What are competency-based interviews designed to assess?

Competency-based interviews are specifically designed to evaluate the candidates' specific competencies through targeted questions. This type of interview focuses on assessing how a candidate has previously handled particular situations that are relevant to the job they are applying for.

The rationale behind this technique is that past behavior is often a good predictor of future performance in similar situations. By asking candidates to provide concrete examples from their past experiences, interviewers can gain insights into their problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills, adaptability, and other important attributes that directly align with the requirements of the role. This structured approach helps employers identify candidates who not only possess the necessary technical skills but also fit well within the organizational culture and can effectively contribute to the team’s objectives.

In contrast, assessing general knowledge of the industry, preferences for job benefits, or experience in various fields may provide useful information during the recruitment process, but these elements do not focus specifically on the competencies necessary for successful job performance, which is the primary goal of competency-based interviews.