Preparing for a competency-based interview (CBI)

What is a CBI?

A Competency-based interview (CBI) is a standard practice at WIPO. This interview style assesses a candidate’s competence by eliciting information about past experiences, focusing on the behaviours and skills demonstrated in those situations.
These interviews operate on the assumption that past behaviours predict future performance. At WIPO, a key aspect of CBI is to design questions that elicit responses, demonstrating that a candidate possesses our organizational competencies.

What are WIPO’s organizational competencies?

  • Communicating effectively
  • Showing team spirit
  • Demonstrating integrity
  • Valuing diversity
  • Producing results
  • Showing service orientation
  • Seeing the big picture
  • Seeking change and innovation
  • Developing yourself and others
Learn more about WIPO’s Core Values and Organizational Competencies [PDF].

What can you expect?

You will likely be asked to demonstrate your competency through situational questions—explaining what you did or how you approached various challenges based on your past experiences. Typically, interviews will include three or four different questions and may last between 45 to 60 minutes. Preparation is key to being effective in a competency-based interview.
CBI questions might sound like:
  • Describe a situation where you had to explain a complex issue to a colleague or a client. What problems did you encounter and how did you deal with them?
  • Tell us about a time when you showed integrity and professionalism.
  • Give us an example of a situation where you had a project or task to complete that placed you under great pressure. How did you plan your approach to the task and remain motivated?
  • Share an experience where you engaged colleagues who were resistant to change.

Before the interview

  • Research the work, team, department or office you may be working for.
  • Review the job description and identify the competencies key to success in the position. The competencies are listed at the end of each vacancy announcement.
  • Prepare examples, stories, and accomplishments that demonstrate these key competencies. Reflect on what you have learned from these situations.
  • Practice discussing your experiences and competencies. If possible, find someone who has gone through a CBI and practice with them, ideally with someone who has been successful in a competency-based interview.

At the interview

  • Stay relaxed yet professional in your body language, including maintaining good eye contact.
  • Listen carefully to the questions and be prepared for follow-up questions.
  • Use this method to ensure your answers are well-organized and comprehensive:
    • (S)ituation: Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge.
    • (T)ask: Explain the actual task or challenge involved.
    • (A)ction: Detail your specific actions to address the task or challenge.
    • (R)esult: Share the outcomes or results of your actions.
  • Be honest and specific, sharing information that is appropriate and relevant to your experience. For example, when discussing an experience about working in a team, highlight your specific contributions to the team's results.
  • Manage your time during the interview – provide enough information while ensuring your response is concise and to-the-point. There will be follow-up questions to dig deeper, if and when necessary. Allocate around 3 to 5 minutes per response for each CBI question.