10 Key Competencies Interviewers Often Focus On

These are 10 of the key competencies which interviewers often focus on:

1. Communication
   Regardless of the position or industry, the way we interact with others is crucial and you need to be able to build and maintain excellent relationships with clients and colleagues.
   Example question: “Tell us about a time you had to adjust your communication approach to suit a particular audience.”
2. Decision Making
   Good decision making will help you solve problems, devise solutions and make efficiencies.
   Example question: “Give an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision.”
3. Leadership
   Valuable for many reasons such as showing that you can coordinate, motivate and lead a successful team.
   Example question: “Describe a situation when you assumed the role of leader. Were there any challenges, and how did you address them?”
4. Results Orientation
   Being focused on results is a skill that will help you excel in your career. It can be anything from improving a system or process through to hitting targets.
   Example question: “Give me an example of a time when you believe you were successful.”
5. Teamwork
   Businesses don’t work properly without good teamwork. Collaborative working can achieve results, improve productivity and boost performance.
   Example question: “Describe a situation in which you were working as part of a team. How did you make a contribution?”
6. Trustworthiness
   Good employees can be trusted to get things done.
   Example question: “Would you report on a colleague who you knew was taking money from the company illegally?”
7. Responsibility
   Employees who take responsibility for and pride in their work are highly valued.
   Example question: “Describe a situation when you were responsible for the completion of a task.”
8. Commercial Awareness
   A skill that illustrates intelligence, professionalism and commitment to the firm.
   Example question: “Describe a situation when you have had to use commercial awareness.”
9. Professional Development
   Being open to enhancing your skills will always help you succeed at work.
   Example question: “Describe a period where you enhanced your skills effectively.”
10. Technical Skills
    Ever more important, technical (and particularly digital) skills are highly sought after because so many businesses are using them to grow.
    Example question: “Describe a situation where you have used technical skills in your work.”

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