Behavioral Competencies at Work

H E A LT H W E A LT H CAREER
BEHAVIORAL
COMPETENCIES
AT WORK
AN HR’S HANDBOOK FOR UNDERSTANDING
& IMPLEMENTING COMPETENCY FRAME-
WORKS IN ORGANIZATIONS
‘Behavioral Competencies at Work’ is an intellectual
property whose copyrights vest solely with Mettl, one of the
largest and fastest growing online talent assessment compa-
nies, with contributions from different industry leaders. The
handbook is available for general release and can be down-
loaded from www.mettl.com. It can be transmitted with due
permission of the copyright holder; provided full accreditation
is given to the Mettl brand.
INTRODUCTION
The battle to hire the best fit is fiercer than
ever. While trying to hire a person who would
benefit their organizations in the long-term,
Human Resources leave no stone unturned.
Despite going to campuses, walk-ins, online
job postings and referrals, HRs somewhere fail
to get an ideal match.
The reason can be attributed to adopting an

unstructured hiring process. After a candi-
date clears the written test for a specific job
role, HRs sideline the personal characteristics
that can help in creating a refined candidate
pool. However, this issue can be resolved by
developing a behavioral competency frame-
work which can act as a benchmark to assess
if the new hires would be culturally fit.
Behavioral competencies are the collective

knowledge, attitude and action an individual
possess in a business setting across all job
levels. While some competencies are innately
present in everyone, others develop over time
through experience. But, seniority takes
precedence since an individual is first judged
on the parameter of job level before job role.
Meanwhile, technical know-how varies
depending on job roles.
OVERVIEW
‘Behavioral Competencies at Work’ defines a structured
hiring process through a competency framework, behavioral types,
indicators and suggestive questions to test those competencies, at
entry-level, mid-senior level or senior-level.
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCY AT WORK
PERSONALITY INTERPERSONAL
ATTRIBUTES SKILLS
ANALYTICAL LEADERSHIP
ABILITY SKILLS
The following piece gives you a direction to structure your hiring

process by helping you develop your own competency framework.
You can pick and chose competencies depending on the job role
and test candidates based on their behavioral indicators. A set of
suggested interview questions can further aid in making better
hiring decisions.
LIST OF COMPETENCIES
PERSONALITY ATTRIBUTES
• Curiosity
• Adaptability
• Discipline
• Self-Confidence
• Optimism
• Enthusiasm
• Loyalty
• Open-Mindedness
• Temperamental
• Self-Obession
• Accountability
• Quality Focus
• Resilience
• Self-Awareness
• Result Orientation
• Perseverance
• Ambitious
• Opportunist
• Insensitive
• Thrill-Seeking
• Proactive
• Strive for Excellence
• Integrity
• Stress Management
• Implusive
ANALYTICAL ABILITY
• Attention to Detail
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Planning & Organization
• Decision Making
• Strategic Thinking
• Ambiguity Management
• Innovative Thinking
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
• Effective Communication
• Active Listening
• Teamwork
• Networking
• Delegation
• Establish Trust
• Effective Presentation
• Negotiation
• Empathy
• Openness to Diversity
• Conflict Management
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
• Motivating Peers
• Developing People
• Change Agent
• Visionary Perspective
• Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Influence
Leadership Analytical
Skills Ability
Attention to
Motivating Peers
Detail
Developing Critical
People Thinking
Change Agent Problem Solving
Visionary Planning &
Perspective Organization
Entrepreneurial Decision Making
Mindset Strategic Thinking
Influence
Behavioral Ambiguity
Management
Competency Innovative
Thinking
Interpersonal
Skills
Framework Personality
Attributes
Effective Entry Level Curiosity
Communication Adaptability
Mid-Senior Level
Active Discipline
Listening Senior Level Self-Confidence
Teamwork Optimism
Networking Enthusiasm
Loyalty
Delegation
Open-Mindedness
Establish Trust Temperamental
Effective Self-Obsession
Presentation Accountability
Negotiation Quality Focus
Empathy Resilience
Openness to Self-Awareness
Diversity Result
Conflict Orientation
Management Perseverance
Ambitious
Opportunist
Insensitive
Thrill-Seeking
Proactive
Stress
Management
Impulsive
Competency Framework comprises of five sub-categories, i.e., Personality

Attributes, Analytical Ability, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership Skills and
Domain Expertise. This handbook focuses on the first four behavioural
competencies. However, it is to be noted that the fifth sub-category of
domain expertise is equally important because a domain expert has
in-depth knowledge about a particular industry and evolving trends over a
period of time.

PERSONALITY
AT T R I B U T E S
Personality has been derived from the Latin term ‘person’, meaning ‘mask’
that was used by actors to change their appearance. Every person has a
unique personality. People are different only in the way they think, feel
and behave. Therefore, personality attributes are a combination of
thoughts, characteristics, behaviors, attitude, idea and habits of an
individual with respect to his or her surroundings. Attributes are the core
of a person’s being, the way he has been brought up in a particular setting.
They also become essential while determining the cultural fitment of an
employee.

CURIOSITY
Tendency to possess strong intellectual curiosity, an eager wish or an ardent
desire to know or learn something new. The spirit of enquiry is what gives
fuel to this tendency.
KEY INDICATORS AT WORKPLACE
Curious mind that listens Asking questions and

attentively and constantly looking for opportunities
absorbs novel information. to help clients.
Updated with current trends Regularly attends webinars/-

in addition to applying experi- conferences and meets new
ence and learning in new work people to imbibe their
environment. learning in one’s work.
SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Have you learned anything in What is that one thing you

the past three months? If so, would like to change at
how was the journey and workplace?
outcome?
If you do not have access to What is an ideal weekend

technology for a month, for you?
what activities will you
involve yourself in and why?

