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4 THE FUNDAMENTALS

For example, the traditional question, “How would you describe
yourself?” opens the door for you to answer in very general terms. You
can choose to provide a short response, such as “I describe myself as
hardworking.” Or you can go into detail by saying, “Since my employ-
ment with ABC Company, I have never missed a day of work. I take
pride in providing customers with a top-notch experience.” You also
could choose to mention your skills in problem resolution, negotiations,
or account management. As you can see, with traditional interview ques-
tions, your options as a candidate are unlimited, giving you full control
over how you answer each question.

On the other hand, competency-based interview questions are spe-
cific. They require you to provide examples in response to questions that
are essential for the company and the position for which you are inter-
viewing. An example of a competency-based interview question is: “De-
scribe a time you kept your cool when in a stressful situation.” In this
case, there is no flexibility for you. The interviewer has laid out exactly
what he wants to know. Because of this specificity, competency-based
questions are more difficult to answer and they require more thoughtful
responses.

Competency-style interview questions begin with phrases such as the
following: “Tell me about a time when you. . . ,” “Give an example of a
situation when. . . ,” “Describe an occasion . . .,” “Describe a time . . . ,”
“Recall a time . . . ”. They may also involve a follow-up question, asking
for elaboration of your cited incident; for example, “Describe a time
when there was a fundamental change in the way things were done in
your workplace. What was your response to the situation?” Interviewers
choose this line of questioning to ensure that they receive a well-rounded
response from you.

In addition, interviewers may set up a competency-based question
with an introductory statement. For example: “There are times when a
firm decision must be made quickly, and there are other times when it is
prudent to consider all angles before making a decision. Give an exam-
ple of a situation when you took your time in making a final decision.”
Beginning a question with a scenario or an affirmation is a conversation
tool that interviewers use to ease your anxiety and get you to open up.
And that “opening up” allows you to present yourself as an asset to the
company.

American Management Association
www.amanet.org