At Hera, we’re big fans of hiring that actually works – for people and businesses. That’s why we love competency-based interviews (CBI’s). They help teams make fair, informed, and inclusive decisions, and give candidates a chance to show what they’re really made of.
But let’s be honest: they can feel daunting. Whether you’re the one being interviewed or doing the interviewing, CBIs can be tricky to get right.
Here’s how to approach them with confidence.
First: What is a Competency-Based Interview?
CBIs focus on past behaviours to predict future performance. You’ll be asked to describe real-life situations where you demonstrated specific skills – leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, you name it.
It’s less about what you would do, and more about what you’ve actually done.
Think questions like:
- “Tell me about a time you had to influence a key decision.”
- “Describe a situation where you managed a challenging stakeholder.”
- “Give an example of how you’ve worked as part of a diverse team.”
For companies building diverse, high-performing teams, this style of interview helps spotlight qualities that don’t always show up on paper.
Structure Your Answers Like a Pro (Use STAR)
We coach candidates and hiring teams to lean into the STAR method. It’s a simple but powerful framework:
- Situation – What was the context?
- Task – What were you trying to achieve?
- Action – What did you actually do?
- Result – What changed as a result of your actions?
📌 Tip: Always make your contribution clear. And don’t forget the “R” — outcomes matter!
For Candidates: Prep Without Over-Practicing
CBIs don’t need to feel robotic. You’re not being asked to rehearse a script – you’re being invited to tell your story.
✅ Prepare 4–5 examples from your experience that highlight key skills
✅ Match them to common competencies: leadership, resilience, problem-solving, communication
✅ Practice telling your stories in a way that feels natural – not memorised
For Hiring Managers: Don’t Wing It
As a HM, your time is stretched. But structured interviews are worth the investment.
Here’s why:
- They reduce unconscious bias
- They create a fair playing field
- They help you hire people who actually align with your values
We help teams of all shapes and sizes build inclusive interview processes that uncover the skills and behaviours that matter. Whether you’re hiring your first Product Lead or a founding CMO, we’ll build a framework that works – fast.
Final Thoughts: Competency-Based Doesn’t Mean Cold
The best interviews are human. CBIs give structure, but they don’t have to strip out personality.
Whether you’re scaling a startup or looking for your next move, we’re here to make the process more thoughtful, inclusive, and just… better.
Got a question about your hiring process or interview prep?
Let’s chat → info@heraconsult.co.uk