Competency-Based Interview Questions and Answers (UK): 20 Examples Employers Ask
Competency-based interviews, sometimes called behavioural interviews, ask about specific situations from your past. They are used across the UK in the public sector, banks, retail, engineering and many other fields. Here are 20 common questions and what the interviewer is looking for.
Teamwork and communication
Tell me about a time you worked in a team to achieve a goal. (Looks for collaboration and your own contribution.)
Describe a time you had to explain something complicated to someone. (Looks for clarity.)
Give an example of when you disagreed with a colleague. (Looks for respect and resolution.)
Tell me about a time you supported a colleague who was struggling. (Looks for empathy and team spirit.)
Problem solving and decision making
Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem. (Looks for logic and creativity.)
Describe a decision you made with limited information. (Looks for judgement.)
Give an example of when you spotted a problem before it got worse. (Looks for initiative and awareness.)
Pressure, time and organisation
Tell me about a time you worked under pressure. (Looks for calm and prioritising.)
Describe how you manage several competing deadlines. (Looks for planning.)
Give an example of when you missed a deadline. (Looks for honesty and learning.)
Customer focus
Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer.
Describe how you handled a complaint.
How did you deal with a customer you could not help?
Leadership and influence
Tell me about a time you led others.
Describe a time you persuaded someone to change their mind.
Give an example of how you motivated a team.
Resilience and learning
Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
Describe a time you received critical feedback.
Tell me about a time you learned a new skill quickly.
Describe a time you had to adapt to change.
How to answer them
Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Spend most of the time on the action and finish with a measurable result. Keep each answer to two or three minutes, and practise with real stories from work, study or voluntary experience.
Quick answers
How many examples do I need? Five or six strong stories can answer most questions.
Can I use the same story twice? Better to use different ones, but if the story fits two questions, focus on a different aspect each time.
Want to practise with questions written for your exact job? Our question bank covers hundreds of UK roles with model answers, and every role has five questions free.
Practise for specific roles
Pick your role: Administrator, Project Manager, Team Leader.
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