Competency Based Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Competency based questions are designed to evaluate how you've used specific skills in real situations. They often start with phrases like:

• "Tell me about a time when..."
• "Describe a situation where you..."
• "Give an example of..."

These questions focus on your past behavior to predict future performance. They’re closely related to behavioral interview questions and often used interchangeably.

• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Time management
• Decision-making

Hiring managers ask about these competencies to ensure you're aligned with the role's demands and the company’s culture.

The STAR method is your best tool for answering these questions clearly and effectively:

• Situation: Briefly set the context.
• Task: Describe your responsibility.
• Action: Explain what you did.
• Result: Share what happened—include metrics if possible.

Example:
"In my last job, our team faced a sudden drop in customer satisfaction (Situation). I was tasked with identifying the issue (Task). I led a feedback survey, found common complaints, and implemented two key process changes (Action). Within a month, our ratings improved by 20% (Result)."

Study the job post for keywords like “leadership,” “adaptability,” or “collaboration.” Choose stories that reflect those values and tailor your examples to show you meet the job's core requirements.

Rehearse your STAR stories aloud, but don’t memorize them word-for-word. Be ready to adjust your examples depending on how the question is phrased.

• Keep your answers concise (2–3 minutes max).
• Emphasize the "Action" and "Result."
• Stay calm and positive, even if discussing a challenge or failure.

Why it's asked: To assess collaboration and communication.

Sample Answer:
"While planning a client presentation, I worked with marketing and data teams to align messaging. I scheduled syncs, delegated tasks, and ensured everyone stayed on track. The client was impressed and signed a multi-quarter contract."

Why it's asked: To evaluate initiative and influence.

Sample Answer:
"During a project crisis, I stepped in to organize daily stand-ups, restructured the task flow, and helped the team deliver on time. Leadership recognized my effort and expanded my role."

Why it's asked: To test problem-solving and critical thinking.

Sample Answer:
"We were facing a supply chain delay. I identified an alternate vendor, negotiated expedited terms, and kept our release on schedule."

Why it's asked: To see how well you handle uncertainty.

Sample Answer:
"When our department switched to a new CRM overnight, I took the lead in learning it, created a cheat sheet for the team, and helped everyone onboard within a week."

Why it's asked: To assess emotional intelligence and conflict resolution.

Sample Answer:
"A colleague and I disagreed over project ownership. I invited them to talk it out, clarified expectations, and we agreed on shared responsibilities. The project succeeded."

Why it's asked: To evaluate time management.

Sample Answer:
"A client moved up the launch by a week. I reorganized our schedule, cut unnecessary steps, and mobilized the team to deliver a day early."

Why it's asked: To understand accountability and learning.

Sample Answer:
"I underestimated the time needed for a key deliverable. I admitted the error, worked late to fix it, and later implemented a new planning template that prevented recurrence."

• Being too vague: Always include details and a clear result.
• Skipping the "Result": Don’t forget to show impact.
• Recycling the same story: Use varied examples to show versatility.
• Over-memorizing: Sounding robotic can undermine authenticity.

Competency based interview questions are your chance to show—not just tell—how you work. With the STAR method and the right prep, you can share your wins, demonstrate your skills, and leave a lasting impression. Great answers come from real experience, honest reflection, and the confidence to tell your story well.

You've got this!