Interview guide
Competency-Based Interview Questions in the UK
Understand what competency questions assess and prepare evidence across leadership, delivery, judgement and collaboration.
The short answer
Competency interviews ask for evidence of how you behaved in a real situation. Prepare a varied evidence portfolio and listen for the specific judgement the question is testing.
Two questions can sound similar while assessing different things. “Tell me about a disagreement” may test influence, conflict handling, courage or stakeholder judgement depending on the follow-up.
A practical way to approach it
Identify the assessed behaviour
Look beyond the topic word. A leadership question may test direction-setting, delegation, accountability or developing others.
Use varied evidence
Prepare examples with different stakes, team dynamics and outcomes so the interview does not become one project retold repeatedly.
Expect probing
Interviewers may ask what alternatives you considered, what you personally did and what you learned. Strong preparation includes these layers.
Common question families
Generate likely questions and connect them to your real evidence.
Build an interview planChecklist
- Read the role’s competency framework if available
- Prepare six to eight varied examples
- Name the decision in each example
- Rehearse likely follow-up questions
- Keep outcomes and reflections clear
- Avoid reusing one story too often
Common mistakes
- Answering the general topic rather than the exact question
- Choosing examples with no personal decision
- Presenting conflict as winning against someone
- Claiming no meaningful failures
Questions people ask
Are Civil Service behaviours competency questions?
They are a structured form of behavioural assessment with published behaviour expectations by level. Use the relevant framework and examples at the expected scope.
Can examples come from outside work?
Yes when they demonstrate the required behaviour credibly, though experienced candidates should usually have relevant professional examples.
How should I prepare for follow-ups?
For each story, know the alternatives, stakeholders, your exact contribution, result, evidence and learning.
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