Competency-based approaches and assessment methods
3CO04 – Essentials of people practice
This CIPD Level 3 learning video, part of the 3CO04 Essentials of People Practice unit, explores competency-based approaches and assessment methods to help you meet AC 2.1 requirements. The video examines both traditional and modern selection methods, including psychometric tests, interviews (face-to-face, telephone, panel, and AI-managed computer systems), and application screening techniques for developing long and shortlists. You'll discover when each selection method is most appropriate within an organisation's recruitment policy and process. By watching, you'll gain the knowledge needed to explain different selection approaches and apply competence-based assessment strategies effectively in people practice.
What this video covers
Covering Assessment Criterion 2.1 from Unit 3CO04, this video addresses competency-based approaches and specialist assessment methods within the broader context of employee selection. It draws a clear distinction between unstructured and competency-based interviewing, examining why the latter carries stronger predictive validity by anchoring evaluation in observable behaviours rather than general impressions of experience. The video also introduces the concept of competency frameworks as the foundation for designing consistent, job-related selection criteria.
The STAR technique — covering Situation, Task, Action and Result — features prominently as a method for structuring both interviewer questions and candidate responses during competency-based or behavioural interviews. Beyond interviews, the video covers psychometric testing, including cognitive ability assessments and personality questionnaires, examining what each instrument measures and the conditions under which they should be used fairly, including considerations for disabled candidates. Work sample tests — such as presentations, role plays, written exercises and practical demonstrations — are also covered, alongside assessment centres, which bring together multiple methods including group discussions, case studies and psychometric tools into a structured programme typically used for graduate or senior-level recruitment.
The video concludes its scope by addressing how to select an appropriate combination of methods for a given situation, weighing factors such as the nature of the role, candidate volume, organisational resources and compliance with equality legislation. Technical roles, customer-facing positions, high-volume recruitment and senior management hiring are each considered as contexts that may call for different methodological choices. Taken together, the video covers the full range of content indicated for AC 2.1, from individual interview techniques through to multi-method assessment design.
Assessment Criteria 2.1
Explain different selection methods and when it is appropriate to use them.
Indicative Content
Traditional and modern approaches; selection policies; selection process; screening applications and developing long and shortlists; competence-based approaches; candidate assessment methods; psychometric tests; interviews (for example face-to-face/telephone, individual/panel, web conferencing, computer-managed AI).
What You'll Learn
Video covering: Competency-based approaches and assessment methods
About 3CO04 – Essentials of people practice
This unit introduces the fundamentals of people practice, ranging from the employee lifecycle to policies, regulation and law. It further explores a diverse array of specialist subjects such as recruitment, talent management, reward and learning and development, essential to a career in people practice. Importantly, this unit enables practitioners to apply their knowledge and skills, building their confidence and ability to practise progressively.
More 3CO04 Videos
Selection policies, processes and screening
AC 2.1 – Explain different selection methods and when it is appropriate to use them.
Traditional and modern selection methods
AC 2.1 – Explain different selection methods and when it is appropriate to use them.
Documentation, collaboration, and organising next steps
AC 2.2 – Develop selection criteria and shortlist candidate applications for interview fo...
Shortlisting processes and best practice
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Understanding selection criteria and person specifications
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Building Rapport and Questioning Techniques
AC 2.3 – Participate effectively in a selection interview and the decision-making process...
Interview Formats and Effective Structure
AC 2.3 – Participate effectively in a selection interview and the decision-making process...
Listening, Note-Taking, and Making Fair Decisions
AC 2.3 – Participate effectively in a selection interview and the decision-making process...
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