ADAPTABILITY
Willingness to adjust to new situations, ability to handle a change and thus try
to balance out work demands. Consistent engagement in learning, adhering
to applying knowledge while addressing challenges.
Adjusts easily to the new Sees the bright side of every

workplace, culture and situation instead of whining
people. about the change.
Ability to change approach Willing to learn and adopt new

as the work demands. tools and methodologies.
What will you do if your How will you adjust when

teammate’s work style does introduced with a new
not align with yours, taking technology at workplace for
into account the fact that you which you must dedicate extra
have a deadline to meet? time?
What would you do if your Did you face any issues

manager does not approve transitioning from school to
of your work no matter how college? If so, how did you
dedicatedly you complete handle them?
the task?

DISCIPLINE
Ability to follow standard procedures, adhering to rules and regulations
to ensure safety compliance and efficiency in the workplace.
Demonstrates an ability Follows safety guidelines and

to follow instructions does not compromise on one's
and directions in order own as well as other's safety in
to complete the the workplace
assigned tasks.
Understands the need for Creates systems in place to

standard operating proce- ensure compliance to rules,
dures in the workplace to standards, policies etc. and
ensure consistency and there are checks in place to
quality. identify deviations from these in
a timely manner.
How do you lay groundwork Do you create a checklist? If

for a healthy break policy? so, are you able to accomplish
it?
What does a normal day in How often do you get late

your life look like? for work?

SELF-CONFIDENCE
Having a firm belief in your thoughts, actions and capabilities even while
facing untoward situations. It is an internal state of mind which individu-
als think and feel about themselves.
Thinks positively about Knows what one is good at and

oneself instead of having a how one appears to others.
negative mindset.
Self-motivated being who Emotional stability which

enjoys what one does. enables one to have a calm and
focused approach towards
oneself and others.
What is one specific thing you In what aspect do you

do that undermines your compare yourself to others?
self-worth and causes you to
not like yourself or your life?
Tell me about a time when What is more important –

you showed self-confidence how others value you or
in order to create positive how you value yourself?
motivation in others. Give me
a specific example and the
results.

OPTIMISM
A sense of being hopeful about future and seeing the bright side of things
even in stressful situations. Optimists think positively and believe that
better things will come their way.
An inclination to think out of Never fail to help others

the box, creative and because they trust themselves
excellent in problem-solving. and others around them.
More prone to taking risks Never back down attitude due

since they consider any risk to minor setbacks which they
as a challenge or puzzle to use as learning opportunities.
be solved.
How will you get your work What would you do if you have
done in a scenario wherein been toiling day and night to
you have a report launch lined crack a public service exam,
up in 10 days and all freelance but you did not make it to the
designers need at least 10 cutoff list by mere 1 mark?
working days to design your
report?
Would you invest in crypto- How do you feel if your

currency if an expert research work of two weeks
business analyst and friend gets trashed by the reporting
of yours predicts a surge in manager and hence you need
the rates of crypto currency to work on the project from
for a limited period? scratch?

ENTHUSIASM
Being able to maintain high level of productivity consistently. Operating
with vigour, effectiveness, and determination over extended periods of
time.
Works for long hours and Maintains good pace in order to

does overtime without fulfil set objectives.
losing effectiveness.
Performs mentally or Ability to working on multiple

physically taxing work tasks even with little to no rest.
effectively.
You are on the verge of What motivates you to come

finishing a task when your to office each day?
manager assigns you a new
task for which you must start
preparing at the backend.
What would you do to makeup
for both the tasks?
What are the conditions What are the activities that

when you must put extra make you lose track of
hours to finish a project? time?
Would you rather work on
weekends or finish the task
during working hours?

LOYALTY
Commitment to the organization which does not falter due to influence from any
external agency. The higher the job satisfaction, deeper the sense of commit-
ment towards the organization.
Maintain transparency in all Keep the company’s trade

the transactions at secrets/intellectual property
workplace. confidential.
Upfront and honest about Disagree with superiors, but in

his activities and maintains private.
integrity while undertaking
any task.
What are the hidden criteria How do you feel working in

that aids in appraisal? your current position?
Do you prefer working What problems did you face

individually or as part of a in your previous roles and
team? how did you deal with them?

OPEN-MINDEDNESS
Readiness to accept and accommodate others’ opinions and ideas while
being aware that one may not always be right. People with an open mindset
are free from any sort of prejudices.
Actively seeks feedback Takes note from past mistakes

from others, incorpo- and improves after coming
rates it to improve across better ideas.
learning and doesn’t get
disheartened from
negative feedbacks.
Displays readiness to learn Always ready to try new things

something new by accepting in addition to routine work to
challenges. widen one’s learning horizon.
How do you feel and further How would you proceed with
act upon an assignment, for your work, when your trainee
which you have received a comes up with a better plan of
negative feedback from a action than you? What do you
colleague? communicate to him?
Would you attend training Your project requires a

sessions introduced by the software which would simplify
management, not compulso- your work? Would you take
ry for everyone? someone’s assistance? If not,
what would be your plan of
action?

TEMPERAMENTAL
Excessive sensitivity which leads to irrational behavior and mood swings. The
hot and cold behavior that becomes detrimental in one’s relationships
causing emotional disbalance.
Predisposition to become Broods over past mistakes,

angry at work, even with regrets them and overthinks,
little or no provocation. thus making it even worse.
Gets affected by Often gets upset and cannot

memories of even minor control oneself in front of
annoying incidents. others.
You have made a long due Do you have more good

outing plan with friends, but it memories than bad ones?
gets cancelled at the last
moment. What do you tell your
friends?
You want to watch live How often do you think

football match on TV, while about the past? What did
your parents wish to watch you learn from your
news bulletin. What would mistakes?
you do be able to watch the
match?

