

COMPETENCY-BASED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS (TEAMWORK)

Q. When have you worked as part of a team to complete a difficult task?

The following sample response utilizes the STAR METHOD for answering competency-
based or behavioral interview questions:

SITUATION – In my previous job I volunteered to work with 5 other members to

complete a difficult project that had fallen by the wayside due to a contractor going out
of business.

TASK – The task required all 5 of us to work closely together to integrate a new
software system with the client’s website. So, we only had four days to complete the
task in accordance with the specification and the client’s requirements. Therefore, time
was of the essence and we needed to work hard to get everything done to a
professional standard.

ACTION – We started out by reading the client brief carefully and then I decided to take
the lead and allocate specific tasks based on each team members capabilities and area
of expertise. So, we then set timescales for each team member to reach, which would
ensure the task got completed in time. Throughout the five-day working period, we all
supported each other as and when required in order to motivate each other through
regular communication.

RESULT – The end result was the project was completed on time and to a high
standard, much to the satisfaction of the client.
COMPETENCY-BASED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS (RESPONSIBILITY)
Q. When have you taken responsibility for a difficult task at work?

SITUATION – During an office meeting, my supervisor asked for a volunteer to work

over the forthcoming weekend. One of our customer service agents had gone off sick
unexpectedly and he needed someone to take on their duties at short notice.

TASK – My supervisor needed someone to quickly learn the responsibilities of the

person who had gone off sick. Therefore, it was a difficult task but I felt I had a
responsibility to help the company in its hour of need.

ACTION – I started out by cancelling my plans for the weekend and then focused on
learning the role of my colleague so I could perform the job to the best of my ability. I
decided to undertake an online course during working hours to learn as much about the
role as possible. I also asked my supervisor a number of specific questions to make
sure I knew exactly what I was supposed to be doing, and also what was expected of
me.

RESULT – The end results was, I am pleased to say, a success. I worked for the entire
weekend in the customer service role and the feedback we received from our customers
was outstanding.

COMPETENCY-BASED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS (PROBLEM SOLVING +

CONFLICT RESOLUTION)
Q. Describe a time when you solved a difficult problem at work?

SITUATION – Whilst at work, I noticed two work colleagues had not been getting on for
some time now. So, although the situation hadn’t yet impacted on the performance of
the company, I was concerned things could escalate unless someone stepped in to
resolve the problem.

TASK – I felt someone needed to get hold of the situation with a view to resolving it
amicably and as quickly as possible. It was my task to get the two people together, find
out what the issue was with a view to sorting the situation out so we could all move
forward as a team.

ACTION – I initially sat down in private with each person individually to ask them what
was going on. So, I managed to gather some useful information which led me to believe
the problem was all down to a simple miscommunication. It transpired that one of them
felt the other person had done been doing their job properly, which resulted in the other
person having an increased workload. Therefore, I got them both together in a private
room and asked them to talk sensibly about it whilst I facilitated the discussion.
Although it was uncomfortable at times, they both were relieved to get the situation
resolved.
RESULT – The end result was that both work colleagues cleared the air, shook hands
and agreed to talk about things openly in the future, if a similar situation arose again.

COMPETENCY-BASED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS (DECISION MAKING)

Q. When did you make a difficult decision within a team that most people were
against?

SITUATION – Whilst sat at my desk one day, the fire alarm started sounding. So, I
immediately got up from my desk to make my way out of the building, but I noticed the
other members of the team were ignoring the fire alarm. We were situated on the
5th floor of the office block, and it was important we left quickly.

TASK – I felt it was my responsibility to force people to leave the office and make their
way out safely using the fire escape. Therefore, I wasn’t going to ignore company policy
and, potentially, put other people’s lives at risk.

ACTION – I shouted out loud that the fire alarm was sounding and that we all had to
leave immediately. A member of the team told me to “sit back down” because the fire
alarm was always going off and it was probably a false alarm anyway. So, I reminded
them all that we could not use the lifts in the event of a fire alarm and that it was a long
way down five flights of stairs. Eventually, they all got up from their chairs, and we all
made our way out safely.

RESULT – As it transpired, there was actually a fire in the basement of the building and
the fire department quickly put it out once they arrived. So, I reminded everyone of their
responsibilities to follow company policy once we got back up to our office. Therefore, I
would never be afraid to make unpopular decisions whenever the need arises.

COMPETENCY-BASED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS (OPENNESS TO CHANGE)

Q. Can you give an example of when you have supported change within an
organization?

SITUATION – In my previous job, a new and inexperienced manager joined the team. It
was quite refreshing to have someone new join the team. She had different and creative
ideas she wanted to try out which she believed would help the company to grow.
Therefore, unfortunately, the vast majority of people within the team were opposed to
the proposed changes and they made their feelings clear to the new manager.

TASK – I felt differently. I believe change is positive within any organisation and there is
no harm in trying new and different ways of working. So on that basis, I supported my
manager and decided I would speak to those against the change individually, to try and
motivate them to see the potential benefits.
ACTION – I took my time to speak to everyone who was against the change and shared
with my them my own view and opinion of the proposals. Eventually, most of the team
began to turn their views and they each expressed a desire to embrace the change,
albeit reluctantly. Therefore, we all started working with the new changes our manager
had made, and I personally embraced them positively and with a motivated attitude.

RESULT – To be honest, the results were staggering. Most of the changes had a
positive impact on the business and you could sense an upbeat and positive mood
within the office. The changes were accepted and we all now look forward to, and
embrace change, whenever it comes along.

CUSTOMER FOCUS
Q. Describe a time when you had to deal with a customer complaint? What did you do
and how did you resolve the complaint.

COMMUNICATION
Q. Describe a time when you used your communication skills to get across an important
point of view?

Q. Describe a time when you had to present an idea to a group of people?

COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPMENT
Q. When have you introduced an innovative and unique idea into your team? How was
it received?

Q. When have you learnt a new skill at work that helped you to perform better in your
role?

Q. When did you take onboard constructive feedback from a supervisor following an
appraisal?

DECISION MAKING
Q. What is the toughest decision you have ever had to make whilst at work? Why did
you make the decision and what was the outcome?

Q. When have you made a mistake at work?

CAREER MOTIVATION
Q. Describe a time when you set yourself an important career goal? What difficulties did
you come up against and how did you overcome them?

USING YOUR INITIATIVE

Q. Describe a time when you initiated a project whilst at work? Why did you imitate the
project and what did you do to make sure it was a success?

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Q. Describe a situation when you had to work with someone who you didn’t get along
with.

TEAMWORK
Q. Describe a time when you helped a new member of a team to integrate into the
workplace.

Q. Describe a difficult and time-sensitive task you achieved whilst working as part of a
team? What role did you play in ensuring the team task was a success?

LEADERSHIP
Q. Describe a situation you were in when you motivated a difficult member of a team?

Q. Describe a time when you managed an under-performing member of staff?

Q. Tell me about a project you led from beginning to end. How did you plan for the
project to be a success and how did you monitor progress?