Competencies, Key Behaviors

8/8/2019 Competencies, Key Behaviors

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________________________________________________________________________________

STAFF MEMBER GUIDE TO

INTERVIEWING __________________________________________________________________________________

Section II- Competencies, Key Behaviors& Sample Questions

Achievement Oriented

Analytical Ability

Communications Skills (Oral & Written)

Creativity

Decision Making Skills

Diversity Orientation Flexibility

Initiative

Interpersonal Skills

Job Motivation

Judgment

Leadership

Management Skills

Persuasiveness

Planning and Organizing Skills Presentation Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Team Building/Team Work

Time Management

Competencies, Key Behaviorsand Job-Related Questions

Job competencies are the skills and personal characteristics that an individualshould possess in order to be successful in a position. Below is a list ofcommonly identified competencies for which we have created examples of keybehaviors. On the pages that follow you will find questions that address specificompetencies.We hope they will be helpful to you as you begin the process ofdeveloping your interview questions. ________________________________________________________________________

Competencies ________________________________________________________________________


http://www.hr-guide.com/data/A302.htm 1/



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Termination and

Achievement Orientation

Job Motivation

Analytical Ability

Judgment

Communication Skills (Oral &Written)

Leadership

Creativity

Persuasiveness

Decision Making

Planning and Organizing Skills

Diversity Orientation

Presentation Skills

Flexibility

Presentation Skills

Initiative

Problem Solving Skills

Interpersonal Skills Team Building/Team Work Time Management

You should feel free to create your own competencies, key behaviors and questionsthat apply to your specific recruiting needs. In addition youll want to identify th job-specific skills needed, i.e., PC experience, ability to travel, etc.

Achievement Oriented ________________________________________________________________________

Identifies and accomplishes challenging objectives or personal goals.

Key Behaviors Questions to Ask

Establishes challenging short-and long-term goals.

Tell me about theaccomplishment you are mostproud of and why.

Takes initiative, persists at tasksand pursues completion of

objectives.

Takes reasonable risks.

Overcomes obstacles andresistance to change.

What risks were you willing totake to achieve goals you set foryourself?

Describe your future goals andthe steps you plan on taking toreach these goals.

Engages in healthy competition.

Explain a project you undertooko your own initiative that made a





Safety

Wellness,

Safety

OSHA

EAP Programs

Education Programs

Human

Resources

Industrial and

Labor Relations

MBA

Executive MBA

Industrial /

Organizational

Psych

I/O Psychology

Industrial /

Organizational

Psych

major impact on yourdepartment.

Additional Key Behaviors

Additional Questions to Ask

Analytical Ability ________________________________________________________________________

Reviews & analyzes a wide variety of information and recommends a specificcourse of action.


Grasps new concepts, approachesand systems.

Examines & interprets a wide

variety of data/information andmakes recommendations ordecisions.

Tell me about a time you wereasked to evaluate a situation andrecommend a new approach. What factors did you take into

consideration when analyzing thedata?

Defines parameters of task anddesired objectives.

Develops results-orientedconclusions.

Give me an example of apotential work problem that youanticipated and resolved.Whatare some of the measures youtook to prevent the situation frombecoming a problem in the

future?

Anticipates problems,opportunities and needs of theorganization and the constituent.

How do you stay attuned to newtrends in your area of expertise?

Organizes ideas and informationin unique ways.







Communication Skill (Oral & Written) ________________________________________________________________________

Takes the initiative to communicate accurate, up-to-date plans and information tosubordinates, peers, and management. Expresses thoughts clearly, both verballyand in writing. Listens and understands the views of others.


Writes in a concise and organizedmanner.

Writes results clearly &grammatically.

Appears knowledgeable &confident in communicating information.

When communicating withothers, do you generally writethem a memo, call them, or talk tothem in person?

Tell me about a time whensomeone returned one of yourreports or memos because theydidnt understand it.Whatdid you do?

Shares information with others tohelp them perform their jobs &seeks information from others.

Is sensitive to the communicationlevels required by differentaudiences.

What courses have you taken incommunication, business writing,effective speaking, etc.?