SELF-OBESSION
The state of being too involved in oneself. Looking down on other’s
interests while considering one’s happiness, motivations and interests
superior, thus having a high degree of self-importance.
Absence of admiration Arrogant and rude while dealing

from others can cause with peers or clients.
great deal of personal
distress.
Microscopic vision on their Not receptive to others’

own wants and needs, while distress due to lack of empathy.
remaining oblivious to the
needs of others.
How many selfies do you take What is your immediate

in a day? response if a friend compliments
your new shoes?
Can friends on Facebook see How often do you look at

your tagged picture? your own face while video
calling a friend?

ACCOUNTABILITY
Demonstrating an ability to take responsibility for one's actions and
decisions. Following through on the commitments made, without passing
on the blame to others in case of failures.
Completes tasks that have Accepts mistakes, rectifies

been assigned individually or to them, learns from them and
the team. tries not to repeat the same
errors.
Seeks little or no guidance Acts as a role model for giving

on how to go about credit to the team members for
executing work. their success and stand with
them during failures.
How will you handle a situation How would you manage a

when you have goofed up big looming deadline?
time, but the root cause/per-
son behind the cause is
unknown to the management?
You are back to work after You have hit rock bottom
sick leave, meanwhile there with an initiative. What did
has been miscommunication you learn from it and how
due to your absence. What did you change your action
steps will you take to make plan?
up for it?

QUALITY FOCUS
Determined to stay focused on the quality of each and every deliverable by
ensuring consistency and adherence to high standards, as well as paying
close attention to even the minutest details involved.
Deep dives into understand- Knows the importance of giving

ing each and every detail of excellent performance and
the task at hand. hence tries to excel in every-
thing.
Maintains consistency in the Considers quality of output to be

work irrespective of how of paramount importance by
challenging situations become. encouraging everyone to speak-up
against anything that is subpar.
What kind of analysis do you How do you anticipate the

put in place in order to needs of your customers for
evaluate, improve and manage products and services they
the quality of services you are unaware of?
provide?
Describe when you figured Which checking process have

out an area of improvement you in place to ensure that you
and the measures you meet accuracy standards?
undertook to tackle it.

RESILIENCE
The power to recover quickly when faced with a tragedy, natural disaster,
health concern, relationship or work-related issue. The ability to bounce
back with less stress.
Handles disappointments Sticks to the plan and does not

or rejections without give up until the objective is
letting it affect achieved.
day-to-day work.
Re-engineers or creates Analyzes the environment to

new processes and systems identify long-term risks and
to get around obstacles. proactively designs contingency
plans.
What stresses you out in life Have you turned any of your
or work and, how do you cope dreams into reality?
with it?
You have been arriving at the You are in the midst of semester
wrong conclusion every time exams in a different city while
you solve an equation. What your mother meets with an
would you do to arrive at the accident. How would you
right answer? manage to stay focused on
studying?

SELF-AWARENESS
Demonstrating an ability to understand one's strengths and areas of
development and leverage them effectively to accomplish one's objec-
tives.
Understand one's core Understands one's areas of

strengths and actively seek development and looks for ways
opportunities to use them to improve them to be more
effectively. successful on the job front.
Regularly reflects on one's Practices self-control and

achievements and failures to recognizes one’s own pressure
understand gaps in skillsets. points.
What are your two key Where do you see yourself in

weaknesses which you think five years? What are you doing
you need to work on and why? to further that goal?
What has been a major What life lessons have you

setback in your life? How did learned in n number of
you pull yourself through it? years and how have they
shaped the way you think?

RESULT ORIENTATION
Displaying a strong will to achieve what one sets out to do. Focusing one's
energy and resources to finish what one has started.
Takes necessary measures Determined to achieve

to meet goals and figures benchmarks over time and
out ways to track the resist external agencies which
progress to ensure keep them away from attaining
successful completion of the goals.
goals.
Provides necessary Takes calculated risks, based on

resources and encourage- learning and experience to raise
ment to team members to the bar.
work towards accomplishing
their goals and tasks.
How do you stay prepared Will you go out of your way to

when there is an urgent arrive at the outcome you
client call scheduled for the committed to deliver? If so,
day, but you have several how would the events unfold?
in-house responsibilities?
How do you set your goals? How would you approach a

Describe your action plan to situation when you have an
achieve them and strategy important deadline but, you
when failing to do so. know you will not be able to
deliver on time?

PERSEVERANCE
Persistent and consistent efforts invested until the very end no matter
how difficult the path gets. The spirit of never giving up despite delay in
achieving goals.
Retains faith in his/her Does not lose control when

approach even if it is confronted with criticism or
not immediately resistance.
successful.
Ability to assess when to Tries over and over again

continue and when to give against all odds.
up on an unattainable goal.
Would you still pursue your How would you feel and what
business model which neither would you do when you are
your friends nor family have unable to reach the correct
trust in? answer to a math problem
even after trying multiple
times?
What would you do when you How will you respond to the
realize there has been no chief who has shunned away
difference in your body your creative script which
weight despite 3 months of you produced toiling day
workout and healthy diet? and night?

