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Competency based and behaviour interviews are still in use by so many employers, They bring fairness and objectivity to the recruitment process and remove bias. While they make it easier for you to compete, they are complex and the questions can be very difficult to answer successfully so as to score high.<\/p>\n
In this post we outline our key actions to prepare for your competency based interview and pass.<\/p>\n
Top tip: Learn about competency based interview questions and answers here.<\/a><\/p>\n Preparing for a competency-based interview is essential because it enables you to demonstrate your suitability for the role with clear, structured examples. These interviews assess how you\u2019ve applied key skills and behaviours in real-life situations. Without preparation, you risk giving vague or unfocused answers that fail to meet the criteria.<\/p>\n By preparing, you:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ultimately, preparation significantly increases your chances of interview success.<\/p>\n With InterviewGold you will get brilliant STAR competency examples created for you<\/a> and all tailored to your target job.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Yes, competency based interview can be a challenge and many clients we coach struggle with getting their answers right. Having said that with proper preparation, success will come.<\/p>\n Competency-based interviews are widely used in the public sector, including the NHS and Civil Service, as well as in private companies. Unlike traditional interviews, these are designed to assess how you\u2019ve handled specific situations in the past to predict how you\u2019ll perform in the future. To stand out and succeed, thorough preparation is essential.<\/p>\n Start by reviewing the job description and person specification carefully. Identify the core competencies the employer is looking for\u2014these might include communication, leadership, teamwork, decision-making, or resilience. In the Civil Service, for example, these are often aligned with the Success Profiles framework, including Behaviours, Strengths, and Experience.<\/p>\n Once you know what they’re looking for, reflect on your past experiences where you demonstrated those behaviours successfully. Think of examples from your work, studies, voluntary work, or placements that demonstrate your strengths in the key competencies. Choose a variety of situations to show your adaptability and range. For example, you might use one example to highlight your teamwork skills and another to demonstrate your ability to lead or problem-solve.<\/p>\n Most competency-based interview answers are structured using the STAR technique:<\/p>\n This method helps you stay focused, logical, and impactful in your responses.<\/p>\n Preparing for a competency-based interview involves more than just reviewing your CV\u2014it requires a strategic approach to showcasing your skills through real-life examples. The examples you choose must be relevant, complex and detailed.<\/p>\n Top Tip:<\/strong> InterviewGold makes your preparation really easy. Learn more about how it works here.<\/a><\/p>\n Research the organisation and understand their values, as your examples should align with their culture and goals. Tailor each story to show not just what you did, but how<\/em> you did it and the impact<\/em> it had. Once you have your stories, map them to the relevant competency. If the competency is \u201cWorking Together,\u201d choose an example where collaboration led to a successful outcome. If it\u2019s \u201cDelivering at Pace,\u201d think of a time you met a tight deadline under pressure. Be specific and include measurable results when possible.<\/p>\n It is best to avoid the temptation to just turn up and give an answer off the top of your head. Always prepare your example in advance, edit it until it is concise and demonstrates the relevant competency perfectly.<\/p>\n Keep your response concise, relevant, and tailored to the job role. Use active language and focus on positive results that showcase your skills and competencies. Practicing several STAR examples in advance ensures you stay structured and confident during the interview. STAR helps you demonstrate your value clearly and effectively.<\/p>\n Rehearsing your answers is a key part of preparation. Speaking out loud helps you become more confident and natural during the interview. Record yourself or practise with a friend, mentor, or career coach. This helps you refine your answers, avoid rambling, and ensure you stick to the STAR structure.<\/p>\n Interviewers often ask follow-up questions to probe deeper into your example. Be ready to explain your decision-making process, how you managed challenges, or what you would do differently. Stay honest and reflective\u2014self-awareness and learning are valued traits.<\/p>\n Finally, bring a positive mindset. Competency-based interviews are your opportunity to prove your value through real results\u2014be honest, confident, and ready to tell your professional story with purpose.<\/p>\n “Just one week after joining InterviewGold I had two interviews and I got offered both jobs. Basically, I knew which questions were going to come up and I was well prepared to answer them perfectly.”<\/p>\n See more InterviewGold success stories<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n We coach many candidates who have failed with their competency and behavioural applications and interviews. These failures are usually due to some of the most common mistakes being made.<\/p>\n Here are 5\u00a0common mistakes<\/strong> people make when preparing for a competency-based interview :<\/p>\n Whatever your situation, preparation is vital and to be more precise the ‘right’ preparation is key.\u00a0With the InterviewGold online training system<\/a> your competency interview preparation is made easy. Tailored to you and your target job, you get expert STAR answers created for you<\/a>, expert advice and training\u00a0all\u00a0 proven to help you win the job offer in your very next interview.\nIn this article:<\/h3>\n
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Why Preparing For a Competency Based Interview is Essential<\/h2>\n
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\nLooking for expert answers to competency and behaviour questions?<\/h3>\n
How to Prepare For a Competency Based Interview – 8 Key Steps<\/h2>\n
Here are 8 key steps to follow to help you pass your Competency Based Interviews<\/h3>\n
1. Analyse the Requirements of the Role<\/h3>\n
2. Review Your Experience and Relevant Achievements<\/h3>\n
3. Use STAR or IPAR Method<\/h3>\n
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4. Choose Your Examples Carefully<\/h3>\n
5. Tailor Your Examples to the Role<\/h3>\n
6. Create Your Answers<\/h3>\n
7. Verbalise Your Answers Aloud<\/h3>\n
8. Prepare for Follow-Up Questions<\/h3>\n
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<\/div>\n\n“I had 2 job offers<\/b>“<\/h4>\n
Georgia, London
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<\/div>\n5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing For\u00a0 Competency Interviews<\/h2>\n
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Your Competency Interview Preparation Made Easy With InterviewGold\u00a0
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<\/a><\/h2>\nAre you struggling with competency or behavioural based interviews? Perhaps your answers are just not scoring well on an application or in the interview?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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