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Competency-based questions

Competency-based questions, also known as behavioral-based questions, are a type of interview question that assesses a candidate's past behavior and experiences to predict their future performance. These questions are designed to assess a candidate's specific skills, abilities, and qualifications that are relevant to the job. They are commonly used in behavioral, situational, and motivational interviews.

The questions are based on the idea that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. The interviewer will ask the candidate to provide specific examples of how they have demonstrated a particular skill or behavior in the past. This allows the interviewer to understand how the candidate has applied their skills and abilities in real-life situations.

Examples of competency-based questions include:

1. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult customer or client?
2. How do you approach problem-solving?
3. Can you give an example of a time when you had to work with a difficult team member or supervisor?
4. Can you walk us through a project you have led and the outcome?
5. How do you handle stress and pressure?
6. How do you prioritize your tasks and manage your time?
7. Can you give an example of a successful project you have completed and how you achieved success?
8. How do you handle criticism or feedback?
9. Can you give an example of a time when you had to take the lead on a project?
10. How do you handle change and adapt to new situations?

When answering competency-based interview questions, it's important for candidates to provide specific examples and evidence to support their answers. They should also be able to elaborate on their thought process and decision-making. The STAR method can be helpful for candidates when answering these types of questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. Candidates should describe the situation, the task they were given, the action they took and the result of their actions.

Preparing for competency-based questions can be beneficial for candidates, as it can help them to be better equipped to provide specific and detailed examples. To prepare for competency-based questions, candidates should think of specific examples from their past experiences, review their CV and be prepared to speak about their experiences, skills and qualifications in detail.

Competency-based questions are commonly used to assess a candidate's qualifications, skills, and experiences. They also help the interviewer to understand how the candidate has applied their skills and abilities in real-life situations. Answering competency-based interview questions effectively can help the candidate to make a positive impression and increase their chances of getting the job.

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