AMBITIOUS
A strong desire to achieve success based on their inner desire to do so
and their belief in themselves. Persistent and determined to achieve their
objectives.
Smart employee who always Grabs any learning opportunity

finds out a way to get work and comes out as a quick
done learner.
Looks at setbacks as a Continuously looks for more

medium to grow and challenging tasks.
improve further.
What career would you opt What is your aim in life? How
for/change in your current far are you from achieving it?
career if you were given a
chance to start all over again?
Consider you are hired for You have been given an option
the job but, your work does to start a new project in
not align with your career addition to the ongoing but,
goals. What would you do? that requires more time and
resources. Would you take it
up for let a co-worker take it?

OPPORTUNIST
Regard self-interest at the cost of principles or anyone’s interests by even
going as far as taking advantage of others whenever a personal need
arises.
Use a situation for Create deceptive positive

personal advantage by impression to achieve personal
manipulating others. goals.
Determined to succeed if it Want people’s contributions

requires bending rules. with minimal investment of their
own time.
What would you do if you are What would you do if you’re in

getting late for an urgent a long queue outside a
meeting and the traffic light restaurant, but you catch a
turns yellow? friend about to enter?
Would you take the initiative What do secrets mean to

to convey it to your manager you and how good/bad are
if a couple of team members you at keeping them?
have planned to flunk in the
manager’s absence?

INSENSITIVE
Unsympathetic towards anyone who may be in need of help. Barely gets
affected by others' pain, distress and misfortune.
Feel no guilt whatsoev- Unwillingness to look from

er, when one's actions others’ perspective.
harm others.
A closed mindset which is Unfriendly and ignorant to

not open to accepting customer’s requirement.
changes.
How would you feel if your What would you do if your

boss reprimands you for team is getting lectured for
coming late almost daily? making a mistake that you
committed?
How do you respond to a When another person is sad

friend who often advises you or frustrated, do you
to be polite while speaking? experience the same
emotions?

THRILL-SEEKING
Tendency to pursue sensory pleasure and excitement. It's the trait of
people who go after novelty, complexity, and intense sensations. Such
individuals love experience for its own sake, and may take risks in the
pursuit of such experience.
Get easily bored Take uncalculated risks.

without high levels of
stimulation.
Do not adhere to rules and Indulge in unusual and risky acts

regulations if they get in the to keep up the excitement level.
way.
Would you like to take a safe Your cousin has shared a business
drug that would bring you idea with you and need the
strange experiences? necessary resources to set-up.
Would you invest in it considering
you have no experience in the
domain?
Do you enjoy when someone What would you do and how

makes an unexpected joke or would you work at a place
comment that starts where you have to do the
everyone laughing a little same things daily?
nervously?

PROACTIVE
Demonstrating an ability to take initiatives and seek responsibility without
being forced or pushed to do so. An eagerness to work on tasks without
being supervised.
Possess the eagerness Continuously looks for areas

to work on new tasks or where he or she can contrib-
tasks that others don't ute.
want to take up.
Looks for opportunities for Minimizes potential problems by

the team to take on new anticipating and preparing for
challenges as well showcase them in advance
their skills and abilities
Give an example of how you Tell me about a time when you

acted to prevent a larger thought through the conse-
problem from occurring. quences of a specific action in
planning a project. What barriers
did you discover?
Describe a situation in which How will you deal with resource

you forecasted a problem crunch when you have given a
and prepared a strategy for task to your team but one of the
handling it. How did it turn members goes on an unplanned
out? leave?

STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
A drive to outshine, by pushing one’s limit in order to show consistent
improvement. Always willing to gain required knowledge in order to excel in
a particular field of interest
Does not back down when Proactively works towards

faced with challenges, learning goals and takes
instead calmly tackle responsibility to achieve the
challenges to learn and same.
grow.
Confidence in one’s abilities Self-motivated to improve one’s

drives one towards knowledge.
perfection.
When encountering a person Describe the one time you failed

blowing his own trumpet, how to deliver superior quality work as
do you bring them to become committed to your client and the
an effective contributor? reason behind the same.
What do you do when you What kind of high standards do

manage to finish your work you set for yourself /subordi-
before time? nates? How do you work towards
attaining them for yourself and
for the team?

INTEGRITY
Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner. Shows consistency while
aligning actions with words and maintains high ethical ground.
Takes responsibility for Treats everyone fairly and with

own work, including due respect.
problems and issues.
Uses applicable professional Identifies ethical dilemmas and

standards and established conflict of interest situations,
procedures and policies and acts accordingly to avoid
when taking actions and and prevent them.
making decisions.
Have you ever called in sick As a famous artist, are offered

when in fact you had some 50,00,000 Lakhs to endorse a
other plans? product which you don’t like
personally. Would you still take
up the endorsement?
Would you mind flirting with a Have you ever made a product
customer to bag a major deal sound better than it is, to
if the other party considers market it?
you attractive?

STRESS MANAGEMENT
Demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges or adversity and being
able to manage one's emotions in a positive and effective manner.
Stays calm even in adverse Ability to think clearly even

or difficult situations. when faced with emotional or
stressful situations.
Maintain stability with Reacts positively when dealing

regards to one's emotions with stressed out team
while keeping balance with members.
work.
How would you respond if How do you prepare for a

your manager gave a negative presentation to an important
feedback in front of your client the day before it’s due?
peers?
Can you describe a time How do you ensure that

when your stress resulted in stressful situations in your
making errors at work? personal life don’t affect
your work performance?

IMPLUSIVE
Tendency to act on a whim, displaying behavior characterized by little or
no forethought, reflection, or consideration of the consequences.
Make hasty decisions Have difficulty waiting for

without thinking them things they want.
through.
Interrupts conversations Blurt out inappropriate

and others’ activities. comments and act without
regard for consequences.
Would you accompany a What would you buy in end of

colleague who asks you out season sale? How often do
for a night out? you shop?
How would you react to What is the worst thing you

someone who constantly have done or said in anger?
insults you in front of your
boss?

