Top 13 Competency Based Interview Questions that help you prepare for an Interview.

If this is one of your first in an interview, you’re likely nervous and wondering what to expect. You may have already heard a lot of general job interview prep tips and prepared for more universal interview questions. That’s great, but what about the specifics?

What exactly can you expect in an interview?

Below are top 13 questions most of the interviewer asks.

1. When have you worked as part of a team to complete a difficult task?
2. When have you taken responsibility for a difficult task at work?
3. When did you make a difficult decision within a team that most people were against?
4. Can you give an example of when you have supported change within an organization?
5. Describe a time when you had to deal with a customer complaint? What did you do and how did you resolve the complaint.
6. Describe a time when you used your communication skills to get across an important point of view?
7. Describe a time when you had to present an idea to a group of people?
8. When have you introduced an innovative and unique idea to your team? How was it received?
9. 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?
10. Describe a time when you set yourself an important career goal? What difficulties did you come up against and how did you overcome them?
11. Describe a situation when you had to work with someone who you didn’t get along with.
12. Describe a time when you helped a new member of a team to integrate into the workplace.
13. Describe a situation you were in when you motivated a difficult member of a team?

What to Look for an Answeres: (HR manager or Interviewer)

Communication – how well can they discuss a story or project. A good way to understand how to screen for interview questions is understanding the STAR interview method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Decision Making – how can they use solved effectively?

Leadership – how can you motivate others within your team?

Results-Oriented – are they focused on delivering results?

Team Work – how well can they work with others?

Responsibility – what they owned? Can they be trusted and valued on the team?

Technical skills – always important to screen for these skills. Here’s how to effectively conduct a phone screen.

Career Motivation – understand why they are making a change. Are there any red flags?

Customer Focused – who is there focus and do they have any positive examples of this?

Interpersonal Skills – can they resolve conflict and work with other teams?