Competency Based Interview

drumlover22

I don't know whether to post this here or in Work and Jobs, so mods feel free to move if it's off topic.

I have a competency based interview on Tuesday for an ACA Trainee Accountant role. I was just wondering if anyone here has had anything like this before and if they had any tips as this is the first time I've ever had a interview like this.

Marcusm

Give an example of how you have influenced a colleague/firend/family member ot do something they are reluctant to do.

Describe a situation where you were confronted with a difficult customer and how you dealt with it.

These are examples of typical competency based questions; they're designed to get examples of how you have acted int he past on the assumption that it demonstrates how you might act in the future. The questions would likely be based around your cv - if you've lots of previous jobs they'll base them around that, if you've been on committees they might be based around that. Basically, they will try and describe real life situations and see how you have reacted. It's cheaper than putting you in a role playing situation and perceived to be more effective than simply quetioning you.

Perhaps do a bit of web browsing - lots on interview techniques on line.

bigmc23

drumlover22 wrote: »

I don't know whether to post this here or in Work and Jobs, so mods feel free to move if it's off topic.

I have a competency based interview on Tuesday for an ACA Trainee Accountant role. I was just wondering if anyone here has had anything like this before and if they had any tips as this is the first time I've ever had a interview like this.

google "STAR" technique for interviews and youl be sorted as long as you have decent examples. If you can't think of any examples then don't be afraid to exxagrate things

madmoe

Hey guys,
Has anyone any suggestions for this question "Tell me about a time when you changed your priorities to meet others' expectations"??

Cheers,
M

bigmc23

Stick to the 'star' technique as already mentioned and you can't go to far wrong. Use examples from sport, work, more than uni id say.

madmoe

bigmc23 wrote: »

Stick to the 'star' technique as already mentioned and you can't go to far wrong. Use examples from sport, work, more than uni id say.

Cheers......I'm finding it darn hard to give an example though. What would you say to that particular question!? Just as general as possible cause I am not 100% sure I understand it to be honest!!

Thanks,
M

Marcusm

YOu wanted to go away on a weekend to watch a match but you agreed to go to your girlfriend's parents house for a Sunday dinner. Basically, pick an event where you shoiwed that you could put the desires of others before your own. Most of these interviews are quite well set up but usually the interviewers have little more experience of analysing the answers than those making them up.

madmoe

Marcusm wrote: »

YOu wanted to go away on a weekend to watch a match but you agreed to go to your girlfriend's parents house for a Sunday dinner. Basically, pick an event where you shoiwed that you could put the desires of others before your own. Most of these interviews are quite well set up but usually the interviewers have little more experience of analysing the answers than those making them up.

Now that makes more sense! I assume I apply it more to a scenario at work?

Thanks mate,
M

bigmc23

madmoe wrote: »

Now that makes more sense! I assume I apply it more to a scenario at work?

Thanks mate,
M

Yeah, id say this type of question is suited to a work related answer. Think customer service or something. Don't be afraid to use your imagination a wee bit if stuck!

bigmc23

madmoe wrote: »

Now that makes more sense! I assume I apply it more to a scenario at work?

Thanks mate,
M

any other questions, pm me

Marcusm

madmoe wrote: »

Now that makes more sense! I assume I apply it more to a scenario at work?

Thanks mate,
M

If you have a work, professional or education example use it but don't just make it up. Most people can't lie convincingly; better to give an example from personal life which rings true than making something up and sounding like a twat. My grey haired grumpiness is now coming through....

madmoe

Marcusm wrote: »

If you have a work, professional or education example use it but don't just make it up. Most people can't lie convincingly; better to give an example from personal life which rings true than making something up and sounding like a twat. My grey haired grumpiness is now coming through....

That makes total sense to me....it's much harder to remember a lie after all mate!!