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: Decisiveness
Give an example of when you last made a quick and definitive decision.
"I approved a lease restructuring on a high-value fleet deal within hours to secure the client’s commitment before a competitor could intervene."Tell me about a decision on which you deliberated longest.
"I carefully reviewed the financing structure for a new SME client, balancing risk and client needs, before recommending a multi-year lease plan."
Competency: Self-Confidence
Describe a situation where you demonstrated confidence in your viewpoint despite opposition.
"I insisted on a tailored asset finance solution for a reluctant client, providing evidence of ROI, and they accepted the proposal."Describe a time when you had to trust your own judgement to make a difficult decision.
"I recommended rejecting a standard contract clause for a major client because it posed legal risk, even though colleagues disagreed."
Competency: Autonomy
Describe a situation when you worked without any guidance in an unusual situation.
"I independently structured a cross-border equipment lease when my manager was unavailable, ensuring compliance and client satisfaction."Tell me about a time you acted without consulting others to seize an opportunity.
"I offered an early-bird discount on a fleet lease package, closing the deal before competitors could respond."
Competency: Integrity
When have you taken a stand against a group on a matter of principle?
"I refused to approve a lease with questionable financial disclosures, despite pressure to meet targets."How have you resolved potential conflicts of interest?
"I disclosed a client’s prior relationship with a colleague and recused myself from the approval process to maintain transparency."
Competency: Working Under Pressure
Describe the last time you felt pressured at work.
"During month-end portfolio reviews, I managed multiple lease approvals under tight deadlines and met all client expectations."Give an example of working to an important deadline.
"I finalised a multi-million-pound equipment lease proposal overnight to meet the client’s funding deadline."
Competency: Adaptability
Provide an example of adapting your approach due to shifting priorities.
"I reprioritised client meetings when a major asset sale was expedited, ensuring key accounts were managed effectively."When might you use a different approach to a project?
"I adjust lease structuring strategies based on client sector regulations, switching between short-term and long-term options."
Competency: Compliance
How do you ensure compliance within your area?
"I double-check lease agreements against regulatory guidelines and internal policies before final approval."Tell me about a time you consciously went against company procedures.
"Only after escalating to management did I deviate from standard contract terms to accommodate an exceptional client request."
Competency: Flexibility
Describe a time you shifted your stance due to a changing situation.
"I revised a lease proposal after the client requested different asset specifications, maintaining profitability."How have you dealt with significant changes in your job?
"When new reporting software was introduced, I quickly adapted and trained my team to maintain workflow efficiency."
Competency: Tenacity
Describe a situation where you overcame a setback to meet an objective.
"A delayed credit approval almost lost a key lease deal, so I renegotiated terms and secured client commitment."Describe a situation where your idea was initially rejected.
"I proposed a green lease program, it was initially declined, so I presented additional market data, and it was later approved."
Competency: Risk Management
Provide an example of identifying key risks in a situation.
"I analysed the financials of a new client and identified potential default risks before approving the lease."Tell me about risks you’ve taken professionally.
"I recommended financing innovative equipment for a start-up, balancing potential profit with calculated risk controls."
Back: Competency-based interviews
Next: CBI : Interpersonal competencies
