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redhed35 · Jun 4, 2011, 04:16 AM

I have applied for a higher position in my current work place, I have the qualification for the position and also the required experience,this is the 3rd interview I have applied for but cannot get the job in the bag due to the competency interview style they use.

Im doing something wrong in those interviews and cannot put my finger on it.

My question is has anyone interviewed using the competency interview style and how can I give them what they want, tick all the boxes in the interview, so to speak.

Stringer · Jun 4, 2011, 11:28 AM

I know that competency interviews are set up for those with education and not too much experience and the company wants to know how you would handle certain situations that may come up.

There is actually no real wrong answer they are looking to see if the candidate is driven so to speak to resolve crisis situations, complete projects, get along with team workers, etc.

Here is an example;

"Have you ever NOT completed a job or project?"

"During my final year at university I failed to deliver my dissertation on the due date. This was because I was heavily involved in cutting edge research right up until the end of my course and was waiting for imminent results from surveys being undertaken by researchers at other academic institutions.

Considering this was my final piece of academic work, I wanted to ensure it was based on the most accurate and up to date sources of information available, even if this meant a delay in production. To ensure no marks were deducted from my dissertation, I contacted my course director and personal tutor two weeks before my dissertation due date to discuss my particular situation. I argued my case, and was consequently allowed an extra two weeks to produce my work.

Although my work was delayed, I feel that this delay was justified in that the work was of the highest quality it could be. Furthermore, I sufficiently organised myself in relation to my department and tutors, so that all relevant people were aware of a possible delay in the production of my dissertation."

A negative, turned positive...

Hope this helps in some small way red.

Stringer

redhed35 · Jun 5, 2011, 02:01 AM

thanks stringer, I have 3 answers prepared, one for strenghts and weakness's, one for showing initiative, and lastly one for resolving a difficult situation.

when I practised my answers I recorded myself and was shocked at how I rambled and went off on a tangent, taking the scenic route to answer the question so to speak.

The competancy interview is used widely here for jobs relating to health care and civil servant jobs, the process can is quite long,sometimes including written assessments, employers want the best bang for their buck, I just have to successfully jump through the hoops.

I want this promotion.

preparation meets Opportunity = luck!

I'm doing to preparation, the opportunity is waiting I just need a smidge of luck and I'm in!

your answer really helped stringer, many thanks.

Stringer · Jun 5, 2011, 02:45 AM

You're a smart woman Red and you will do fine I am sure. Luck has little to do with it for you. Practice, prepare and get a good night's sleep to be well rested prior to the interview.

Preparation and knowledge breed confidence that is something I am sure that they are also looking for.

If you really want this I am confident that you will get it.

When is the interview?

Come back afterwards and we will all celebrate Red.

Stringer

redhed35 · Jun 5, 2011, 03:48 AM

Application deadline is the 17th June, so quite a bit to go yet, ill let you know how I get on.