A strengths-based interview is designed to understand both what energises and motivates you, as well as what you do well. This differs from both competency-based interviews (which are focused more on what you can do or have done) or biographical interviews (which tend to be a talk through your CV).
Organisations use strengths-based interviews to find out what candidates love to do and do well. They are focused on making sure that the people they select are the right people for the right role - those who will enjoy their jobs, perform well and stay with the organisation.
Another reason organisations are increasingly using strengths-based interviews is that it is difficult for candidates to over-prepare for them, as you can with competency-based interviewing by thinking in advance about detailed pre-prepared past examples. As a result, the strengths-based interview is a lot more difficult to ‘fake’, and the organisation gets to see the ‘real’ candidate coming through. When the time comes for your strengths-based interview, stay calm and be yourself. Let your individuality shine though – this is what we’re really looking for.
Before having a strengths-based interview, there are a few simple things you can think about that will help you show the best of yourself on the day. As you prepare for your strengths-based interview, think about:
To help prepare for a strengths-based interview, be prepared for:
Example questions:
If you want to find out what FDM’s recruitment process involves then check out this handy guide