Describe a time when yourability to listen helped youcommunicate better.

Listens actively & speaks clearlyand directly.

Conducts effective meetings.

This job requires you to spend alarge amount of time writing.

How would your supervisordescribe your writing skills?







Creativity ________________________________________________________________________

Develops new ideas and unique and novel solutions to problems.


Challenges current procedures todevelop other alternatives.

Give me an example of a uniqueand novel solution you had for arecent problem you encounteredin your work.

Seeks ways to improve allaspects of the job.

Tell me about a time when youwere creative and explored newways of thinking.

Brainstorms to develop

suggestions and new ideas.

Develops several approaches orsolutions to a problem.

Describe a time when you broke

away from the regimented way ofthinking and developed acreative solution.



Decision-Making Skills ________________________________________________________________________

Makes decisions while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding ofissues; ability to use reason, even when dealing with emotional topics.


Identifies purpose and What technique do you use in





objectives. making decisions?

Gathers and analyzes data anddevelops rationale for decision.

As appropriate, involvessubordinates and others inmaking decisions.

Describe, in detail, a situation inwhich you used your training andexperience in making a decisionthat required sound judgment.

Considers alternatives andassesses their impact andpotential problems.

Implements decision andevaluates results.

What is the most difficultbusiness decision you have hadto make?

Tell me about a time when youinvolved others in the decision-making process.

In you prior job, what decision

did you ponder the longestbefore making?Why was itdifficult?



Diversity Orientation ________________________________________________________________________

Recognizes and values the benefits in the diversity of people, ideas andcultures. Encourages differences as a way to enhance group productivity.


Treats each person in thedepartment as an individual withindividual needs and issues.

How do you value thedifferences that employees bring to the job?

Maintains and enhances the self-esteem of others.

Understands and responds to

others

needs and priorities.

What benefits have you seen inthe changing demographics inyour work environment?

How have you adapted your





Values differences among teammembers.

behavior to the changing workforce?

Promotes equal treatment whilerefusing to tolerate workforcebias or racism.

Gives equal time to all staffwithin department.

Give me an example of how youmanage the members of yourstaff differently but equitably.



Flexibility ________________________________________________________________________

Recognizes and responds to unanticipated events and requirements.Willing todo what is necessary to get the desired results.


Copes successfully withunexpected events.

Handles several projectssimultaneously.

Describe a time in your current job when you boss assigned youa rush project even though youhad other important priorities atthe time. How did you feel andwhat was your response?

Adapts own behavioral andcommunication style to gaincooperation of managers, co-workers, peers, customers orsuppliers.

Adapts well to, and supports,change.

Brings simplicity and order out

of complexity and chaos.

Explain a situation where youadapted your behavior andcommunication style to gaincooperation on a team project.

Tell me about a time when youwere able to adapt to a difficult-to-deal-with employee.







Initiative ________________________________________________________________________

Actively seeks opportunities to make a contribution rather than passively

accepting situations. Takes action to achieve goals beyond what is necessarilycalled for; originates action.


Actively seeks solutions toproblems before being asked ordirected.

Tell me about a project yougenerated on your own & whatprompted you to initiate it.

Questions the way a process isdone and suggests changes.

Give me an example of how you

made a change in a work-relatedprocedure or process, why youmade the change & the results.

Initiates self-developmentefforts.

Tell me about some new ideasand suggestions you have madeto your supervisor in your current job.Which were accepted andwhy.

Seeks additional jobresponsibilities to assume.

What do you do differently thanother employees in your current job?

Looks for new ways to contributeto the business.

What have you done to addvalue in your department?







Interpersonal Skills ________________________________________________________________________

Establishes productive, cooperative relationships with subordinates, peers andmanagement. Understands and responds to others needs and priorities.Resolves conflict in positive ways.


Resolves conflict in positiveways.

Gives and seeks feedback thatwill increase the productivity ofrelationships.

Give me an example of a timewhen you encountered conflictwith another department. Tell

me how you resolved it.

Deals with the diverse behaviorof others in groups in order toincrease the groupsproductivity.

