Competency Interview Questions

I have had many disappointments, like the majority of the  people have, but I agree that we can learn from all the experiences we have got in life  and that the accomplishments, as well as the disappointments, make us better and stronger able to deal with many distinctive  situations.

Strategy Statement: 

The interviewer is interested in knowing how you are able to perform in a workplace where you are not the one who is ‘making the calls’. The typical workplace environment involves a tiered structure where there are those who make the decisions and those who perform the work. An entry level position most often assumes the role of the latter. 

Sample Response: 

I am a performer of tasks. As a new employee, I understand that many of my duties will be directed by those above me. These will undoubtedly involve changes, and as long as I understand how the changes are related to the betterment of the company/business/corporation, I am fully ‘on board’. I once worked for a corporation where one of my duties was to prepare the annual report. As a result of input from the overseeing board and members, the format for that report was changed significantly. Although this meant that I had to relearn the report-writing process, with my understanding that this change would mean that the report was more accessible and easy to read, I had no problem with the demands of that change.

Sample Response :

While attending college, I also worked at a law firm. I was successful because I practiced good time-management skills, and I made a to-do list every day. As I completed each task, I checked it off the list. It is funny how something so simple can keep you so organized. As a result of my to-do lists, I was able to visualize my daily progress.

Even if you like to work as a team or independent. Make sure you show interest in both, As most jobs require you to work both as part of team and independent.

In general, the idea is to say what you prefer without being negative about the thing you don’t.

Independently -
If you have done enough research on the job posting and mostly need to work independently then you can say something like “I prefer to work alone, but I find that occasionally working with a team feels creative and fun. Always felt, it is easy to solve problems being part of a team.

Work in a Team -
On the other hand, if your research says that your job requires working in a team then you can say something like "I like the dynamics of working in a team, but do like working independently when the assignment requires it.”