Selecting your competency examples for your job interview

Being successful at a competency interview is all about your choice of examples. If you are completing a public sector application form, then getting through the shortlisting is also based on your choice of examples. You need to select your best examples for each competency. Which ones are your most relevant – relevant to the competency but also (ideally) relevant to the job area you are applying for? Which show off where you have used initiative? Which demonstrate the right level of seniority for the post you are going for? Which show the traits you want to impress with? Which show significant obstacles you have overcome? These are the examples which will score well. 

The same advise applies whether you are selecting your examples for use at interview or for use when completing your application form (required for most public sector interviews). Where possible, lead with your most recent work examples. Only use a non-work example when you have no other example that you can draw on to illustrate your competence.

After selecting your examples, you then need to remind yourself of the detail of those work tasks or projects and what you accomplished. The level of detail you provide is very important. ​Keep the focus on the aspects of the work that demonstrate the competency.