In Person Interview Advice
Interview Tips
Interviews can be nerve-wracking at the best of times…
But what happens when you arrive at the interview, feeling fully prepared, and the hiring manager decides to move the goalposts? You might be familiar with certain interview types, for example telephone interviews or group interviews, but have you ever heard of competency-based interviews?
Here’s a quick guide on what you need to know to ace the next competency-based interview that comes up:
What is a competency-based interview?
A competency-based interview is meant to test exactly that: your competence. So, where some interviewers may be more interested in your experience or previous qualifications, what a competency-based interviewer really wants to know is whether you have the right skills for the position.
Why would an employer use a competency-based interview?
Often they are used when previous experience in an industry is not seen as essential, for example an entry-level or graduate position.
They may also be used to practically test how candidates would react in given situations. So rather than concerning themselves with past achievements, they place emphasis on predicting how an individual would behave in a certain scenario.
The tasks could range from oral and written communication to planning, organisation and problem-solving.
Your examples can be from a previous job, they could draw from your education or even relate to an extra-curricular pastime, such as sports teams or groups you may be a part of.
How to answer competency-based interview questions
Firstly, pick out some of the key competencies stated in the job description and think of some examples for each one.
If they’re looking for someone with excellent teamwork and leadership skills, think of a scenario in which you’ve demonstrated this. As well as workplace situations, consider, for example, a group presentation you’ve undertaken at school, a university
society you were a member of, or even being captain of your five-a-side football team.
Here are our top tips for competency-based interviews:
Before you arrive at the interview, pick out the key skills highlighted in the job description.
For each one, have a pre-prepared example of how you’ve displayed that attribute.
Use a wide variety of examples where possible, including during school or higher education, any previous
employment or work experience, and in your daily life in general.
Don’t lie.
They will ask you questions about the subject, and any embellishments you’ve made will be quickly found out.
Don’t try and think on your feet. For reasons, see directly above.
Check out these top interview advice tips.
Be yourself. We hope these tips and tricks have been useful, and put you at ease ahead of the big day. However, the most important piece of advice we can give you is to be yourself. Here at Layka Recruitment, we say “if it’s right then it’s right”. If you are completely yourself then they will soon know if you will be a good fit for the team and you will see for yourself, how well you will fit in too! There’s a reason they asked you in for an interview in the first place, so don’t doubt yourself. Good luck!
Remember; an interview works both ways. You should be interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. You wouldn’t be nervous if you were viewing a house for the first time would you? Interviewing is no different. You are in control here. The big question is do you want to work there? You should have a number of important questions that you would like answers to. The decision of the next step lies with you if the job is offered, so ensure that you have asked the questions that you need answers to.
What happens after the interview?
Congratulations! It’s over! Remember, you’re still ‘on display’ until you walk out of the building, so keep it cool and confident as you say your goodbyes to the interviewer.
Give yourself some time to debrief after the interview – you’ll probably be on a bit of an adrenaline high! If you’ve applied for the role via Layka Recruitment, be sure to give us a call so we can hear how it went. We will also be able to provide you with some guidance on when you can expect to hear back.
Great news: you’ve been invited to a second interview…
Whether this fills you with fear, excitement, or confidence (or a combination of all three) – you’re probably wondering what it will involve and how you should prepare. And although many aspects will emulate a first interview, there’s likely to be some key differences.
What is a second interview
A second interview is a way for employers to find out more about you following your initial interview
It also helps an employer to compare candidates more closely – as the amount of interviewees is usually reduced.
Although not all employers use second interviews, they are usually standard for more competitive roles.
What’s the difference between a first and second interview?
A first interview is all about testing your personality and basic skills.
An employer uses it to see whether you match up to your CV and cover letter – and it will often involve a general overview of both what the role involves and how your capabilities fit.
A second interview may focus on this as well – but will place more of an emphasis on what separates you from other candidates.
Whether it’s through asking more specific questions, elaborating on aspects that were covered in your first interview, or covering salary expectations.
Need to run through some practice questions with us?