Competency-based
questions are interview questions that require candidates to provide real-life
examples as the basis of their answers.
Candidates should
explain why they made certain decisions, how they implemented these decisions
and why certain outcomes took place.
Confidence and reliance
on the audit process depend on the competence of those conducting the audit.
This competence is based on the demonstration of:
§ Personal attributes
§ The ability to apply
knowledge and skills
§ The gaining of knowledge and skills through:
§ Education
§ Work experience
§ Auditor training
§ Audit experience
ISO 9001 Auditors
develop, maintain and improve their competence through continual professional
development and regular participation in audits.
Personal Attributes an auditor should be:
§ Ethical – fair,
truthful, sincere, honest, discreet
§ Open-minded – willing to
consider alternative ideas
§ Diplomatic – tactful in
dealing with people
§ Observant – aware of
surroundings and activities
§ Perceptive –
instinctively aware of and understands situations
§ Versatile – be able to
adjust to different situations
§ Tenacious – persistent,
focused on achieving objectives
§ Decisive – reach timely
conclusions
§ Self-reliant – functions
independently
Knowledge and Skills
An auditor should have
knowledge and skills in:
1. Audit principles, procedures, and techniques:
§ Apply audit principles,
procedures, and techniques
§ Plan and organize work
effectively
§ Conduct an audit within
the agreed time schedule
§ Prioritize and focus on
matters of significance
§ Collecting objective
audit evidence
§ Understand sampling and
its limitations
§ Verify the accuracy of
collected information
§ Evaluate the adequacy of
audit evidence and other factors affecting audit findings and conclusions
§ Use work documents to
record audit activities
§ Maintain confidentiality
and security of information
§ Communicate effectively
- Communication Regardless of the position or industry, the way
we interact with others is crucial and you need to be able to build and
maintain excellent relationships with clients and colleagues. Example
question: ‘Tell us about a time you had to adjust your communication
approach to suit a particular audience.’
- Decision Making Good decision making will help you solve problem , devise solutions and make
efficiencies. Example question: ‘Give an example of a time when you had to
make a difficult decision.’
- Leadership Valuable for many reasons – such as showing that you
can coordinate, motivate and lead a successful team. Example question:
‘Describe a situation when you assumed the role of leader. Were there any
challenges, and how did you address them?’
- Result Orientation Being focused on results is a skill that will help
you excel in your career. It can be anything from improving a system or
process through to hitting targets. Example question: ‘Give me an example
of a time when you believe you were successful.’
- Teamwork Businesses don’t work properly without good
teamwork. Collaborative working can achieve results, improve productivity
and boost performance. Example question: ‘Describe a situation in which
you were working as part of a team. How did you make a contribution?’
- Trustworthiness Good employees can be trusted to get things done.
Example question: ‘Would you report on a colleague who you knew was taking
money from the company illegally?’
- Responsibility Employees who take responsibility for and pride in
their work are highly valued. Example question: ‘Describe a situation when
you held responsibility for completion of a task.’
- Commercial Awareness A skill that illustrates intelligence,
professionalism and commitment to the firm. Example question: ‘Describe a
situation when you have had to use commercial awareness.’
- Professional Development. Being open to enhancing your skills will always
help you succeed at work. Example question: ‘Describe a period where you
enhanced your skills effectively.’
Technical Skills. Ever more important, technical (and
particularly digital) skills are highly sought after because so many businesses
are using them to grow. Example question: ‘Describe a situation where you have
used technical skills in your work.’
User questions & answers