How To Get Ahead In Competency Interviews

Competency interviews can seem a little daunting, especially if it's your first time.

To help you, we cover:

- What competency based interviews are

- How to prepare for them, and

- Example Competency questions

On this page we look at how interviewers might assess your Sensitivity to Others in the workplace.

What Do Employers Look For?

When assessing your sensitivity to others, interviewers look for past evidence that you:

• Understand the people who work for or with you
• Appreciate their views and feelings and give them the opportunity to express them
• Take human considerations into account in your business decisions

Example Competency Interview Questions for Sensitivity To Others

Here are some example competency based interview questions covering Sensitivity to others. In-between the main questions are examples of probing questions you might be asked if your interviewers want more information.

• Describe the ways in which you get to know people

• Tell me about a time when a colleague or team member came to you with an issue

- How did you respond?
- What actions did you take?
- Why?

• Describe a time when you had to make a decision you knew would be unpopular

- How did you feel?
- How did you deal with objections?

• When was the last time you put human needs above those of the organization?

- Why did you do this?
- How did you feel?
- Would you do it again?

• Tell me about a time when you upset someone at work or at home

- How did you feel?
- What did you do?
- How did the other person feel?

Other Competency Interview Questions

We have example competency based interview questions covering another 16 topics, including Independence, Integrity and Teamwork. Simply return to the lit of competences and choose ones relevant for the job you're applying for.

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