LESSON 2 OF 6 · INTERMEDIATE
Ask comparable behavioral questions
Ask candidates a common core of questions connected to the selected competencies. Use neutral follow-ups to clarify their actions, reasoning and results. Avoid leading one candidate toward the desired answer while withholding clarification from another. Follow applicable accommodation and accessibility processes; consistency does not mean ignoring individual access needs.
Write one behavioral question with three neutral probes.
About 2 minutes reading + 12 minutes practice. Take longer when needed.
Apply the method
Use a common core of job-related questions and planned neutral probes. Ask for the situation, the candidate’s own actions, reasoning, result and learning. Probe missing details without teaching one candidate the preferred answer. Keep notes about evidence rather than demeanor alone. Explain the process and follow the organization’s accommodation procedures; consistent standards do not mean refusing appropriate access adjustments. Practice the questions before use so interviewers understand the competency rather than merely reading the words.
A worked application
Fictional example: Ask a service-supervisor candidate to describe an escalation involving conflicting priorities. If the answer says we solved it, ask what the candidate personally did. If the outcome is unclear, ask how they knew the issue was resolved. Do not say the ideal answer would involve the operations manager and then reward the candidate for repeating that suggestion.
Common mistake to avoid
Leading probes contaminate the evidence. A clarification should help the candidate explain their experience, not reveal the scoring key.
Work through the case
FICTIONAL SCENARIO
Ask: Tell me about a time you handled a difficult customer escalation. Follow with: What did you do, why and what happened?
Make it practical
Write one behavioral question with three neutral probes.
Compare your reasoning with a worked response
The question asks for an example of the work. Probes clarify the person’s own contribution rather than suggesting an ideal response.
Takeaway
Use the method to explain your decision, identify what you still need to verify and choose an accountable next step.
Treat the response as a model for reasoning, not the only possible wording. Adapt it to the role, evidence and appropriate organizational guidance.