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: Leadership
Describe a time you led a team successfully.
"I led a cross-functional team to launch a new leasing product, coordinating sales, legal, and operations to meet the launch deadline."Give an example of influencing others to achieve a goal.
"I persuaded senior management to adopt a revised credit assessment framework, improving approval efficiency by 20%."
Competency: Empowerment
Describe a time you delegated effectively.
"I delegated client portfolio management to junior staff while providing guidance, enabling faster turnaround and team skill development."Give an example of mentoring a colleague.
"I coached a new leasing associate through complex transaction procedures, helping them close their first deals successfully."
Competency: Strategic Planning
Give an example of planning a long-term initiative.
"I developed a 12-month strategy for equipment leasing expansion into SMEs, including resource allocation and market analysis."Describe a time you aligned team goals with organisational strategy.
"I coordinated lease structuring and sales targets to match the company’s revenue growth plan, ensuring seamless execution."
Competency: Corporate Sensitivity
Describe a situation where you considered the broader impact of a decision.
"I ensured a high-value client proposal complied with internal policy and market regulations, protecting the company’s reputation."Give an example of balancing company interests with client needs.
"I negotiated flexible payment terms for a key client while safeguarding financial risk for the firm."
Competency: Management Control
Describe a time you improved operational control.
"I implemented a new lease tracking system to monitor contract compliance and reduce missed payments."Give an example of ensuring team adherence to processes.
"I conducted weekly reviews of lease approvals and client reporting to maintain consistency and compliance across the department."
Back: Competency-based interviews
