How to Find the Best Talent with Competency Interviews

In the world of human resources, competency-based interviewing is a very useful technique for selecting the best candidates for a job. Unlike traditional interviews, which may focus on past experience and qualifications, competency-based interviews focus on the specific skills and behaviors a person needs to be successful in a job.

What is a competency-based interview?

A competency-based interview is a structured conversation between the interviewer and the candidate to assess the skills and behaviors required for the job. Rather than asking general questions, the interviewer asks specific questions about past situations in which the candidate was required to demonstrate specific competencies.

Benefits of competency interviews

1. Accurate skill identification: Allows you to identify specific skills that are important for success on the job.

2. Consistency in assessment: Provides a more structured and objective way to evaluate candidates.
   

3. Better Cultural Fit: Helps identify candidates who not only have the necessary technical skills, but are also a good cultural fit.

Cómo Prepararse para una Entrevista por Competencias

To prepare for a competency-based interview, candidates should

1. Identify key competencies: Review the job description and determine which skills and behaviors are important.
   

2. Think of specific examples: Think about past situations in which these competencies were demonstrated.
   

3. Practice the STAR Method: Answer questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to structure your answers.

Question and Answer Example

Let's say a key competency for a position is "teamwork.

The interviewer might ask:

"Tell me about a time when you had to work as a team to solve a problem."

Respond using the STAR method:

• Situation: "At my previous job, we had a problem with an important project that was running late."
  

• Task: "My job was to coordinate with my team to find a solution and get the project back on track.
  

• Action: "We hold an emergency meeting, discuss our options, and assign tasks based on each team member's strengths."
  

• Result: "We managed to complete the project on time, with high quality, and received praise from our client."
  

Competency interviews are a powerful tool for selecting the best candidates. By focusing on specific skills and behaviors, organizations, team leaders, and employers can make more informed and effective hiring decisions, ensuring that new hires are not only competent, but also a good cultural fit.

Don't wait to improve your selection process! Implement competency-based interviewing in your organization and discover how you can find the best talent for your team. If you need help getting started, contact us today and we'll guide you every step of the way.