A N A LY T I C A L
ABILITY
Analytical ability is the aptitude to see patterns, trends, mismatched
information and thus draw meaningful conclusion based on the given
information. These strengths can help solve a company’s problems and
improve upon its overall productivity and success. Analytical skills may
sound technical, but we use these skills in everyday work. If one possess-
es the skill, they can reach at solutions by either following methodological
approaches or by being more creative to see every angle of the problem.
Both ways of solving a problem require analytical skills. Employers look for
employees with the ability to investigate a problem and find a solution in a
timely, efficient manner.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Meet goals by taking into account every key detail howsoever big or small
it is. Concerned about every facet of the task, while keeping a regular
check on the progress.
Carefully follows all Reviews and edits every

steps of the procedure document before sending it
to complete the across.
assigned tasks.
Commits and delivers high Takes initiative to resolve issues

quality output by closely and intimates others regarding
monitoring every process. quality check.
How do you find errors that How do you correct the errors
aren’t immediately obvious? made by you and what steps do
you take to prevent them in
future?
What would you do if you Would you ask a colleague to

forgot to communicate review your work or do it
about a certain timeline to x yourself, considering you have
team which is now impacting multiple tasks at hand?
the launch date of your
product?

CRITICAL THINKING
Ability to possess higher-order thinking skills that enable one to see both
sides of the coin. Provide solutions by creating and implementing new
methodologies.
Undertakes a complex task by Effectively analyzes the

breaking it down into situation, collects input to make
manageable parts in a informed decision
systemic, detailed way.
Applies formal methods and Deals with problems without any

strategies to enhance presumptions or bias.
creative thought.
What do a fox, a hen and a If you were a pizza delivery

farmer have in common? man, how would you benefit
from scissors?
A boy is walking down the A journalist has called you up for

road with a doctor. While the certain information and you need
boy is the doctor's son, the approval from your TL to give a
doctor isn't the boy's father. heads-up, but the TL is unavailable as
Then who is the doctor? she’s gone for a board meeting. If you
don’t give an answer, the journalist
may publish as per his wish. What
would you do?

PROBLEM SOLVING
Demonstrating an ability to resolve issues and overcome challenges effec-
tively, by utilizing available resources and methods in the least amount of
time.
Skilled to resolve problems Uses rigorous logic and methods

by finding effective to analyze and understand why
solutions. problems occur.
Seeks necessary help and Helps team members learn from

resources to resolve issues these situations and find ways
in a timely manner. to prevent the problem from
recurring in future
What did you find most How do you analyze and assess
difficult thing in the previous risk? What steps do you take to
workplace and how did you mitigate risk once it's been
manage doing it? identified?
What would you do if you You are about to deliver a project

face a problem that you are when you realize you have
unable to solve? analyzed the wrong data and
hence, produced faulty statistics.
What would you do considering
there is half the time left to do
double work?

PLANNING&ORGANIZATION
Panache for detailing out the steps required to accomplish one's objec-
tives and an understanding of the resources required to do so. Ability to
prioritizing tasks and shuffle between various roles to maximize efficiency.
Performs and completes Understands and considers the

work in an organized and impact of one’s work on others
orderly manner. and vice-versa.
Recognizes the priority of Lays out short and long-term

different tasks and plans plans along with backup or
accordingly to ensure contingency plans to ensure
efficiency. organization's success.
How do you determine Describe a time when you had

priorities when scheduling several deadlines falling at the
your time? same time. How did you
organize your time to get them
all done?
What is the definition of an How would you develop a month’s

ideal work environment for pre-launch plan for your product?
you that makes you most
productive?

DECISION MAKING
It is the ability to derive logical conclusions from n number of options
available. One makes informed decisions after taking into account all the
information, potential positive and negative outcomes of these decisions.
Considers multiple perspec- Understands the short and

tives and points of view long-term implications of the
before making decisions. decisions being made.
Clearly communicates the Prepares for any negative

decisions to the teams and outcomes of their decision on
provides a clear rationale the organization in the short,
for it. mid and long term.
How did you handle a project What is the quickest decision

where you did not have all the you have ever made and what
required information? obstacles did you face?
Do you regret any business How do you convey feedback to

decision? If so, why? a reporting staff member?

STRATEGIC THINKING
Efficient in making a logical move by considering the short and long-term
implications of one's actions and decisions on the organization.
Takes actions and Considers long term success

decisions after considering factors and accordingly
the pros and cons of such shapes the direction of the
a move on the organization organization.
Considers challenges that Design flexible plans by creating

are likely to arise in the some benchmarks for a review
future and accordingly process.
prepares contingencies for
the same.
How do you set about What are the important things

creating a plan and how much without which you cannot
time do you spend on it? create an effective growth
strategy?
How would you change if you In what aspect would your

were given an annual target competitors envy you the most
of 2x growth? two years down the lane?

AMBIGUITY MANAGEMENT
Demonstrating an ability to be comfortable in novel or unknown situations
and demonstrating the ability to manage one's work even without having all
the necessary details.
Provide outputs even with Demonstrates willingness to

limited information and receive and use information as
resources. and when it may come.
Encourages teams to take up

tasks and do their best, even Gives necessary support and
when there is little informa- encourages the team during
tion, clarity or resources untoward times.
available.
How will you go about creating You are nearing the project
a report when the only deadline, meanwhile you have an
information available to you is ad-hoc requirement. Will you
the title? decline the request?
Describe a time you had to If you were away travelling and

make a tough decision (e.g. weather conditions resulted in
fire a team member or flights being cancelled, causing
choose between two job widespread chaos, how would you
offers.) How did you make get back home?
sure you were objective?

