CORE COMPETENCY BASED INTERVIEW GUIDE

The Competency Based Interview (CBI) technique is designed to draw from you examples of
how you thought, spoke and acted in specific situations.

Unlike other interviews, a CBI reduces the possibility of a subjective or biased assessment
by using 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 CBI provides more reliable and valid information than any other interview technique, as
it allows the interviewee the opportunity to talk about their contribution to a particular
situation. Competency focused assessment will be based on tangible specific behaviours
associated with success.

Competencies

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

effective or superior performance on the job. Typical examples of competencies are
innovation & problem solving, development & coaching, business & product awareness,
customer focus, two-way communication, team working, motivation & support, drive &
commitment and direction & purpose.

Please see the Appendix for a list of competencies and their definitions. It is a good idea to
look at all the competencies listed and then think about situations in which you feel you have
shown these competencies. It is suggested that these situations should be within the last 2-5
years, as your approach and attitudes may have changed over the course of your career and
because you may have difficulty recalling specific details of events from too long ago.
You should think about 2 or 3 specific situations or events, which you may be invited to talk
about as advised in the sheet. In all cases the interviewer is not only interested in your
actions or contributions – but also the way in which you affect the actions of the team.

Questions

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 the 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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Leader Ship Levels:
The BAE Systems have a grading system that is linked to different leadership levels. The
competency questions you will be asked during your interview are carefully selected
based on the grade and required leadership level of the position you are applying for.
Below is a brief discerption for each level:

Senior Leader:
You typically are part of a management committee leading the delivery of complex
programmes or a line of business. You are responsible for setting the strategy and
business plan, inspiring and engaging employees to business results, often influencing
across businesses and supply chains in your market

Manager of Managers:
You provide leadership to team managers/supervisors. You are responsible for
interpreting business strategy into objectives, prioritising deliverables and holding teams
to account for achieving milestones, supporting them through cross functional/business
working and inspiring good people management.

First Line Manager/Supervisor’s :

You lead teams by supervising one or more employees in planning and assigning their
work, providing on-going support through performance feedback and development
planning.

Employee:
No leadership skills are required. You will be responsible for your own tasks only and will
be managed or supervised by a senior staff from any of the above levels.

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 APPENDIX
Please note these are examples and will not necessarily form the
basis of your interview

 Drive Strategic Growth

You take calculated risks, and use analysis of the internal and external environment to
develop strategies that position BAE Systems for success. You anticipate and act on
opportunities, resulting in improved strategic agility, business performance, efficiency,
and growth. You apply commercial/business, financial, and operational expertise and
experience to deliver strategic results that outperform the competition.

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 Generate New Ideas

You inject fresh thinking, constructively challenge current approaches, and proactively
identify opportunities to drive competitive advantage. You create the environment where
new ideas are used to solve problems, others are comfortable challenging how things
are done, and there is openness and resilience when facing change.

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 Lead & Inspire Teams

You position yourself as a leader and create a motivating, inclusive climate for the
people you lead. You create and communicate a clear vision for the future that aligns
with strategic business goals, and translate it into individual and team objectives. You
set and expect high standards, hold people accountable to them, and harness individual
and team strengths to be resilient in the face of challenges and to deliver outstanding
results.

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 Influence Others

You identify key stakeholders and listen to them to understand their perspectives. You
recognise and respond to their feelings and concerns, and use this insight to adapt your
approach to create commitment. You gain their support to help you achieve your
personal and business objectives.

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 Develop People

You develop individuals and teams to help them succeed over the long term and accept
that, through learning, mistakes may be made. You understand your people’s
motivations, aspirations, strengths and development areas. You coach them and provide
them with insight and honest, constructive feedback to help them reach their potential.
You support them to balance their personal objectives with the requirements of the
business.

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 Partner with Customers

You partner with customers to anticipate, understand and exceed their needs. You work
effectively with customers across markets and adapt your business practices to respect
their customs and cultures, which builds trusted relationships. You challenge and
negotiate with them to ensure what you deliver is of customer value and makes business
sense for BAE Systems.

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Take a Global View

You look beyond your business and are proactive in finding out what makes other
markets different to your own. You uncover, understand and respect the customs of
other countries, organisations and individuals, and help others to appreciate and value
them. You adapt your approach and work effectively with people from other cultures,
using their different perspectives to add value.

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 Collaborate Across Networks

You build rapport and maintain friendly, respectful relationships across markets,
businesses, functions, and externally. You identify opportunities to collaborate and use
your expertise and experience to support people in your network who are, or might be,
helpful in achieving your personal and work-related goals.

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Understand and Develop Self

You are clear about what motivates you and what you want to achieve in BAE Systems.
You regularly seek feedback and learning opportunities to help you grow. You look for
experiences that support your development and the achievement of your career
aspirations in line with the needs of the business.

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