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A Competency-based recruitment and selection process is used across the Irish Life & Permanent Group. Some roles may also require the completion of a competency-based application form. Relevant competencies are identified for each position in advance of the selection process. Competency-based recruitment and selection helps us to ensure that the process is as consistent and as fair as possible.

What is a competency?

A competency is defined as the blend of knowledge, skills and attributes required to do the job well:

Knowledge: What you need to know (e.g. knowledge of insurance / banking)

Skills: What you are able to do (e.g. deal with demanding customers)

Attributes: What you need to have (e.g. leadership / innovation)

Competency-based Interviews - What are they?

A competency-based interview is a technique that we use to determine whether you are a good fit for the job. We do this by asking questions that show evidence of your past behaviour. You will be asked to recall situations and you need to show evidence that you have done what you say. Examples of common competencies include planning and organising, communicating and influencing and delivering superior customer satisfaction.

• Ideally a CV should be 2 pages long (no longer than 3 pages);
• Use bullet points – they help to save space and add impact;
• Be brief and concise;
• You should rework your CV for every job you apply for, emphasising the skills and abilities that best suit the requirements of the job

Your CV should include the following:

Personal details:

• Full name
• Address for correspondence
• Email address
• Mobile and home telephone numbers

Education and qualifications:

Starting with your most recent qualification, this section should include:

• Any professional qualifications attained e.g. CIPD, ACCA etc
• Name of College/University, qualifications and grade achieved
• Name of secondary school and leaving certificate (or equivalent qualification), subjects studied and grades achieved

Employment history:

Start with your most recent position and work backwards in reverse chronological order, including the following details:

• Dates of employment
• Company name and general location
• Job title and brief outline of key duties - use bullet points
• Include any significant achievements

Key skills:

• Include technical skills which are relevant to the role and any additional skills you may have e.g. IT skills and relevant professional qualifications;
• Include any relevant non-technical/soft skills e.g.: presentation, team management skills etc.

Additional information:

Include information on achievements and hobbies and interests.

• Research the company before the interview. This will demonstrate your interest in the organisation to the interviewers and also help you determine if the company is what you are looking for. The company’s website is always a good way to gather up-to-date relevant information. Other sources include newspapers, business magazines etc;
• Know the company’s products and services and be prepared to tell the interviewer why the company is attractive to you;
• Familiarise yourself with the key duties and responsibilities of the position that you are applying for. Be able to articulate clearly why you are interested in the position and how your skills match the job requirements;
• Be familiar with the contents of your CV/application form and be prepared to give relevant examples to indicate your ability under each competency;
• Plan for typical questions such as: education/achievements to date. Challenging situations from previous roles / be in a position to outline your motivation in applying for the role. Team work experience/ long term career ambitions;
• Prepare 1-2 relevant questions. Asking relevant questions at the end of your interview will demonstrate that you understand the role and it will also help you determine if the position is the right one for you.

Day of interview

• Make sure you know where the venue is and who you are to ask for;
• Arrive in plenty of time, allow time for travel delay;
• Dress professionally;
• Bring a copy of your CV/application form with you to the interview so that you can refer to it, as required;
• Turn off your mobile phone before the interview!

The interview

• Introduce yourself courteously and confidently;
• Greet the interviewer/s with a firm handshake, good eye contact and a relaxed smile;
• Make a point of remembering the names of the panel;
• Always try to answer the question that is being asked and try not to wander off the point;
• Always justify your answers by giving relevant examples from your experience to date;
• If you are unsure of exactly what you are being asked; ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify the question;
• Include all members of the interview panel with your response using eye contact;
• Show how your experience can benefit the organisation;
• Smile;
• Be positive - avoid negative comments about yourself and past employers;
• Do not misrepresent your qualifications and/or experience (these will be checked at later date). Be as honest as possible;
• Ask relevant questions about the position/company;
• Be confident, enthusiastic and most importantly be yourself!

We will record all evidence by taking notes during the interview. These notes help in decision-making and also assist us in giving feedback to applicants.