INNOVATIVE THINKING
The inherent desire to change and innovate in order to ensure that the
organization stays relevant and current with changing times.
Finds new ways of doing Brings about change in the way

tasks. things are done to improve
work processes and makes
them more efficient.
Looks for ways to innovate Recognizes and rewards new

or adopt new policies to ideas and approaches at an
enhance work efficiency. organizational level.
When have you adopted an How would you generate an analysis

innovative approach to solve when there is power failure at
an issue? workplace, your system has drained
off and you are required to present
the report in a couple of hours?
If you are to meet Sundar In what project would you invest,

Pichai for half hour, what given the case you have received a
futuristic plans would you funding of INR 10 Lakhs?
suggest him?

INTERPERSONAL
SKILLS
Interpersonal skills are the skills used by a person to interact with clarity
of purpose. It refers to an employee’s ability to get along with coworkers
and get job done in the business domain. Interpersonal skills include
everything from communication and listening, to attitude and demeanor.
They include a wide variety of skills, though many are centred around com-
munication, such as listening, questioning and understanding body
language. Good interpersonal skills are a prerequisite for many positions in
an organization.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Effectively put across one's thoughts and ideas clearly and briefly, using
appropriate language and grammar in written and oral forms of communi-
cation.
Uses appropriate grammar Understands how to put across

and language when one's points briefly.
communicating with others.
Does not use complex Understands the power of

terminology to refrain from communication and works
confusing the other party. towards honing that skill further.
How do you convince your How do you structure your

team in going ahead with your report?
idea?
What will be your response Your manager quoted a price for

to a negative online company client negotiation, but you
review? misheard and quoted a different
price. How will you make up for
the miscommunication?

ACTIVE LISTENING
Attentive listening which enables understanding explicit and implicit
messages being communicated by others. Probing further to gain more
information as and when required.
Listens to ensure a clear Asks appropriate questions to

understanding of the message clarify doubts or concerns.
being communicated.
Probes to gather further Consistently paraphrases to

information that might be ensure no information is lost and
relevant, but unstated by accurate understanding of
the other person/party. information.
HRs can test this competency The assessments can include

through online assessments. few listening tests.
While communicating with You may conclude the interview by

the candidate, notice if he is asking the candidate to describe a
able to ignore distractions time when they were able to hang
and still stay focused. on to a key aspect of an industry
leader’s speech which others in
the group missed out on.

TEAMWORK
Collaboratively work with each other to accomplish common goals and
objectives while keeping any minor feuds aside for mutual growth.
Demonstrates ability to Understands common goals

compromise and adapt towards which oneself and
oneself when working in a others are working .
team.
Willingly helps others Understanding the potential

without being asked to. strengths between partners and
leverage it to ensure organiza-
tion's success.
How would you manage to get How would you complete a team
work done and communicate task working with a laid-back
back and forth changes in teammate?
your report, given the
situation that you are working
with a freelance designer?
Would you rather make What would an ideal team-building

friends at workplace or stick exercise look like?
to professional relations?

NETWORKING
Demonstrating an ability to build professional networks and personal
relationships within and outside the organization. Use it as a way of gather-
ing information and resources, to ensure individual as well as organizational
success.
Connects with immediate Builds relationships with others with

stakeholders on a regular the intention of gathering informa-
basis. tion and inputs.
Prudent enough to gather Regularly connects with stakehold-

resources from internal and ers to nurture relationships over
external sources to ensure time to build trust and to develop a
the task is accomplished basis for future interactions.
efficiently.
How did you recover from a You have finally managed to get a
situation in which you client for the next project, but he
misinterpreted a message and turns out to be difficult to deal
made the situation worse? with. In such a case, how will you
try to keep him happy/contended?
Have you ever made a A long-term customer complains

decision that cost you a to you about the rise in product
client? What happened and price and is about to end your
what did you learn from that business relationship. What
experience? measures would you take to retain
them?

DELEGATION
Assigning tasks to others to ensure efficient management of the work.
Ensuring that tasks are assigned based on experience in understanding
individual's strengths and the necessary resources required to accomplish
them.
Distributes work among Provides team members with

team members in an necessary help and guidance
appropriate manner. to ensure they are able to
complete the task appropri-
ately.
Leverages individual team Ensures that leaders and

member's strengths to successors are groomed by
ensure the work is done in being given adequate opportuni-
the most efficient manner ties to take on key responsibili-
and leads to best outcomes ties and critical tasks.
possible.
How stressed and overbur- How do you determine if a

dened do you feel at work? specific person is fit for a
certain task?
Would you invest in an Have you figured out why your

expensive tool which one of team misses out on the deadline?
your subordinates wants for How do you handle such slips and
his task? Give reasons to ensure they don’t repeat?
support your answer.

ESTABLISH TRUST
Being honest and ethical in all transactions with internal and external
stakeholders to earn their trust. Being considered a trusted partner by
others.
Open and transparent in Ensures that deals are done in a

one's transactions with fair manner.
internal and external
stakeholders.
Does the right thing, Answers difficult questions

regardless of the conse- without hiding critical details from
quence one will have to team.
face.
How would you justify Would you be willing to tell a

breaking professional white lie to protect the compa-
confidence in an organization- ny’s reputation in case you upset
al set-up? due to a minute flaw converting
into a major issue?
Would you report a dishonest What would you do if you have

co-worker to your manager? been caught red-handed by your
Give reasons to support your parents lying about your where-
answer. abouts?

EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION
Demonstrating an ability to present oneself and one's ideas in a confident
and convincing manner while adjusting and adapting oneself, based on the
audience's verbal and nonverbal feedback.
Uses appropriate medium of Break down explanations of

communication depending complex processes, rules into
on the audience. everyday situations to engage
listeners.
Speak at an appropriate Looks for cues from the

speed, volume, tone and audience to gauge their
pitch to communicate the understanding.
idea effectively to the
audience.
What are the key areas you What would you do if the board
focus while preparing for a members disapprove your idea
presentation? which took you a week to pull
through?
What are the key elements How do you confront hostile

that keep your audience questions?
engaged?

NEGOTIATION
Demonstrating an ability to effectively convince and compromise
with others to achieve end results.
Finds synergies between Understands when to compro-

the needs of various mise as well as when to stand
parties to arrive at one's ground.
solutions that are
agreeable to everyone.
Recognizes how to leverage Responds to opposing views in a

one's position to make the non-defensive manner.
outcomes as favourable to
oneself/team/ organization.
You are on the verge of There is a role of greater responsi-

closing a client deal with a bility in your company which you
retail giant, but they are have been anticipating taking up
bargaining a lower price which for a while, even though you lack
is way beyond the maximum few credentials. How will you still
discount that you can offer. recommend yourself for the
How will you come to the position?
same page in order to retain
them?
Why do logical arguments You are house hunting in a new city

sometimes fail to influence? where you have secured a job but
the house you finally like is beyond
your budget. How will you negotiate
with the owner to compensate the
property in your budget?

EMPATHY
An innate ability to genuinely care about people and the problems they are
facing. Always ready to help those in need.
Fairly good at understand- Remarkable ability to put

ing feelings, emotions and himself/herself in other
supportive during people's shoes.
distressful times.
Understands emotional Respectful and considerate of

components behind complex others' view point.
situations.
If you could share one thing How would you comfort

with someone who is interest- someone who is reluctant in
ed in a job that requires sharing his problems?
helping people, what would it
be?
When do you criticize How do you feel and what do you

someone and what is your do when you see a colleague
criticism based on? crying?

OPENNESS TO DIVERSITY
Aware and sensitive to differences among individuals as a result of their
gender, race, ethnicity, country of origin, cultural background, language or
sexual orientation. Ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and
sensitivity despite these differences.
Demonstrates an under- Treats everyone with respect

standing and sensitivity to despite differences.
others who might be
different from oneself.
Actively tries to learn more Finds ways to help diverse

about people who might be individuals work towards
different from oneself and common goals and objectives.
accommodate to a reason-
able extent any special
needs that they might have.
What would you do if you see How comfortable would you feel
two groups of men quarrelling working with someone belonging
on a sensitive issue? to the LGBT community as a
colleague?
What according to you are How would you make a co-worker

the best practices for understand if he has been
managing a diverse work ill-treating someone from a
group? different ethnicity?

C O N F L I C T MA N A G E M E N T
Capable in resolving interpersonal differences in a timely manner such that it leads
to optimal solutions and healthy relationships with others.
Understands when Takes appropriate and

conflicts arise as a result immediate action to resolve
of disagreements or misunderstandings.
miscommunication.
Ensures that conflicts don't Makes sure that conflicts within

fester for a long time. (or between) the teams are
resolved immediately so as not
to hamper the work environ-
ment.
How would you advise a team Can you remember any instance
member who complained where you did not agree with
about a coworker’s behavior? your teammate’s idea on a
collaborative project? If so, how
did you express your thoughts
and what was the outcome?
How do you deal with angry How do you deal with criticism at
customers who complain workplace?
about the service you
provide?

LEADERSHIP
SKILLS
A person who leads a small or large group, organization or nation is said to possess
leadership skills. Individuals are termed leaders because of their credibility, which
is why people around them wish to follow their footsteps. Thereby, leadership skills
can be applied to any situation where one is required to take the lead, profession-
ally and socially. A good leader keeps his team organized, takes calculated risk,
motivates his peers and pushes them to do their best. Good leadership skills give
impetus to a steady organization growth.

MOTIVATING PEERS
Exhibiting an understanding of the various intrinsic and extrinsic motivators
to engage people at work. Provide them with appropriate reinforcements
and recognition as an inspiration to accomplish their professional objec-
tives.
Understands what drives Appropriately leverages this

individual team members knowledge to get team
to work. members to do their best at
work.
Provides appropriate Conducts oneself in a manner

reinforcements to continu- that inspires others to do their
ously encourage team to put best everyday.
their best foot forward.
Briefly describe an instance How will the conversation unfold

where you were able to gauge when your sibling has failed in an
a person’s strengths, exam in which he was confident
development needs and he would do well?
aspiration to churn out the
best from him.
Who according to you is a How would you comfort a

successful world leader from colleague who has faced untimely
history and why? termination?

DEVELOPING PEOPLE
Focused on individual's professional growth and development by identify-
ing their behavioral as well as functional strengths and areas of develop-
ment. Providing opportunities to work on the team's areas of development
through various interventions.
Provides team members Helps individual team members

with timely and construc- gain better understanding of
tive feedback. their strengths and areas of
development.
Provides opportunities to Creates and encourages

team members to work on employees to take up learning
their areas of development opportunities to enhance their
on-the-job and outside. behavioral and technical skills.
How did you change your What would you do if your

managing style to suit two mentoring did not help in better
different sets of assign- team/ team member’s perfor-
ments/team members? mance?
Describe a case when you How would you encourage your

provided a constructive subordinates to try problem
feedback to an employee. solving on their own instead of
reaching out to you for possible
solutions?

