Interview Advice

  • You have put together a killer CV

  • Yes! Concept has secured you that all-important interview.

What can you expect now?

Clients are increasingly using Competency-Based interviews to assess a candidates ability to fill a vacancy.  A Competency Based interview is an interview technique which is designed to draw out of you what you actually DID, SAID, and THOUGHT in a situation within or outside of work.

Unlike other interviews a Competency Based Interview eliminates the possibility of a subjective or biased assessment, instead a method of investigative questioning is used.

Interviewers are trained to listen for evidence of COMPETENCY and press for detailed descriptions of actual behaviour.

Examples of competencies

Innovation & problem solving

Teamworking

Development & coaching

Motivation & support

Business & product awareness

Drive & commitment 

Customer focus, two-way communication

Direction & purpose

What sort of questions might you be asked during the interview?

Here are some typical questions that you may be asked during your interview:

  • What was going through YOUR mind when you did that?
  • How did YOU do that?
  •  What was YOUR role in the event?
  • Tell me what YOU said in that conversation?
  • What was the first key thing YOU did?

In answering these questions, you should describe your situation in as much detail as possible – what you have DONE, SAID and THOUGHT.

Remember

Be Honest

Be Precise

Be Detailed


Of course, a client will also want to discuss your CV – that is what got you in front of them after all.

You should have a copy of the CV Yes! Concept sent to the client, so you know exactly what the interviewer knows about you beforehand.

There are some common interview questions and you should prepare accordingly.

The key thing to remember when responding to interview questions is to keep your answers brief and to the point.  If you are faced with a difficult question, make sure you stay calm, don’t get defensive, and take a moment to think about your response before you answer.

Typical Questions could be

  • How does your job fit in to your department and company?
  • Give me an example of when your work was criticised.
  • Tell me about the last time you disagreed with your boss.
  • What do you enjoy about this industry?
  • Give me an example of when you have felt anger at work. How did you cope and did you still perform a good job?
  • Give me an example of when you haven't got on with others.
  • Give an example of when you have worked under pressure.
  • What kind of people do you find it difficult to work with?
  • Do you prefer to work alone or in a group? Why?
  • What kinds of people do you like working with?
  • Give me an example of when you have had to face a conflict of interest at work.
  • This organisation is very different to your current employer - how do you think you are going to fit in?

It would be wrong of us to provide ‘parroted’ answers to these questions – it is more honest and natural for you to give your own answers in your own voice, however try and keep your answers to the point and maintain good eye contact with the interviewer/s to project your confidence.

It is usual to be offered the opportunity to ask questions at the end of an interview. Asking questions will make you look interested and proactive. Typical questions could be…




  • Can you describe a typical day?




  • What would be the size of team in which I could potentially be working?




  • What are the growth opportunities for the Company




  • How might the role develop?


Again though, think of interesting questions yourself, that show you have listened to what the client is asking / seeking and that you have prepared thoroughly for the interview.