What is a Competency-Based Interview and Why Preparation Matters

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by Impactpool

When applying for roles in today’s competitive job market, especially in international organizations and mission-driven sectors, you’re likely to encounter a competency-based interview. Unlike traditional interviews that may focus on your background or general fit, competency-based interviews are designed to assess whether you have demonstrated the specific skills, behaviours, and qualities required to succeed in the role.

In practice, this means interviewers are not just interested in what you know; they are looking for evidence of what you’ve actually done! Competency-based questions typically draw on your past experiences to predict your future performance. For example, rather than asking, “Are you a good team player?”, an interviewer might ask you to describe a time when you worked effectively within a team to achieve a goal. The emphasis is on real-life examples that bring your competencies to life.

 

So why does this matter? Success in a competency-based interview depends not only on your qualifications but also on how clearly you can demonstrate your skills through structured, relevant examples. Without preparation, it’s easy to give vague answers, miss the chance to highlight your strengths, or overlook experiences that showcase your suitability for the role.

Competency-based interviews are widely used by organizations such as the UN, NGOs, and major international institutions precisely because they provide a fairer, more standardized way of comparing candidates. They ensure that decisions are based on proven behaviours rather than just impressions. That makes them powerful, but also challenging if you’re unprepared.

Preparing properly can make the difference between blending in and standing out. By understanding the competencies being assessed and reflecting on your experiences in advance, you’ll be able to provide strong, compelling answers that show interviewers exactly why you’re the right fit.

Don’t miss this in-depth session with Impactpool coach Merlijn Angad Gaur! Learn what to expect in a competency-based interview and discover strategies to approach it with confidence.

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