Competencies employer generally look for during the time of interview

 Drive for achievement

o   Defined as: The individual grasps opportunities to achieve and exceed

o   their business and personal objectives;

o   success is a great motivator for them;

o   desires to perform tasks to the highest standards; is generally

o   positive and enthusiastic at all times;

o   does not suffer too greatly by setbacks

                                                o   and is tenacious

                                                o   is resourceful and self-driven;

                                                o   can accept  change and is flexible;

                                                o   has a high level of energy; leads by example.

   Strategic thinking

o   Defined as:

o   The individual can think about their industry/sector as a whole;

o   can identify threats and opportunities to the organisation;

o   can monitor the progress of short- and longer-term projects;

o   can manage

o   multiple priorities;

o   understands the link between departmental and

o   organisational objectives;

o   recognises the interaction between people and

o   technical issues in achieving objectives.

   Relationship building

o   Defined as:

o   The individual puts effort over a sustained period of time in

o   building influential relationships;

o   puts effort into building both external

o   and internal relationships;

o   understands the importance of good business

o   relationships;

o   demonstrates proactivity in utilising the expertise of others;

o   works with others to formulate solutions;

o   builds on friendships and

o   actively networks.

   Commercial awareness

o   Defined as:

o   The individual understands how organisations work; can

o   apply commercial and financial principles;

o   demonstrates an active

o   interest in the financial performance of the organisation in terms of

o   profit and loss, cash-flow, added value, routes to market,

o   competitiveness, etc.

   Leadership of change

o   Defined as: The individual works with others to implement change;

o   helps

o   to clarify and avoid ambiguity;

o   willingly accepts change;

o   takes

o   responsibility for driving things forward

o   can identify and initiate change;

o   understands the interconnectivity of departments and how change

o   affects others.

Leadership skills

o   Defined as: The individual demonstrates an ability to share a sense of

o   vision and common purpose;

o   has respect of others through words and

o   deeds;

o   inspires loyalty and commitment;

o   has an adaptable leadership

o   style depending on individuals and circumstances;

o   can create and build

o   teams;

o   is inspirational and enthusiastic;

o   demonstrates empathy;

o   can

o   transform strategic objectives into firm actions.

 Continuous improvement

o   Defined as: The individual demonstrates the ability to identify the actions

o   needed to make things happen in a quality-oriented way;

o   can ensure

o   these actions are carried out;

o   seizes opportunities to make improvements;

o   establishes conditions to ensure continuous improvement;

o   can plan and

o   organise tasks;

o   can challenge the status quo.

 

   Customer awareness

o   Defined as: The individual can demonstrate an ability to meet and exceed

o   customer expectations;

o   recognises the prime importance of the customer;

o   can anticipate future customer needs;

o   goes the extra mile for the

o   customer;

o   takes responsibility for developing long-term relationships

o   with customers;

o   forges partnerships that contribute to future growth

o   opportunities for both customer and own organisation.

   Decision-making skills and judgement

o   Defined as: The individual can demonstrate a readiness to make

o   high-quality decisions based on the information to hand using logic and

o   analytical skills;

o   breaks complex issues into component parts;

o   considers

o   the outcomes of varying courses of action;

o   can draw reliable conclusions

o   from disparate and often conflicting sources of data;

o   can make sound

o   decisions in a timely manner;

o   is able to make decisions with an

                  o   awareness of the political climate internally.

 Influencing skills

o   Defined as: The individual demonstrates competence in convincing

o   others or impresses them in such a way as to gain acceptance,

o   agreement

o   or behaviour change;

o   sets a positive example by modelling behaviour;

o   has

o   excellent listening, oral and written communication skills;

o   has the ability

o   to influence peers, subordinates and superiors and key decision-makers;

o   can influence at tactical and strategic levels.

 

   Development of self and others

o   Defined as: The individual demonstrates an interest in the development

o   of others as well as himself;

o   seeks out opportunities to learn new skills;

o   encourages others in their development;

o   accepts coaching and

o   mentoring responsibilities;

o   monitors own and others’ skill levels;

o   keeps

o   abreast of development in their chosen field.

 

   Teamworking skills

o   Defined as: The individual demonstrates an ability to work cooperatively

o   and productively with others;

o   copies the teamworking styles of others;

o   looks for opportunities to work in ad-hoc and established teams;

o   understands how to set and monitor team objectives and goals;

o   recognises the differing skill sets of individuals and the need for a mix

o   within teams.