Tuesday Apr 26

As the job market becomes more competitive employers are being increasingly selective and thorough in their recruitment methods to ensure they make the right hire.

More and more of our clients are increasingly using competency based interviews as a method of selecting the right candidate for their role. This can be daunting for some candidates so Network HR thought we’d provide some advice and guidance to help you prepare and get you ready for your interview.

Competency based questions are used by interviewers to assess a candidate’s suitability to the job. The questions focus on how a candidate deals with real world situations.  

From a CV, and sometimes a first stage informal interview, it is not always easy to see who the right candidate for the role is. With a competency based interview the interviewer should be able to ascertain who would suit the role better. The answers that are given will help the employer to assess if the candidate will fit the team, the organisation and have the ability to deal with problems and challenges that they may face.

The competencies will relate to the job role and/ or the values of the company and normally be based around things like decision making, problem solving, communication, team playing and possibly conflict management.  This will then demonstrate how candidates have performed in the past in certain key areas.

Competency based interviews are a useful way of comparing one candidate against another, giving an unbiased view.

Below are some examples of questions you may be asked in a competency based interview:

How do your managers motivate you?

What skills do you need to develop most?

What is the biggest mistake that you have made?

What do you think about being mentored?

How would you handle a situation where your mentor recommended an approach that you disagreed with?

Tell us how you influence colleagues?

Tell us how you would manage a conflict with a third-party provider, quoting your experience.

If you would like any further information, advice and guidance or if we can provide you with any additional information around competency based interviews please do not hesitate to contact our team of Consultants at Network HR on 0121 450 5030. 

 Network HR is extremely well established as a specialist recruiter of HR & Training professionals and have a wide range of positions available both interim and permanent including: HR Advisor – South West, L & D  Manager – Warwickshire, HR Advisor – Warwickshire, Training Administrator – Birmingham, Interim Recruiter – West Midlands, Interim HR Advisor – West Midlands, Interim HR Advisor – Devon.

Network HR has a reputation as a quality led recruitment specialist and we are also proud to be part of Network Group Plc, a diversified group of specialist recruitment companies.

Our website offers a comprehensive overview of the services we offer as well as many testimonials from both our clients and candidates, please take a look www.networkhr.co.ukor call on 0121 450 5030.

Tuesday 26th April 2011