Comptency based article Jan 16
0 likes82 views
This document provides advice for preparing for a competency-based interview. It recommends researching the role and identifying the skills and qualities outlined in the job description. It also suggests having examples ready that demonstrate when you displayed these competencies in previous roles. The document advises using the STAR approach to structure answers by describing the situation, task, action, and result. Practicing answers using this format and real examples can help applicants feel confident and impress interviewers.
Comptency based article Jan 16
- 1. NURSING STANDARD january 27 :: vol 30 no 22 :: 2016 63 Careers If you would like to contribute to our careers section email the commissioning editor at thelma.agnew@rcni.com or @ThelmaAgnew Preparation for any interview can be a daunting process, even more so when you are told the format will be ‘competency- based’. However, there are strategies which can help you prepare, feel confident and calm, and ultimately achieve a successful outcome. Competency-based, or behavioural interviews, are increasingly being used by employers to assess if you have the necessary skills, behaviour and overall aptitude a role requires. Instead of simply enquiring about what qualifications or experience you have, questions will be designed to determine what qualities you have and how you will adapt to common, work situations. You will be asked to give real-life examples which clearly demonstrate your input and the impact you made. Positive emotions First,takethetimetocongratulate yourselfonsecuringaninterview andthinkaboutwhatinitially attractedyoutotherole,such asanewclinicalarea,more responsibility,ahigherbandormore flexibilityinhours.Tappinginto, andremindingyourselfof,positive emotionscanhelpbalanceoutany thoughtsofself-doubt. Next,youneedtounderstand whatyourpotentialfutureemployer willexpectfromyou.Thequestions youwillbeaskedwillfocusonhow adaptableyouaretotheroleand whatqualitiesyouwillbring. Start by researching the clinical area or organisation and then identify the skills and qualities outlined in the job description. Non-NHS roles may state competencies required for the role, but most NHS posts will list essential and desirable knowledge, skills, experience and qualities in the person specification. Duringyourinterview,questions willbebasedonskillsandqualities outlinedinthepersonspecification. Youwillbeexpectedtoanswer bydrawingonyourprevious experience.Thekeytoasuccessful competency-basedinterviewisto havepre-preparedexamplesthat youcanadaptontheday. For example, you may be asked to tell the interviewers about a time you had to adapt priorities midway through a shift, or describe a situation where you had to delegate to another member of staff. One way to do this is to think back to the times when you have successfully displayed these qualities. Although the focus will be on your working life, you can bring in examples from voluntary work, committees or teamwork. The main criteria is to display the essential skills for the post. STAR approach Once you have identified situations, try building your answers using the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Situation: identify the situation where you displayed competencies (skills, qualities), and give brief context. Task: concisely describe the tasks. Action: describe what you did, how you did it and why you did it. This is your chance to sell yourself so, even though you may have been part of a team, talk about your role. Result: explain the impact of your involvement. Say what you learned from the situation and how you would adapt this to the role for which you are being interviewed. If you have two or three examples for each of the main skills, you should have enough material to be confident about the questions. On the day of the interview, take time to think about why you want the job, and reflect on the preparation you have done. During the interview, listen carefully to the questions and take a minute to construct your STAR-based answer. Talk slowly and clearly, and make sure you demonstrate your input NS PREPARE TO IMPRESS Employers are asking job applicants to demonstrate their skills and aptitude. Mandy Day-Calder explains how to shine in a competency-based interview Mandy Day-Calder is a nurse and freelance writer STOCKBYTE THE MAIN CRITERIA IS TO DISPLAY THE VITAL SKILLS FOR THE POST