CVs and Interviews

I posted the below information about Competency Based Interviews on a discussion on Linkedin. I thought I should share it with readers of my blog.

The STAR technique is the preparation and execution tool of choice because it is straightforward and relatively easy to use.

Jobseekers should take care on the following …

The examples – most jobseekers do not put enough time into example selection and quite often take the first one that comes to mind. I often find when I brainstorm that jobseekers have many other hidden gems which are often more relevant. Put more effort in here!!

The mindset – when jobseekers hear competency interview they stiffen up and visualise a more difficult interview because most have experienced the traditional “glorified friendly chat” interview. Competency Interviews are an easier interview as quite often you know what to expect in the road ahead and can therefore prepare. On the day expect a cold experience with little small talk. Don’t be put off if the interviewers are writing – worry if they are not!!

Forget the “X Factor” – When doing a competency interview it is all about the “I Factor”. Many jobseekers find it difficult to use the word I. Why is this? Because we were told that this is big headed and boastful. You have to get over this!! If the interviewer hears the word “we” they can’t assess your contribution/behaviour.

Probing questions – This is not the interviewer trying to trick you out. This is the interviewer being helpful. When you get probing questions embrace them. This means the interviewer has not seen evidence and is giving you another chance to deliver.

Then End – Expect to be asked about results BUT also what went wrong or what you would do differently next time.

Final Point – As with most areas in life some interviewers are not fully trained and therefore dilute the objectivity of the interview. With this in mind concentrate on your energy, enthusiasm and communication during the interview. Also expect the unexpected – I often have experience where jobseekers prepared for competency as they were told to expect this and guess what ….

Tags: Competency Based Interviews

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 9:33 pm and is filed under Competency Based Interviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.