How to answer these 3 competency-based interview questions. With examples!

If you've had a job interview lately, you might have been asked to share stories about how you’ve used your skills in the past.  If those questions caught you off guard, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will help you understand these questions and teach you how to answer them confidently. Get ready to ace your interviews with ease as we explain:

• What competency-based interview questions are

• Examples of competency-based interview questions

• How to structure your answers

• Three example responses to common questions 

What are competency based interview questions?

Before making a hiring decision, employers want reassurance that you can handle the job at hand. An effective way to gauge how a candidate will perform on the job is to assess past skills and abilities through competency-based interview questions. Rather than asking hypothetical questions about how a candidate might handle a situation, these questions prompt individuals to recall real-life scenarios from past experiences. 

Examples of competency-based interview questions

If your interviewer asks you specific questions centered around key skills most relevant to the role you’re applying for, you need to be ready. Competencies may include leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, adaptability, decision-making, or any other skillset that would strengthen your ability to succeed in the position.

Here’s what these questions may look like:

• Tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership skills.

• Describe a time when you used creativity to solve a problem in the workplace.

• Describe a situation where you had to overcome a challenging obstacle.

• Share an experience where you had to adapt to a new situation or change.

• Share an example of when you had to resolve a conflict within a team.

• Discuss a project where you had to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to use your problem-solving skills?

• Tell me about a situation where you demonstrated excellent communication skills.

• Discuss a time when you had to deliver constructive feedback to a team member.

• Tell me about a project where you had to use your creativity to find a solution. 

How to answer competency-based interview questions

When responding to these questions, structure your answer using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. This method ensures you provide context, discuss the challenge you were facing, describe the actions you took, and explain the outcomes of your actions.

Sample answers to competency-based interview questions

Let’s break down examples of three common competency-based interview questions and how to answer them.

Leadership competency

“Can you share an example of a time when you successfully led a team through a challenging project?”

• Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, we were tasked with implementing a new software system across the organization.

• Task: The project had tight deadlines, and the team faced resistance from certain departments about the new system.

• Action: I initiated regular team meetings to address concerns, identified key stakeholders to involve in the decision-making process, and facilitated open communication channels. I also organized training sessions to ensure everyone was comfortable with the new system.

• Result: Despite the initial challenges, we successfully implemented the software on time, and post-implementation surveys indicated a high level of user satisfaction. 

Problem-solving competency

“Tell me about a project where you had to use your problem-solving skills to overcome a significant obstacle.”

• Situation: During a product launch, we encountered unexpected production delays that threatened the delivery timeline.

• Task: My priority was ensure the product launch stayed on schedule despite the setback.

• Action: I conducted a thorough analysis of the production process, identified the bottleneck, and collaborated with the production team to implement a streamlined workflow. 

• Result: The revised process significantly shortened production time, and we successfully launched the product on the updated schedule, maintaining customer satisfaction and avoiding potential financial losses.

Communication competency

“Can you share an example of a situation where effective communication was crucial to the success of a project?”

• Situation: I was leading a client-facing project with a tight deadline.

• Task: We needed to keep internal and external stakeholders abreast of the project progress.

• Action: I established a communication plan, including regular status updates, milestone reviews, and a centralized platform for document sharing. I also organized weekly check-ins to address any concerns and ensure everyone was on the same page.

• Result: The project was completed within the deadline, and the client praised the transparency and efficiency of our communication throughout the process.

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Key takeaways

1. Competency-based interview questions are designed to assess your past skills and abilities, providing employers with real life stories of how you handled real-life situations.

2. Competencies may include leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, adaptability, or decision-making, depending on the position requirements.

3. When answering competency-based questions, structure your responses using the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, and Result to provide adequate detail.