Competence is about the ability to perform a task or job successfully. It is a combination of knowledge, personal qualities, experiences and motivations that together create the conditions for good performance. Having the right skills is not only crucial to succeed in a specific role, but also to contribute to the overall goals of an organization.
The different elements of competence
In the world of work, competences are often divided into four key components that together provide an overall picture of an individual’s abilities:
Knowledge and skills
Knowledge is the theoretical and practical basis for understanding and performing a job. It can range from technical skills to in-depth expertise in a specific field.
Example: Knowing the rules of accounting or being able to use advanced software are examples of knowledge-based skills.
Personality
Your personality influences how you act, communicate and deal with different challenges at work. Qualities such as teamwork, problem solving and stress tolerance play an important role.
For example, someone who is analytical and meticulous is often well suited to roles that require attention to detail, while an outgoing person can excel in a customer-facing role.
Giftedness
Talent is about being able to quickly absorb new information, adapt to change and find solutions to problems. It is a skill that is increasingly important in a world that is constantly changing.
Example: Being able to learn new tools and systems quickly is a skill that many employers value highly.
motivation
Motivation is the driving force behind our actions and goals. A motivated individual is more likely to put in the time and energy to perform well, which benefits both the individual and the employer.
Example: A passionate salesperson driven to achieve new goals can be an invaluable asset to a company.
Skills-based recruitment
In modern recruitment processes, it is common for employers to use a competency-based approach. This means that the focus is on identifying the qualities and skills most relevant to the role, rather than solely assessing candidates based on their previous jobs or education.
Common questions in such a recruitment process can be:
– “Can you describe a situation where you solved a complex problem?”
– “How do you handle working under pressure?”
By evaluating how a candidate has acted in specific situations in the past, the employer gets a better understanding of their actual skills.
How to communicate your skills
To succeed as a job seeker, it is important to be able to convey your skills clearly and concretely in both your CV and cover letter.
Here are some tips:
Tailor your application: make sure to match your experience with the requirements listed in the job advertisement.
Give concrete examples: highlight specific achievements and show how you used your skills in practice.
Don’t forget the soft skills: qualities such as communication skills, adaptability and initiative are often as important as technical skills.
The importance of skills for the world of work
Understanding and developing one’s skills is key to success, both for the individual and the employer. By continuously working on strengthening your skills and abilities, you can not only increase your career prospects but also create greater value in the world of work.
