Competencies: A Definition

Competencies are a combination of skills, knowledge, behaviors, attitudes and attributes that collectively enable a person to perform at their best in any given role.

Knowing what your competencies are and how to best present them is essential for professional development.

Similar to skills, competencies can be improved through feedback, courses, self-reflection and application.

Competencies Meaning: What Are Competencies?

So, what are competencies?

The competencies definition states that they are a set of skills, knowledge, abilities, behaviors and attributes that an individual possesses or should possess.

Competencies are essential for:

• Performing tasks
• Accomplishing goals
• Succeeding in a particular role or context

They encompass a wide range of areas, including technical skills, interpersonal skills, cognitive abilities and personal qualities.

Competencies are often used in various contexts, such as:

Job Descriptions and Recruitment

Employers outline specific competencies required for a job role to attract, evaluate and hire the right candidates.

These competencies help define the expectations for the role and the skills necessary to perform it successfully.

Performance Management

Organizations use competencies to assess employee performance and development.

Employees are evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate the relevant competencies in their roles.

This can guide performance appraisals, feedback and career development plans.

Training and Development

Competencies can guide the design of training programs and learning initiatives.

Organizations identify skills and knowledge gaps and then provide training to enhance employees' abilities in those areas.

Succession Planning

Different types of competencies are considered when identifying potential leaders within an organization.

Individuals with the right competencies are often seen as strong candidates for promotion and leadership positions.

Career Pathing

Employees can use competencies as a roadmap for their career growth.

By identifying the competencies needed for higher-level roles, employees can work on developing those skills and attributes over time.

Performance Improvement

Competency frameworks can help identify areas where employees or teams are struggling and need support. This enables targeted interventions to improve performance.

Organizational Development

Competencies can play a role in shaping an organization's culture and values.

They can be used to define the behaviors and attitudes that align with the organization's mission and goals.

Personal Development

Individuals can use competency frameworks to assess their own strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies for personal and professional growth.

When considering a competencies meaning, the difference between skills and competencies is that skills are specific abilities or actions that can be learned, practiced and applied in a specific context.

In terms of competencies vs skills, skills are often more narrowly focused and can be developed through training, practice and experience. They are typically task-oriented.

Competencies are broader, encompassing a combination of skills, knowledge, behaviors, attitudes and attributes that collectively enable effective performance in a given role or situation.

Competencies are more holistic and focus on the overall effectiveness and suitability of an individual in a particular context.

What Are Some of the Top Competencies?

Competencies can be divided into different categories, such as:

• Technical (specific job-related skills)
• Behavioral (soft skills like communication, teamwork and leadership)
• Managerial (skills needed for supervisory or leadership roles)

The specific competencies that are considered the top competencies vary depending on the industry, job role and organizational context.

However, here are some commonly recognized competencies that are often considered important in various fields.

These competency examples include:

Communication

Effective communication, both verbal and written, is crucial in almost every job.

It involves conveying information clearly, actively listening, as well as tailoring messages to different audiences.

Problem-Solving

The ability to analyze complex situations, identify problems and come up with innovative solutions is highly valued.

This competency often involves critical thinking, creativity and a systematic approach to addressing challenges.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Working well with others, contributing to group efforts and building positive working relationships are essential in today's collaborative work environments.

Leadership

Leadership competency examples include the ability to guide, motivate and inspire others.

It involves setting a vision, making decisions and taking responsibility for the success of a team or project.

Adaptability

In a rapidly changing world, being adaptable and flexible is crucial.

This involves being open to new ideas, embracing change and adjusting to evolving circumstances.

Time Management

Effectively managing one's time and prioritizing tasks ensures that work is completed efficiently and deadlines are met.

Critical Thinking

A competencies meaning for critical thinking involves evaluating information, making sound judgments and approaching problems with a logical and analytical mind.

Creativity

Thinking outside the box, generating new ideas and finding innovative approaches to challenges are competencies that drive progress and growth.

Digital Literacy

Computer skills are a valuable competency as familiarity with technology and the ability to adapt to new tools and platforms have become increasingly important.

Emotional Intelligence

A competencies definition for emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing one's own emotions as well as effectively recognizing and responding to the emotions of others.

It's crucial for interpersonal relationships and effective communication.

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

The ability to navigate conflicts and negotiate agreements is valuable in many contexts, from business negotiations to team dynamics.

Improving competencies involves a combination of self-awareness, targeted learning, practice and seeking feedback.

Here's how you can improve different types of competencies with examples.

How to Highlight Your Competence

More important than understanding what does competence mean is knowing how to highlight it.

Highlighting your competencies effectively is crucial for showcasing your skills and qualifications to potential employers, colleagues or anyone else you interact with professionally.

Here's how you can do it:

1. Craft a Strong Resume

Create a well-structured resume that includes a dedicated section highlighting your key competencies.

This allows recruiters to clearly see the answer when they ask “What are your competencies?” or similar questions.

Tailor your resume for each job application by emphasizing competencies that match the specific job requirements.

2. Use LinkedIn

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and up-to-date.

Use the 'Skills & Endorsements' section to showcase your competencies. Ask colleagues and connections to endorse you for these skills.

3. Prepare an Elevator Pitch

Develop a concise elevator pitch that succinctly introduces your core competencies and how they've contributed to your success.

4. Provide Concrete Examples

During interviews or conversations, use specific examples of how you've applied your competencies to solve problems or achieve goals.

You never want to leave potential employers wondering “What are your competencies?” with no concrete answer.

5. Highlight Results

When discussing your competencies, emphasize the positive outcomes you've achieved as a result of applying those skills.

If you can demonstrate your proficiency with data and statistics, then do so.

6. Create a Portfolio

If applicable, create an online portfolio that showcases projects, work samples or case studies that highlight your competencies.

7. Use Action Words

Use action-oriented verbs in your written communication to emphasize how you've actively utilized your competencies.

8. Network Effectively

When networking, mention your competencies in conversations to give others a clear picture of your skills and expertise.

9. Customize Cover Letters

In your cover letters, mention relevant competencies and explain how they make you a strong fit for the specific role and company.

Show competency vs competence specific to the job role by using the exact words and phrases from the job description.

You can think of competency vs competence as a professional skill vs how well you do something, so make sure you demonstrate solid proficiency in the job competencies required.

10. Continuously Improve

Show your commitment to growth by mentioning how you're continuously improving and expanding your competencies.

11. Be Confident, Not Arrogant

While highlighting your competencies, strike a balance between confidence and humility. Focus on sharing your skills without coming across as arrogant.

12. Stay Genuine

Be honest about your competencies and avoid exaggerating your skills. Authenticity is important.

13. Soft Skills Matter

Don't just focus on technical skills.

Soft skills like communication, teamwork and adaptability are equally important.

On your resume, highlight how you've demonstrated these skills in various situations.

Remember, effective communication is key.

Tailor your approach based on the context and the audience you're engaging with.

By presenting your competencies in a clear, confident and relevant manner, you'll make a strong impression and increase your chances of success in your professional endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Competencies might not be core skills that recruiters look for. However, in terms of personal and professional growth, competencies stand as the pillars of success.

By embracing self-awareness, seeking targeted learning, practicing consistently and incorporating feedback, you can improve your competencies.