subject: Difficult Interview Questions: Tips On How To Answer Interview Questions [print this page] Preparing for interview questions is never easy, especially when you have no idea what questions you are likely to be asked. Competency based interview questions are being used more and more by companies who want to assess your outlook and mind-set as part of the interview process. Therefore, understanding how to answer these questions is becoming even more important, if you want to do well in your interview.
Competency based interview questions also give human resources departments and hiring managers an insight into how you might carry out your duties, as well as your approach to working with colleagues. Whilst there are no wrong answers to competency based questions, because your answers are based on your personal experience, it is best to prepare for these questions by considering how you have carried out your duties in your current or previous roles and how your experiences relate to the duties contained in the position that you have applied for.
Top Competency Interview Questions...
1. CLIENT MANAGEMENT
Here you are required to show your ability to deliver a high quality service in line with the company's expectations.
* What measurements do you use to ensure that you are satisfying your clients' needs?
* How do you distinguish between tasks that are important and tasks that are urgent?
* Can you give an example of when attention to detail is important in your work?
2. TEAM WORK
To answer these questions you must show that you can work well in a team situation.
* Can you describe a time when you had to work within a team to complete a task or project?
* Can you describe a situation where teamwork worked really well in the completion of a task or project?
* Can you tell me about a time when you had to provide assistance to a colleague?
3. DEVELOPING YOURSELF AND OTHERS
When answering these questions you must show interest in developing your skills and helping others to also improve their abilities.
* How have you improved your abilities and skills in your most recent roles?
* Give an example of when you delivered work beyond what was required of you. What achievement are you most proud of and why?
* Can you discuss an instance when you had to give confidence to a colleague who was finding a task difficult?
4. COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY
These interview questions require you to demonstrate that you can express ideas clearly and with conviction.
* How do you deal with the different personalities in your work environment?
* What situations have you encountered where you have had to deal with difficult situations with a colleague? How did you resolve the situation?
* If your colleagues were asked to describe you what do you think they would say?
5. FINDING SOLUTIONS
To answer these questions you must show that you can recognise problems and identify solutions to resolve them.
* Can you describe a problem in your department that was difficult to resolve? What was your approach to resolving it?
* Was there a time when you identified a potential problem before it became an issue?
* What systems or procedures do you follow to help you identify problems before they occur?
6. COPING WITH DEADLINES
When answering these questions you must show that you can manage your time effectively and work to deadlines.
* How do you cope with achieving deadlines in the office?
* Can you describe a time when you were given a difficult deadline to achieve?
* Can you describe an instance where you needed help to complete your tasks because of increased workloads? Who did you seek help from to manage the situation?
7. APPLYING YOUR IT KNOWLEDGE
When answering these questions you must be able to show your understanding of the company's computer software.
* What software do you have experience of using?
* Have you used our computer packages before? What did you use them to do?
* Can you give me an example of when you have had to use Excel as part of your job?
8. EXTENDING YOUR KNOWLEDGE
To answer these questions effectively you must be able to demonstrate your ability to develop your knowledge of the company.
* How do you keep up-to-date of developments in your organisation?
* How do external factors impact upon your department?