Describe a difficult employeerelations issue you were involvedwith and how you managed it.

Maintains and enhances the self-

esteem of others.

Tell me about a situation whereyou had to demonstrate empathy

or sympathy to someone.

Recognizes strengths andlimitations of self and others.

Explain a time when you weresensitive to the diversity of a teamor group you were working withand how you affected theproductivity of that group.



Job Motivation ________________________________________________________________________

Maintains a high level of interest and enthusiasm for job responsibilities. Hasdemonstrated record of being a self-starter and self-motivated.






Takes pride and derivessatisfaction in ones job.

Give me an example of whenyou felt the greatest sense ofachievement.

Assumes ownership for getting the job done.

Enthusiastic about taking onchallenging projects.

All jobs have their frustrations &problems. Describe an example

of specific job conditions, tasks orassignments that have beendissatisfying to you.What didyou do?

Goal oriented; concerned withachievement & doing better.

What gave you the greatestfeeling of achievement in your job at _________________?

Makes plans and followsthrough.

What makes a job interesting toyou?

Whatturns off yourmotivation in a job?



Judgment ________________________________________________________________________

Weighs alternative courses of action and makes decisions that reflect factualinformation and are based on rational and logical assumptions that takeorganizational resources into consideration.


Makes sound decisions byconsidering alternatives.

Describe a decision you recentlymade and identify the processthat led ou to that decision.





What were some of the sourcesyou used to reach that decision? What were some of the issues youtook into consideration?

Considers impact in other areasof the organization.

Give me an example of a gooddecision you made in the last sixmonths.What were the

alternatives?Why was it a gooddecision?

Weighs alternatives and selectspractical solutions.

What was the toughest decisionyou had to make in your current job? Tell me about it.

Reviews decision to see if itsatisfies long-range plans.

Give me an example of a timewhen you had to ask yourmanager for assistance on a

project or situation.



Leadership ________________________________________________________________________

Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to guide individuals or groupstoward achieving results.


Develops and communicates avision of challenging goals,

growth and progress.

Motivates others to worktogether toward commonobjectives.

Describe a situation in which youhad to gain cooperation of others

outside of your organizationwhere you had no directauthority.What were thechallenges and how did youovercome them?

Successfully gains cooperation insituations where the person hasno direct authority.

Have you ever developed amission statement for yourdepartment? How did you goabout it?





Works effectively in cross-functional groups.

Describe the role you usuallytake in a task team situation.

Takes on a leadership role inschool, work and/or community.



Management Skills ________________________________________________________________________

Motivates, trains, and develops a diverse workforce and provides an environmentconducive to achievement and growth.

Key Behaviors Questions to Ask Delegates effectively and

acknowledges accomplishments.

Responds positively toinnovative ideas and suggestionsfrom subordinates.

How would your staff describeyou as a manager?What wouldthey say are your strengths?Opportunities for improvement?

How would you describeyourself as a manager?

Resolves personnel problems

quickly and effectively.

Communicates plans andinformation to staff in a timely &thorough manner.

Promotes teamwork andcooperation within thedepartment.

Meets budget responsibilities.

Describe a personnel problem

you had recently. How did youhandle it and what was theoutcome?

How do you communicateorganizational changes and otherrelevant information to yourstaff?

What methods do you use toaccomplish the projects that add





Provides constructive, ongoing feedback.

Balances concerns for results,deadlines, tasks, and people.

value to your department?

Give me an example of aperformance issue in yourdepartment and how youmanaged it.



Persuasiveness ________________________________________________________________________

Utilizes appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to gain agreement oracceptance of an idea, plan, activity or product.


Gains approval of a plan or ideaby focusing on the benefits of theproposal to the audience.

When convincing others of yourideas, what skills or personalabilities do you use?

Persuades people from variouslevels, positions or backgroundsby using a variety of

interpersonal techniques andapproaches.

Improvises, thinks quickly onhis/her feet.

Describe a situation where yourenthusiasm persuaded a person(s)to your point of view.

Tell me about one of yourtoughestsales experiencesand the steps you took to gainacceptance.