CHANGE AGENT
Efficiently communicate the need and rationale for change and thereby
ensuring that all stakeholders are comfortable with it.
Understands the rationale Effectively change and adapt

for change mandated by oneself and work with new
the organization. processes and systems.
Finds synergies between Clearly highlights the benefits of

the old and new ways of the change in the short and long
doing things, to effectively term.
transition during the change
process.
How is the current process? What was the need to change

management?
What would the organization What will be the consequences if

achieve by doing so? there is no such change?

VISIONARY PERSPECTIVE
A mindset developed through experience that enables one to think
long-term, have a broader perspective and account for future trends that
are likely to impact the organization's success.
Demonstrates a thorough Understands the linkage

understanding of the between one's work compared
nature of one’s business. to others in the team.
Knows the impact of one’s Good knowledge of domestic

work on the organization as and global trends and factors
a whole. that could impact organization’s
productivity.
What do you hope to achieve How do you want yourself to be

in your new position and why? remembered?
For which job role would you How do you stay on track as per
apply and why given the current market trends? What
scenario that you can only challenges do you face?
apply for one position?

ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET
Having a deep understanding that involves multiple possibilities of taking
business beyond what is currently being done. The strong desire and will to
explore those options to further ensure success of the organization.
Explores opportunities for Willing to take calculated risks

new businesses and for organization’s growth.
expand existing lines of
business.
Ability to distinguish Readiness to tackle challenges

between potential for by implementing new strategies
success and risks of failure and thus accept the change in
that accompanies ventures. approach.
How long does it take for you Who is your greatest competi-
to implement and fulfil the end tor?
goal since the time you have
an idea?
Which improvement areas What are your favourite

are you currently working reads?
on? How did you identify the
need to do so?

INFLUENCE
Demonstrating an ability to convince others of one's points of view
and ideas.
Providing necessary Demonstrates the ability to

arguments that will win over answer questions effectively to
the other side. convince others of one's
thoughts and opinions.
Considers others' points of Possessing the charm to win

view and addresses them over others despite others’
before they can bring it up arguments.
themselves.
How would you persuade a How would you utilize an influential

colleague to do something he relationship to help you achieve
or she does not agree with? desired goals at work place?
Describe an instance where What according to you was a break

you had to get work done through idea which you failed to
from a team over which you sell to your manager? Why was it
have no authority. What rejected and how did you feel
approach did you follow and about it?
what was the relevant
outcome?

A PEEK INTO THE
T H I N K TA N K

Siddhartha Gupta
CEO
[email protected]
Radhika Katyal
Head, Business Strategy
[email protected]
Subhro Kanti Bera

Business Head, Psychometric
& Data Analytics
[email protected]
Dr. Snigdha Rai

Senior Consultant, Psycho-
metric & Research
[email protected]
Shakun Bansal
Head, Marketing
[email protected]
Megha Singh
Content Associate
[email protected]
Keser Kapur
Creative Designer
[email protected]
About Us
Mercer | Mettl, provides an Online Assessment Platform which delivers
efficient, cost effective and technology-driven skill assessments that
help organizations to build winning teams by taking credible people
decisions across two key areas: Acquisition and Development.
Mercer | Mettl is currently partnering with over 2,000 global companies,

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Mettl has been acquired by Mercer in 2018, a global consulting leader in

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H E A LT H W E A LT H CAREER

The reason can be attributed to adopting an

Behavioral competencies are the collective

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCY AT WORK

The following piece gives you a direction to structure your hiring

Competency Framework comprises of five sub-categories, i.e., Personality

KEY INDICATORS AT WORKPLACE

Curious mind that listens Asking questions and

Updated with current trends Regularly attends webinars/-

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Have you learned anything in What is that one thing you

If you do not have access to What is an ideal weekend

KEY INDICATORS AT WORKPLACE

Adjusts easily to the new Sees the bright side of every

Ability to change approach Willing to learn and adopt new

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

What will you do if your How will you adjust when

What would you do if your Did you face any issues

KEY INDICATORS AT WORKPLACE

Demonstrates an ability Follows safety guidelines and

Understands the need for Creates systems in place to

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

How do you lay groundwork Do you create a checklist? If

What does a normal day in How often do you get late

KEY INDICATORS AT WORKPLACE

Thinks positively about Knows what one is good at and

Self-motivated being who Emotional stability which

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

What is one specific thing you In what aspect do you

Tell me about a time when What is more important –

KEY INDICATORS AT WORKPLACE

An inclination to think out of Never fail to help others

More prone to taking risks Never back down attitude due

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Would you invest in crypto- How do you feel if your

KEY INDICATORS AT WORKPLACE

Works for long hours and Maintains good pace in order to

Performs mentally or Ability to working on multiple

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

You are on the verge of What motivates you to come

What are the conditions What are the activities that

KEY INDICATORS AT WORKPLACE

Maintain transparency in all Keep the company’s trade

Upfront and honest about Disagree with superiors, but in

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

What are the hidden criteria How do you feel working in

Do you prefer working What problems did you face

KEY INDICATORS AT WORKPLACE

Actively seeks feedback Takes note from past mistakes

Displays readiness to learn Always ready to try new things

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Would you attend training Your project requires a

KEY INDICATORS AT WORKPLACE

Predisposition to become Broods over past mistakes,

Gets affected by Often gets upset and cannot

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

You have made a long due Do you have more good

You want to watch live How often do you think

KEY INDICATORS AT WORKPLACE

Absence of admiration Arrogant and rude while dealing