Competency-based Interview Tips

Competency-based (or behavioural) interviews are based on the premise that past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour. Interviewers seek to obtain information about a candidate’s past behaviour in certain situations and structure interviews using questions that relate directly to the essential criteria and competencies required for the post. 

Competency-based interview questions are often used for selection, but are not always labelled as such. This style of interviewing is usually only one part of the interview process and often a more informal interview is held separately to discuss a candidate’s CV.

A good recruitment and selection interview should assess candidates against each essential criteria or competency, asking questions about:

• Past behaviours and performance
• Learning from past behaviours
• Future adaptability to new post
• Knowledge and understanding of issues in relation to the post