How do you show initiative when working on a team project? (2024)

A competency based interview is a type of interview that focuses on how you have demonstrated specific skills and behaviors in your past work or education experiences. The interviewer will ask you to describe a situation, task, action, and result (STAR) that relates to the competency they are assessing. For example, if they want to evaluate your initiative, they might ask you to tell them about a time when you took the lead on a team project, or when you came up with a creative solution to a challenge.

To prepare for behavioral questions about initiative, review examples from your past or current roles that showcase your ability to take initiative. Utilize the STAR method to structure your answers and provide specific details and outcomes. When choosing and preparing examples, select those that are relevant to the role and organization you are applying for. Consider the type of projects, tasks, and challenges you would encounter in the position, and how you would use your initiative to handle them. Demonstrate different aspects of initiative such as proactivity, creativity, leadership, collaboration, and improvement. Additionally, quantify your results and impact whenever possible by using numbers, percentages, or metrics to show how your initiative contributed to the team's or the organization's success. For example, mention how much time, money, or resources you saved, how much revenue or customer satisfaction you increased, or how much feedback or recognition you received.

When answering behavioral questions for initiative, you should follow the STAR method and use clear and concise language. To guide you through your answer, begin by describing the situation or context of the example. Provide some background information about the project, task, or challenge that you faced and why it was important. Then, explain the task or goal that you had to accomplish and your role and responsibilities. After that, explain the action that you took to demonstrate your initiative. Detail what you did, how you did it, why you did it, and who you involved or consulted. Highlight the skills and behaviors that you used such as research, analysis, communication, creativity, or leadership. Finally, summarize the result or outcome of your action. Stress the positive impact or benefit that your initiative had on the team, project, or organization with evidence or feedback to support your claims. Additionally, mention any challenges or difficulties that you overcame or learned from.

When answering behavioral questions for initiative, there are several dos and don'ts to keep in mind to ensure a successful answer. It's important to use specific and relevant examples that showcase your initiative in a positive and professional way. Additionally, focus on your own actions and contributions, and how they made a difference. Show enthusiasm and confidence in your answer, but avoid sounding arrogant or boastful. Before the interview, practice your answer to make sure it is clear, concise, and coherent. Don't take credit for someone else's work or achievements, blame others for failures or mistakes, criticize previous or current employers or colleagues, ramble off-topic, or forget important details or facts.

After answering behavioral questions for initiative, you should also follow up with the interviewer to demonstrate your interest and motivation for the role and the organization. Ask relevant and insightful questions about the role, the team, the culture, or the goals of the organization to show that you have done your research and are eager to learn more and contribute. Express your appreciation and enthusiasm for the opportunity, and reiterate why you are a good fit for the position and the organization. Highlight your strengths and skills, especially those related to initiative. Additionally, send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. Thank them for their time and attention, while reiterating your interest and qualifications. Mention something specific that you discussed or learned during the interview, and how it relates to your initiative.

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Competency Based Interviewing

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