What are competencies?
Competencies refer to a certain type of behaviour that is important in a position. Think of terms such as ‘customer focus’ and ‘persuasiveness’. Competencies are often also listed in vacancies and job descriptions. A set of competencies (a competency profile) has been established for your assessment programme, matching the position you are applying for or your development direction.
Competencies can be defined as follows:
- They are behavioural skills.
- They are distinct from professional knowledge, personality, intelligence and drives, but they are related to them.
- They can be assessed.
- They can be improved to a greater or lesser extent through training and/or coaching.
