Airbus Selection Tools and Techniques

Competency Based Interview -Support Guide for Applicants

What is a Competency Based Interview?

A Competency Based Interview is an interview technique which is designed to draw out of
you what you actually DID, SAID, and THOUGHT in a situation within or outside of work.
Unlike other interviews a Competency Based Interview eliminates the possibility of a
subjective or biased assessment, instead we use a method of investigative questioning.
Interviewers are trained to listen for evidence of COMPETENCY and press for detailed
descriptions of actual behaviour.
Research has shown that past experience is the best predictor of future performance.
The advantages of using a Competency Based Interview are:
*

The process is more reliable and valid than any other interview techniques such as
the traditional interview, CV etc.

It allows the interviewee the opportunity to talk about their contribution to a particular
situation.

Competency focused assessments will be based on tangible specific behaviours

associated with success.

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What is a competency?
In the first stages of the recruitment process 3 elements in particular were reviewed

Skills

Knowledge

Experience

To complete the job matching process we need to look at the 4th element

Skills

Knowledge

Experience

COMPETENCY

A competency is an underlying characteristic of an individual which is directly related to

effective or superior performance on the job. Levels of competency vary between each
individual, for example, if you show a higher level of competency in a particular area, you will
undoubtedly perform to a higher standard in that role.
Typical examples of competencies are two-way communication, customer focus, team
working, and development and coaching.

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How should you prepare for a Competency Based Interview?

Contained within this pack is the list of Airbus competencies and their definitions (Appendix
A).
It is a good idea to look at all the competencies listed and then think about situations where
you feel you have demonstrated these competencies. These situations could be as far back
as 2 years ago (try not to go back to situations too long ago as you may have difficulty
recalling specific details).
In all cases the interviewer is not only interested in your actions or contributions - they will
also be interested in the way in which you affected the actions of the team.

What sort of questions might you be asked during the interview?

Here are some typical questions that you may be asked during your interview:
What was going through YOUR mind when you did that?
How did YOU do that?
What was YOUR role in that event?
Can you give me an example of a time when YOU.......
Tell me what YOU said in that conversation?
What was the first key thing YOU did?
In answering these questions, you should describe your situation in as much detail as
possible - what you have DONE, SAID and THOUGHT.
REMEMBER!
BE HONEST
BE PRECISE
BE DETAILED

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The AIRBUS WAY BEHAVIOURS

To Enable the Vision and Strategy Innovation, Integration, Internationalisation and Engagement. One
global company culture.
It is recommended that all behaviours are investigated in the interview, to gather evidence that the
individuals values are aligned to the companys. Around 10 minutes should be allocated per question.
Generating Customer Value
Understand and anticipate customer needs, expectations and business in order to add value.
Bring mature and differentiating innovation in our products, services and technologies to the market.
Intern Definition
Works hard to identify, and then meet, customer needs. Delivers prompt and personalised service to customers,
putting the customer first. Monitors and acts on measures of customer satisfaction, taking customer satisfaction
seriously.
Act with Courage
Build, understand, share the long-term vision in a meaningful and inspiring way, and check actions are aligned to
vision.
Take fair and courageous decisions in the interest of Airbus and take responsibility for their consequences.
Deploy/follow policy and SMART objectives.
Intern Definition
Allocates realistic timescales for activities and sets achievable target dates for project stages. Takes steps to
ensure key project objectives are always met. Maintains professional, high quality work even at a very detailed
level. Takes time to learn company policies, rules, regulations and standard opportunities. Shows enthusiasm,
drive and determination and works through challenges to achieve success.
Drive Innovation and Deliver Reliably
Make realistic commitments and deliver to internal and external customers on time, cost, and quality.
Continuously champion change, innovation, eco-efficiency and improvement.
Be process-focused, striving for lean efficiency, standardisation & excellence.
Intern Definition
Frequently comes up with new and unusual ideas. Handles complex, changing facts and ideas and expresses
constructive attitude towards change.
Works hard to identify, and then minimise risk to ensure projects/work are delivered with maximum value and
profit and in line with objectives.
Practice Global Integration and Teamwork
Get things done through global networks, common process, methods and tools, within and outside Airbus.
Be a team player across cultures and organizations
Use and develop the best resources available wherever they are in the world.
Intern Definition
Takes responsibility for own work or for whole projects and takes responsibility for own mistakes. Takes account
of how colleagues perceptions of a situation may influence the way they behave. Consults widely during all
aspects of decision-making and considers things from other peoples perspectives. Write clearly and convincingly
avoiding unnecessarily complicated language and jargon.
Face Reality and Act with Integrity
Acknowledge, face and proactively address/solve conflict and problems.
Be open in working relationships and trust others to share openly.
Act with integrity and in compliance with applicable regulations.
Intern Definition
Shares information with others actively in order to maximise knowledge and experiences. Seeks solutions to
problems.
Develop Myself and Others
Provide/contribute to a working environment in which people can develop key competencies, grow and learn from
mistakes.
Respect, support and recognize others.
Continuously learn, coach and engage others
Intern Definition
Looks to develop themselves. Participates in the support and guidance of other team members.

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