Structure Competency-Based Interviews with Candidates

Competency-based interviews have emerged as a vital tool in modern hiring practices, enabling recruiters to delve deeper into candidates’ skills and experiences. Grounded in the premise that past behaviour is a strong predictor of future performance, competency-based interviews aim to elicit specific examples of candidates’ past behaviours and experiences related to key job competencies. By probing into concrete instances, and scoring these types of interviews correctly,  hiring managers and recruiters can gain a more accurate understanding of candidates’ capabilities and suitability for the role.

How to Structure Competency-Based Interview Questions

Crafting insightful and probing questions lies at the heart of structuring competency-based interviews. These questions should be tailored to the specific competencies essential for success in the role. For instance, if the role requires strong leadership skills, questions may focus on instances where candidates demonstrated effective leadership in challenging situations. By aligning questions with job requirements, recruiters can extract relevant information that informs their hiring decisions.

One effective technique for structuring interview questions is the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This method provides a structured framework for candidates to articulate their experiences comprehensively:

• Situation: Candidates describe the context or situation in which the behaviour occurred.
• Task: They explain the specific task or objective that needed to be accomplished.
• Action: Candidates detail the actions they took to address the situation or task.
• Result: Finally, they summarise the outcomes or results of their actions, including any achievements or lessons learned.

The STAR method encourages candidates to provide detailed responses, enabling recruiters to assess their competency more accurately.

Establishing Clear Objectives

Begin by clarifying the objectives of the selection process and identifying the competencies most relevant to the role. Defining these attributes guides the development of interview questions tailored to the role’s requirements. For instance, if hiring for a managerial role, key competencies might include leadership, decision-making, and team management. Craft interview questions that probe candidates’ experiences in these areas to assess their suitability for the position.

Creating a Consistent Format

Consistency is paramount in ensuring fairness and reliability throughout the interview process. Develop a standardised interview format that includes consistent questions, scoring criteria, and evaluation methods for all candidates. This uniform approach minimises bias and ensures candidates are evaluated on the same criteria. A structured interview guide or template can help maintain consistency across interviews, outlining the sequence of questions and expected responses.

Balancing Structured and Open-Ended Questions

Strike a balance between structured and open-ended questions to gather comprehensive insights into candidates’ experiences and competencies. While structured questions provide a framework for assessing specific behaviours and skills, open-ended questions encourage candidates to elaborate on their responses. For example, a structured question might focus on problem-solving skills, while an open-ended follow-up could explore the decision-making process.

Sequencing Questions Strategically

Sequence interview questions strategically to guide the flow of the conversation and extract relevant information from candidates. Start with introductory questions to establish rapport, then progress to competency-based questions that delve into candidates’ past experiences and behaviours. Closing questions allow candidates to ask questions of their own, ensuring a well-rounded interview experience.

Training Interviewers

Ensure interviewers receive thorough training on the interview structure and evaluation criteria to maintain consistency and fairness. Provide guidance on active listening techniques, effective probing strategies, and proper note-taking practices. Mock interviews or role-playing exercises can familiarise interviewers with the structured interview format and allow them to practice applying evaluation criteria in real-world scenarios.

Crucial Aspects of Competency-Based Interviews

Active Listening and Observation

Active listening and observation play a crucial role in competency-based interviews. Beyond listening to candidates’ verbal responses, recruiters should pay attention to nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions. By observing both verbal and nonverbal cues, recruiters can gain a holistic understanding of candidates’ suitability for the role.

Managing Time Effectively

Effective time management is essential to ensure a productive interview process. Recruiters should allocate sufficient time for each question while being mindful of the overall interview duration. Setting time limits for each question helps maintain focus and ensures that all planned topics are covered within the allocated time frame.

Providing Feedback and Closure

Concluding the interview with feedback and closure is critical for maintaining positive communication with candidates. Providing constructive feedback offers candidates valuable insights into areas for improvement and reinforces transparency in the hiring process.

Leveraging Shine Interview for Competency-Based Interviews

Shine Interview offers innovative one-way and live video interviewing solutions designed to streamline the hiring process and enhance candidate assessments. With features such as structured interview guides, recording capabilities, and seamless communication tools, Shine Interview empowers recruiters to conduct competency-based interviews efficiently and effectively. By leveraging Shine’s solutions, hiring managers can expedite the hiring process, reduce time-to-fill metrics, and identify the right candidate faster. Whether conducting one-way interviews to screen candidates efficiently or engaging in live video interviews to assess interpersonal skills, Shine Interview provides the tools and support recruiters need to make informed hiring decisions and drive organisational success.