This truth may be a bit crude, but we will tell you: nowadays, companies care little about how many years you were in an organization, but a lot about what you really learned in it. They also want to know what your successes have been and how you can put all those skills to use in your possible future workplace. Competency interviews exist precisely for this purpose.
Unlike traditional interviews, which focus on academic training or work experience, competency-based interviews seek to go further. The interviewer wants to know how the candidate has dealt with situations in the past, how he has solved problems and how he would behave when faced with similar challenges in the future.
Join us on this journey and discover How turning your skills into the key could open the doors to that job you want so much.
What are competency interviews?
Competency interviews have become a fundamental tool for companies looking to go beyond simply reviewing resumes and find the ideal candidate for a specific position.
These types of interviews are based on the premise that the best predictor of an individual’s future performance is their past behavior. Therefore, part of the objective is to evaluate the candidate’s behavior in previous situations and his reaction to similar challenges that may arise in this new workplace.
Among their main characteristics, competency-based interviews tend to focus on the candidate’s skills, They are based on your behavior, are usually quite structured and are oriented towards performance prediction. This means, on the one hand, that the main objective is to evaluate the candidate’s skills, both technical and soft, that are relevant to the position in question. For this reason, the questions focus on specific situations that the candidate has experienced in the past, allowing you to describe how you dealt with them and what results you obtained.
Competency interviews usually follow a defined structure, with pre-established questions and a clear evaluation system. Furthermore, its ultimate goal is to predict how the candidate would perform in the job, based on his or her past behavior.
In summary, competency-based interviews are a valuable tool for companies seeking to select the most suitable personnel for their needs. By evaluating a candidate’s competencies rather than just their training or experience, companies can increase the chances of finding the candidates who will perform best in the position and will contribute to the success of the organization.
Keys to succeed in a competency interview
Competency interviews require specific preparation to stand out and demonstrate your true abilities. Below, we share some essential keys so that you can face this type of interview successfully:
1. Know the required skills in depth
The first step is to fully understand the skills that the company is looking for in the candidate for the position in question. Carefully review the job description and identify the skills, knowledge and abilities that are valued. *
2. Analyze your experiences and achievements
Reflect on your past work experiences, projects you have participated in and achievements obtained. Identify specific examples that demonstrate how you have developed and applied the competencies required for the position.
3. Use the STAR technique
The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique will help you structure your answers clearly and concisely. Describe a specific situation in which you faced a challenge, the task you had to accomplish, the actions you took, and the results you obtained.
4. Focus on your achievements and not just your responsibilities
When describing your experiences, don’t just list your responsibilities. Focus on the concrete achievements and results you obtained, highlighting your ability to achieve objectives and generate a positive impact.
5. Highlight your soft skills
Soft skills, such as assertive communication, teamwork, problem solving and adaptability, are increasingly valued by companies. Be sure to mention examples that demonstrate how you possess and apply these skills in your day-to-day work.
6. Research the company and the position
Before the interview, spend time researching the company, its culture, values ​​and goals. Familiarize yourself with the position in question and understand the challenges and opportunities it offers.
7. Practice your answers
Rehearse your answers to possible competency interview questions with friends, family or colleagues. This will help you gain confidence, fluency and security in your communication.
Get ready: frequently asked questions
So that you can prepare properly, we share with you some common questions in competency interviews. Go exploring within yourself and your work stories to May you have very fresh answers When attending your call:
Keep in mind that the more you know yourself, practice, and have clearer skills about yourself, the better you will be able to handle this interview format. Much success!