A competency model is a set of core and technical competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other personal characteristics) and behaviors that together make up a profile of success for a particular job.  As shown in the diagram, competency models help organizations to:

• Identify competency gaps, a critical step for planning current and future workforce needs, and developing workforce strategies
  
• Develop hiring and evaluation criteria to recruit and select talent
• Develop performance goals, criteria, and standards to appraise performance and identify proficiency gaps
• Establish training objectives and career development plans to advance employee competencies
• Align talent with strategic goals and objectives to improve organizational performance