Telephone interviews are increasingly popular among employers as a pre-screening method for face-to-face interviews. They offer flexibility for candidates who may not be able to attend an office interview for every stage of the process. Competency-based questions are often preferred during these interviews because they focus on a person’s past behavior, which is believed to be the best predictor of future performance.
To help you prepare for your next phone interview, we’ve put together top tips for answering competency-based interview questions and what to expect during the call with a potential employer.
Understanding Competencies
While some interviews focus on why you applied for the role, what you can add to the team, or where your interests lie, a competency-based interview requires you to describe past experiences to demonstrate that you have the required skills or initiative.
Here are some key competencies that employers might be looking to identify:
Individual Competencies
- Knowledge
- Independence
- Personal integrity
Managerial Competencies
- Leadership qualities
- Time management
- Delegation
Analytical Competencies
- Decision-making abilities
- Problem-solving skills
Interpersonal Competencies
- Social competence
- Building rapport
Motivational Competencies
- Initiative
- Drive
- Ambition
Conducting Yourself During a Telephone Interview
Telephone interviews can be daunting because it’s challenging to convey your true personality and enthusiasm over the phone. Here are some tips to show your confidence:
Speak Clearly and Concisely
Ensure your responses are clear and to the point. This helps the interviewer understand you better and keeps the conversation flowing smoothly.
Find a Quiet Space
Choose a quiet location to take the call, free from background noise and distractions. This helps you focus and ensures that you can hear and be heard clearly.
Show Confidence
Although the interviewer can’t see you, your tone can convey confidence. Try to relax, stay calm, and be friendly and approachable in your language.
Be Enthusiastic
When discussing past experiences, show enthusiasm. Your excitement can be felt through your voice and makes a positive impression.
Use Humor Appropriately
Don’t be afraid to show some humor and enjoy the conversation. It can help break the ice and build rapport.
Answering Competency-Based Questions
Use the STAR technique to shape your answers for competency-based questions:
Situation
Describe the situation you faced, ensuring it demonstrates the skills or abilities being tested.
Task
Explain the task or steps needed to address the situation.
Action
Detail the actions you took to ensure the tasks were fulfilled.
Result
Share the overall result of the experience.
In these interviews, you will need to describe a time from your career or life experience that demonstrates how you dealt with a situation and what you learned from it. This could involve overcoming an issue with a colleague, handling a mistake, or completing a task successfully.
Talk about these situations in a way that showcases the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and how they improved you as a professional. Even if the experience had a negative tone, end on a positive note by discussing what you learned and how you developed in your role.
Preparing for a Competency-Based Phone Interview
Preparation is key to success in competency-based phone interviews. Here are some steps to help you prepare:
Identify Key Competencies
Consider what competencies are likely required for the role. Think about the skills and abilities that are essential for success in social work, nursing, or allied healthcare positions.
Reflect on Relevant Experiences
Write out experiences from your life that align with these competencies. This allows you to build your answers and examples before sharing them in the interview.
Use Written Prompts
One advantage of a telephone interview is the ability to have notes in front of you. Prepare detailed examples and prompts to help you during the interview. This can be particularly useful for complex roles in healthcare where detailed knowledge and experiences are crucial.
Competency-based telephone interviews are a valuable opportunity to demonstrate your skills and experiences in social work, nursing, and allied healthcare. By preparing thoroughly, practicing the STAR technique, and maintaining a confident and professional demeanor, you can make a strong impression and increase your chances of securing the role.
For more interview tips and career advice, browse our extensive content. Here at Tripod, we have over 10 years of experience in recruitment and can help you prepare for your job search. If you’d like to speak with one of our specialist recruitment consultants, get in touch today.
Prepare thoroughly and present yourself confidently to increase your chances of success in your competency-based telephone interview. Good luck!
Additional Resources
For more advice on interviews, check out our other interview advice resources.