Tailor Questions to the Role
Ensure follow-up questions are specific to the skills, experience, or competencies required for the role.
For example, for a data analyst position, ask:
“Describe a time when you analyzed data to solve a complex problem. What tools did you use?”
Focus on Behavioral and Situational Questions
Use behavioral questions to assess past experiences (e.g., “Tell me about a time when…”).
Use situational questions to understand how candidates might approach hypothetical challenges (e.g., “How would you handle…”).
Prioritize Open-Ended Questions
Avoid yes/no questions. Instead, encourage detailed responses that reveal the candidate's thought process.
Example:
Closed: “Have you managed a team before?”
Open: “What strategies have you used to manage and motivate a team?
Incorporate Role-Specific Scenarios
Present scenarios candidates may encounter in the role and ask how they would address them:
For a customer support role: “A client reports a bug affecting their workflow. How would you respond?”
For a project manager: “You’re behind schedule on a project. What steps would you take to get back on track?”
Keep Questions Concise and Direct
Avoid overly complex or multi-part questions that may confuse candidates.
For clarity: Break down long questions into two smaller ones.
Assess Learning Agility and Growth
Use follow-ups to gauge the candidate’s ability to learn and adapt:
“What’s a new skill or technology you’ve learned recently, and how did you apply it?”
Address the Candidate’s Motivations
Understand their goals and reasons for applying:
“Why are you interested in this position?”
“What professional achievement are you most proud of, and why?”
Align Questions with DEIB Goals
Include questions to assess alignment with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) values:
“How have you contributed to building an inclusive team environment in previous roles?”
Balance Depth and Brevity
Ask enough to gather meaningful insights but avoid overwhelming candidates with excessive follow-ups.
A good rule of thumb is 2-3 follow-up questions per major role requirement.
End with an Opportunity for Reflection
Give candidates space to share additional thoughts or clarify their responses:
“Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience with [skill/project]