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Job Hunter Newsletter The Competency Answering TechniqueDisclaimer: please note that all of the links were active as of the newsletter publication, but some may become inactive over time. Previous |
View 2007 Newsletters | -------------------- IN THIS ISSUE:
-------------------- - Job Search Tip of the Week, by Brian Krueger, author of "College Grad Job Hunter," the #1 book for entry level job search: "The Competency Answering Technique" Competency interviewing can often be the most difficult type of interviewing, both for the interviewer and the interviewee. For the interviewer, it requires understanding the competencies required for success in the position, which often can include a detailed analysis of the position as well as current employees who have succeeded in the position (and their common competencies). Yet when performed accurately, it can produce highly successful results. An example of a competency is intelligence. The specific competency for a position may require someone with a minimum intelligence level. Competency-based questions which can probe this competency could include:
These are just a few sample questions on one specific competency (intelligence). Other competencies which may be measured may include creativity, analytical reasoning, strategic skills, tactical skills, risk taking, integrity, drive, organizational skills, teamwork, willingness to change, enthusiasm, ambition and life balance, just to name a few. A fully developed competency model may have as many as 30-50 different competencies that are being evaluated. And yes, it can produce a more grueling interview process. For the interviewee, it may not be readily apparent that the interviewer is evaluating you on a competency-based model. And even if you are aware of a competency question, you likely will not know what the requirements are for the competency for the position. Successful competency interviewing focuses on those key competencies which are critical to success in the position. So how do you answer competency questions? First, by understanding the key competencies for the position. When you have the opportunity to ask a question in a competency interview (or almost any in-depth interview, for that matter), it should be this one:
Or, stated in another format:
Note that with both questions, you are hitting on hot button phrases ("key competencies" and "critical success factors"). In fact, if you ever hear the phrase "CSF" being used in a business setting, they are referring to "Critical Success Factors." Or "CSF's" for short. Either question will drill to what the interviewer considers to be the key competencies for the position. It will then be your responsibility to answer how you fit each one of these competencies. There are three approaches you can use to align your background to these competencies:
You must be ready to align your background with these competencies in order to win the position. Don't worry though, since almost none of your competition will be taking this extra step. Just by making a sincere and focused effort, you will set yourself far apart from the field. P.S. Do not be surprised when you get a different answer to this question from each interviewer. Seldom is an employer so well organized and process driven that all of the interviewers are in complete synch on the top three competencies needed for each position. But use that diversity of opinion as an opportunity to emphasize those aspects of your background which are the most important for each individual interviewer. Next newsletter: "The Behavioral Answering Technique" -------------------- - Help Spread The Word! Do you know of someone who can benefit from the information in this newsletter? Simply forward this e-mail to them and tell them to subscribe at http://www.CollegeGrad.com/newsletter. Thanks for spreading the good word! -------------------- Job Search Links:
-------------------- - Job Search Book Online There are at least two other entry level Web sites that offer books on job searching, proclaming that they will tell you everything you need to know about entry level job search. However, there is a very important point about these books they don't mention up front: they cost money. At CollegeGrad.com, we give you two things they don't: 1. The #1 entry level job search book ("College Grad Job Hunter"). It's that simple. So don't buy the hype. Read the real information you need for FREE: http://www.CollegeGrad.com/book Don't ever pay for books or reports or resources of lower quality when you can access the very best quality information for free. P.S. Yes, you can buy "College Grad Job Hunter" in hardcopy format as well at Amazon.com for $15 (actually, 30% off that price), but the online version is better. Why? Because the version at Amazon.com (the 2003 edition) is being continually updated at CollegeGrad.com. So the most current version of the book is actually the online, free version. -------------------- - Sponsor: Lower Your Monthly Payments on Student Loans Want to lower the monthly payments on existing student loans while locking in a fixed rate? Act now to consolidate your student loans: Previous |
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