Sells ideas despite resistance. Give me an example of asituation when you wereunsuccessful in selling your ideato thecustomer and changed

your approach to gain support.







Planning and Organizing Skills ________________________________________________________________________

Establishes a course of action for self or others to accomplish a specific goal.


Develops plans to achieveobjectives.

How do you ensure you meetyour objectives?

Identifies resources needed toaccomplish objectives.

Resolves conflicting priorities

and accomplishes work on time.

Utilizes ato do list, calendar,or some type of planning tool.

Maintains a balance andawareness of status of all projects.

Anticipates obstacles and ways toovercome them.

Develops short-and long-rangeplans.

Give me an example of a projectyou were given and how you

accomplished it.

How do you prioritize yourdaily, weekly, etc.responsibilities?

Give me an example of whenyou had conflicting priorities andhow you completed them ontime.

Tell me about a time when you

used your organizing andscheduling skills to create aproductive work environment.

What kinds of project planning and administration to you enjoyin your current job?



Presentation Skills ________________________________________________________________________

Expresses oneself in a clear, concise manner during individual or group situations






Presents in a confident andenthusiastic manner whenaddressing people in a large orsmall group.

Describe your presentation style.

What steps do you take beforemaking a presentation? Howdo you prepare?

Demonstrates a sound

knowledge of the subject matter.

Delivers information in a clear,concise, and logical manner.

Gains acknowledgment ofaudience and is able tounderstand the communicationlevel required.

What has been one of your mostsuccessful presentations?Why?

How often do you present? Towhom?

Describe a presentation whereyou had to persuade an audienceon an idea, service or change.

Effectively uses various audio-visual media to enhancepresentations.

Tell me about a time when youhad to present informationoutside of the scope of yourresponsibilities.

Tell me about a time when apresentation did not go well andwhat you did to rescue it.



Problem Solving Skills ________________________________________________________________________

Identifies and defines problems through the gathering of relevant information

leading to the development of alternative solutions.


Identifies the existence and causeof a problem

Do you use any particularproblem-solving techniques?Please explain.

Brainstorms potential solutions.

Describe a problem you solvedwhere you used your





Identifies conditions thatsolutions must meet.

Evaluates alternative courses ofaction.

Identifies key people involved inevaluating solutions to the

problem.

Implements solutions andevaluates results.

investigative skills to get to theheart of the problem.

Give me an example of aproblem you dealt with thatfrustrated you. Explain why,and what you did about it.

How much autonomy do youhave in the problem-solving process?When does yourmanager get involved?

Describe a problem youidentified and explain how youobtained agreement & supportfrom key individuals as youdeveloped solutions.



Team Building/Team Work ________________________________________________________________________

Promotes cooperation within the department and in interactions with otherdepartments. Values differences among team members and can manage workgroups with diverse influences.


Promotes open participation andcommunication withindepartment and throughout the

organization.

What sets you work group ordepartment apart from others inyour organization?

Shares pertinent informationwith all members of the team.

Adapts to other peoplesbehavior style in order to achievethe desired goals of the team.

Provides opportunities forsubordinates to participate in

Tell me about a task force orproject team that you were amember of and the role youplayed in that group.

Give me an example of a difficultsituation with anotherdepartment that you need towork with regularly and how youresolved it.





project teams, task forces, etc., fordevelopment purposes.

Promotes a team spirit withinand outside department; partnerswith other groups.



Time Management ________________________________________________________________________

Manages a variety of responsibilities in a timely, efficient manner.


Effectively prepares and uses adailyto do list.

What methods or techniques doyou use to help manage yourtime

Allocates time to planning,

thinking and mapping out tasks.

Assigns priorities to tasks.

Controls time spent in attending meetings.

Controls interruptions.

Describe how you manage tomaintain balance betweenaccomplishing projects andattending meetings.

How do you handleinterruptions to ensure that youcomplete your projects on time?

Describe a time when you hadseveral projects to complete andhow you prioritized yourworkload.

In your present position whatlimits your ability to manage yourtime? How do you work withthese limitations?







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