Competency and strengths-based interviews: the difference and how to prepare

Key takeaways

• →Competency-based interviews ask for examples of what you have done in the past.
• →Strengths-based interviews ask what you enjoy and where you are at your best, so the questions come faster and are harder to rehearse.
• →Ask the employer which style to expect, because some use both.
• →For competency questions, prepare real examples. For strengths questions, think honestly about what energises you.
• →Be yourself: careers services say there is no right or wrong answer to a strengths question.

1. What is a competency-based interview?

A competency-based interviewAn interview that asks for past examples of skills the job needs. asks you for evidence from your past. Surrey gives the example “Describe a time when you had a difficult problem and what you did to resolve the issue.” The employer is checking whether you have the skills the job needs, such as teamwork, leadership or communication.^[1]

Bath describes this as the question “Can you do the job?”, looking for transferable skillsSkills such as teamwork or communication that suit many jobs.. Our STAR method guide shows how to structure these answers.^[3]

2. What is a strengths-based interview?

A strengths-based interviewAn interview about what you enjoy and where you naturally do well. looks at what you enjoy and where you naturally do well. Surrey says the focus shifts to “what you are good at and what you enjoy doing”, and Leicester says it explores what energises you.^[1]

Bath says EY was an early adopterAn organisation that starts using a new method before most others. and names Nestlé, Barclays and Standard Chartered as other recruiters moving towards the style. Leicester adds that employers often switch because candidates arrive with rehearsedPractised so often that the answer can sound scripted. competency answers.^[3]

3. What is the difference between the two?

Both are used to judge fit, but they ask different things. The table shows the main differences reported by the three careers services.^[1]

4. What strengths-based questions might you be asked?

Careers services list questions such as “When are you at your best?”, “What motivates you?”, “What things give you energy?” and “What do you least enjoy doing?” Leicester adds “What comes easily to you?” and “Do you prefer to start tasks or to finish them?”^[2]

Bath lists “Are you a big-picture or a detail person?” and “How would a close friend describe you?” Leicester says the questions are open-ended and come quickly, so they can be harder to prepare for than competency questions.^[3]

5. How can you prepare?

Start by asking which style to expect. Surrey suggests contacting the employer’s HR department to ask whether the interview will be competency-based, strengths-based or both.^[1]

For strengths questions, Surrey says to reflect honestly on your strengths and interests beforehand, and that there is “no right or wrong answer”. Leicester suggests researching which strengths the company values, preparing a list of activities you enjoy, and practising short, natural replies.^[2]

Bath advises thinking about your whole life, not only your studies. Examples can come from work experience, part-time jobs, volunteering, societies and sport, as Surrey notes.^[3]

Interviewers may also notice your tone of voice and body languagePosture, eye contact and gestures that show how you feel., according to Surrey, Leicester and Bath. Leicester suggests eye contact and an enthusiastic tone, and says to stay honest and natural.^[2]

6. How Brainhub can help

Brainhub offers coaching for students and graduates preparing for interviews. We help you find your best examples, think about your strengths and practise answering out loud. We coach, so your answers are always your own, we never write applications or assessed work for you, and we cannot promise a job. See our online tutoring page for how sessions work, our university pathways for more guides, and book a free assessment choosing “University or graduate”.

1. 1. What does a competency-based interview ask for?

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2. 2. What does a strengths-based interview focus on?

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3. 3. How can you find out which style to expect?

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4. 4. Is there a right answer to a strengths question?

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Your next steps

1. 01

   Check the employer’s website or ask HR which interview style to expect.

2. 02

   Write four or five real examples for competency questions.

3. 03

   Write down what energises you and where you do your best work.

4. 04

   Book a mock interview with your careers service.