These example answers are intended as concise, illustrative summaries to give you a starting point for competency-based interviews.
In practice, your responses should be expanded using the CBI (Circumstances, Behaviour, Impact) model, providing clear context, describing your specific actions, and highlighting the outcomes and impact of your behaviour.
This approach ensures your answers are detailed, structured, and demonstrate your skills and competencies effectively.
Competency: Analytical Skills
Describe a situation where you had to analyse complex information to make a decision.
"I reviewed a multi-asset lease portfolio to identify underperforming contracts and recommended changes that improved ROI by 12%."Give an example of when data analysis influenced your decision.
"I analysed client payment trends and identified risk patterns, enabling us to adjust terms and reduce late payments."
Competency: Judgment
Describe a time you had to make a difficult judgment call.
"I had to approve a high-value lease for a new client with limited history; I balanced risk with potential revenue and secured executive approval."Give an example of a decision you made under uncertainty.
"When funding delays threatened a deal, I proposed a temporary payment plan to keep the client on board while mitigating financial exposure."
Competency: Vision
Describe a time you anticipated a market change and acted on it.
"I noticed a trend in renewable energy equipment financing and proposed a new leasing package ahead of competitors, capturing early market share."Give an example of how your foresight benefited your organisation.
"I identified an upcoming regulatory change and adjusted lease contract templates in advance, preventing compliance issues."
Competency: Creativity
Give an example of when you found an innovative solution to a problem.
"To attract SME clients, I designed a flexible lease repayment structure that improved affordability and closed more deals."Describe a time when you had to think outside the box.
"I proposed bundling maintenance services with leasing agreements to differentiate our offering and increase client retention."
Competency: Numerical Problem Solving
Describe a situation where numerical analysis was key to your decision.
"I recalculated lease amortisation schedules for a client portfolio, optimising cash flow without breaching regulatory limits."Give an example of when you used numbers to influence a business decision.
"I presented a cost-benefit analysis of extending lease terms versus early buyouts, leading to approval of a more profitable option."
Competency: Risk Management
Describe a time you identified risks in a lease deal.
"I flagged a client with a weak credit rating and suggested additional collateral, avoiding potential losses."Give an example of a calculated risk you took that paid off.
"I approved a structured lease for a start-up client after detailed analysis; the client succeeded and generated repeat business for us."
Back: Competency-based interviews
Next: CBI : People & organisational competencies
