Competency-Based Interviews, Revised Edition
How to Master the Tough Interview Style Used by the Fortune 500s
By: Robin Kessler
Published: June 22, 2012
Format: Paperback, 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1601632215
ISBN-13: 978-1601632210
Publisher: Career Press
"Competency-based interviews are highly structured and use behavioral questions to help the interviewer assess candidates based on critical competencies identified for the position", writes human resources professional, consultant, career coach, and president of The Interview Coach, Robin Kessler, in the completely revised and updated edition of her very hands on and results oriented book Competency-Based Interviews, Revised Edition: How to Master the Tough Interview Style Used by the Fortune 500s. the author describes the various types of competency-based interviewing techniques, how to understand and prepare for them, and for growing as a competency-based employee.
Robin Kessler recognizes that leading companies are utilizing various competency-based interviewing techniques to discover and hire the best employees for their organizations. The author points out that progressive firms are moving toward the competency-based interview approach at a rapid pace. While some traditional employers continue to use standard interviewing practices, Robin Kessler provides evidence that competency-based interviewing is becoming the new standard format. The author presents the idea that since past behavior is the best indicator of future performance, the competency-based interview was devised to capture those recurring behaviors.
Robin Kessler (photo left) understands that the competencies being sought, and expected to be demonstrated in the interview process, are the key characteristics that will make a person a success on the job. The author shares the insight that sophisticated companies prefer working with competencies as they provide an effective framework for hiring, managing, evaluating, and improving their employees. Each firm will have what the author calls core competencies that apply to all areas of the organization.
The competency-based interview, writes Robin Kessler, was devised to target and identify these relevant competencies. To guide the applicant through the different types and formats of the competency based interview, the author provides the following principles:
* Understanding competency-based interviewing systems
* Identifying key competencies
* Knowing what interviewers are trained to look for
* Proving competencies with examples
* Presenting yourself as a strong candidate
* Considering other important interviewing tips
* Understanding how a competency interview flows
* Developing global competencies for the future
* Using competency-based resumes to get interviews
For me, the power of the book is how Robin Kessler combines a comprehensive guide to competency-based interview techniques, and their various iterations, with case studies and real world examples of the concepts in action. The book is very well formatted, and the ideas flow naturally, creating a sense of a process unfolding. The various chapters contain numerous examples of questions that will appear during a competency-based interview. The author shares the foundation to navigating those types of interviews successfully, regardless of the way the questions are formulated by the interviewer.
The author also includes an important section on performing well on the job, building career competencies, and career management. The book is enhanced by the valuable appendix sections on a list of core competencies, competencies for case studies, and illegal interview questions. The author also sprinkles some lighthearted comics throughout the book to provide depth to the ideas.
I highly recommend the practical and engaging book Competency-Based Interviews, Revised Edition: How to Master the Tough Interview Style Used by the Fortune 500s by Robin Kessler, to anyone seeking employment and accepting interviews in today's challenging employment environment. This book could provide the edge you need to land that great job in a sophisticated organization.
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