The struggle with competency-based interviews

It’s becoming clear that many candidates are facing challenges with competency-based interviews, especially for traditional, Legal Marketing & Business Development roles, the sector I specialise in.

This interview style has become the norm, but it’s also where candidates often fall short in final stage interviews. Competency-based interviews don’t just assess what you know; they evaluate how effectively you can apply that knowledge in practical situations.

Expect these questions in your next interview—they’re designed to test your skills, experience, and problem-solving abilities. In fact, it’s likely that 9 out of 10 interviews will include competency questions. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Collaboration/teamwork

Question: "Tell me about a time when you worked closely with a team to achieve a goal. What was your role, and what was the outcome?"

Why It’s Asked: Employers want to see how well you collaborate, share ideas, and contribute to a team's success.

Dealing with a difficult partner

Question: "Describe a situation where you had to work with a challenging partner. How did you manage the relationship and ensure a positive outcome?"

Why It’s Asked: Tests your interpersonal skills and ability to handle conflict diplomatically.

Handling pressure

Question: "Can you provide an example of a time when you were under significant pressure? How did you maintain focus and deliver results?"

Why It’s Asked: Shows your ability to perform effectively in high-stress environments.

Managing different time zones under pressure

Question: "Share an experience where you managed a project across different time zones. How did you ensure effective communication and timely delivery?"

Why It’s Asked: Assesses your organizational skills and adaptability in a global setting.

Tackling a challenging task

Question: "Tell me about a project you led from start to finish. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?"

Why It’s Asked: Evaluates your problem-solving, project management skills, and leadership qualities.

Pushing back on someone senior

Question: "Describe a time when you had to challenge a senior colleague. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

Why It’s Asked: Tests your confidence, communication skills, and ability to navigate hierarchy.

The aim of these questions is to understand not just your knowledge, but how you apply it in real-world scenarios. Make sure to come prepared with examples that showcase your skills and demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses for a clear and impactful answer.