Competency writing

[Confused24]

I'm going to apply for a job that i desperately want! I have had two competency based application/interviews before but scored poorly on the application. I did well in the interviews though as I was offered one job and placed in reserve for another. This one however is asking for a lot more as it wants 6 in total before I'm even considered for interview! 🙈 Any advice on how to achieve the highest possible score would be greatly appreciated! Are there key words employers look out for?

Hi,

Look at the job description and pick out the key attributes the person requires , and the main responsibilities of the role.

Spend some time drafting some key examples covering each of those points. I'd say try get to at least two for each point.

Then align them with the STAR (loads of support on google for this) format so they have a structure. My best advice is always for each example to remember to REFLECT, before they probe further.

I.e. If the same example happened again, what would you do differently, or if nothing, what did you learn? Pre empt their questions.

I always always practice orally all my examples so that I know that when called upon, they are succinct. Brevity is key

Don't be afraid to take some written examples on with your as most employers will appreciate you being prepared - even if it saves you two questions it's better than drawing a blank.

Hope that helps :) good luck!

Following that excellent post, it's a simple point but easy to forget if you're not too familiar with competencies: The key word is 'I'. Concentrate on your actions and what you achieved, don't talk about it in the context of teamwork or a collective effort.

This may help: www.theguardian.com/careers/2016/nov/11/job-interview-questions-example-answers-star-technique I came across it on Twitter today. It's more about answering questions at interview but the principles are good.