Typical Competence Based Interview Questions
Written By Interviewers

On the page before this we introduced competency interviews and promised you some example competency interview questions.

On this page we look at how interviewers might assess your Independence.

If being independent isn't a requirement of the job you're applying for, go back to the list of competences and find ones relevant to your job. We have many.

What Do Interviews Look For?

When assessing your independence in a competence based interview, employers look for past evidence that you:

• Have a mind of your own
• Have the confidence to challenge accepted wisdom when required
• Can effectively work alone when necessary

Example Competence Based Interview Questions for Independence

Here are some example questions assessing independence.

• Describe a time where you had an argument or disagreed with a superior

- Why did you disagree?
- How did you feel?
- What did you do?
- What was the outcome?

• Tell me about a time when you didn't toe the party line

- What did you want to do differently?
- Why?
- What was the result?

• When was the last time you had to make a decision without having all the facts?

- How did you reach the decision?
- What happened?

• Describe a time when you had to act outside your authority in the interests of a customer or the company

- What was the situation?
- Why didn't you ask someone else to act?
- What was the outcome?

Other Competence Based Interview Questions

We have other example competence interview questions covering such things as Teamwork, Delegation, Sensitivity to Others and so on. Simply return to the list of competences and find relevant ones for the job you're applying for. We have a lot to choose from.

You'll also find tips on how to answer competence interview questions which others have found useful.