Samples of competency based questions: the HR Interview!
Remember, always give examples!! Back up your statements and answers.
- Name the Largest Project you’ve Managed.
- Who was the key customer for the project?
- How did you ensure that the project met the customer’s needs
- Explain what level of interaction you had with them
- Give me an example of the most difficult customer situation you had to handle
- How do you know when you are meeting your customer requirements?
- Describe a time when you worked in a really effective team. What made it effective? What was your contribution?
- Give me an example of a time when you had difficulties working with a team. What caused the problem? How did you respond? What was the outcome?
- Give me an example of how you have encouraged other team members to contribute to the discussions or task in hand?
- Tell me about a time when you have identified an opportunity and driven it forward to the benefit of the business. What specifically did you do?
- Describe a time when you spotted a potential problem before anyone else did. What did you do? What alternatives were there? What difficulties did you encounter? What was the outcome?
- Give me an example when you have regularly initiated action without awaiting direction?
- Tell me how you currently schedule your time. How do you prioritise? Why do you adopt this particular method?
- Describe a situation in which you met a target working under significant pressure. What was your strategy for achieving your targets in spite of this pressure?
- Tell me about a time when you missed a deadline. What difficulties did you encounter? What was the outcome? How did you communicate it? What would you do next time?
- Give an example of a time when you have had to communicate a complex idea/message/concept. How did you communicate it? What tools did you use? Why? How the message was fully understood?
- Give me an example of how you have ensured that individuals have been kept informed of key issues and developments
- Tell me about a time when you were particularly motivated. What motivated you and why?
- Give me and example when you have found a role particularly stressful, why? How did you over come the stress in this situation? What did you learn and do differently?
- Give me an example of when you have submitted an idea to an manager or customer that was rejected. How did you react? What was the outcome?
- Why do you want this job?
- What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
- What can you contribute?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- What do you know about this company?
- What interests you about our product (or service)?
- You have not done this sort of job before. How will you cope/succeed?
- Why should we employ you?
- What do you like and dislike about the job we are discussing?
- Why did you choose a career in ……?
- How much does your last job resemble the one you are applying for? What are the differences?
- What do you think of the last company you worked for?
- How long have you been looking for a new job?
- Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or large company?
- What are you looking for in a new job?
- What would your ideal job be?
- Are you considering any other position at the moment?
- What did you think of your manager/supervisor?
- How would you describe yourself?
- How would others describe you?
- How could you improve yourself?
- Did you feel that you progressed satisfactorily in your last job?
- How do you handle criticism?
- Are you accepted into a team quickly?
- Can you act on you own initiative?
- What motivates you?
- Can you work under pressure?
- How many hours are you prepared to work?
- What are your career goals?
- What interests do you have outside work?
- How often are you off sick?
- What level of salary are you looking for now?
- What will your referees say about you?
