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