How do you ask better follow-up questions in competency-based interviews?

1 What are follow-up questions?

Follow-up questions are a great way to show your enthusiasm and engagement with the role and the organization, as well as demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They can also help to highlight your strengths and achievements that are relevant to the competency, confirm your understanding of the interviewer's expectations and feedback, and build rapport and trust with the interviewer.

2 How to prepare follow-up questions

The best way to prepare follow-up questions is to research the competencies that are required for the role and the organization. You can use the job description, the company website, or online resources to find out what skills and behaviors they are looking for. Then, you can brainstorm some possible follow-up questions that relate to those competencies, and practice them with a friend or a mentor. For example, you could ask about how they measure a particular competency in their organization, any common challenges or pitfalls that arise in this area, and how they support or develop this competency among their team members or employees. Additionally, you could inquire about a time when someone successfully or unsuccessfully demonstrated this competency and how they would approach a similar situation with more or less resources, time, or information.

3 How to ask follow-up questions

Asking follow-up questions is essential for making a good impression during an interview. It is important to be respectful, curious, and concise while asking questions. You should not interrupt the interviewer or ask too many questions that are too vague, obvious, or irrelevant. To ask follow-up questions effectively, listen actively and attentively to the interviewer's questions and responses, take notes if possible, and ask open-ended questions that invite more explanation or insight. Ask specific and relevant questions about the competency, role, and organization. Show your interest and enthusiasm for the role and organization by asking questions that demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Highlight your strengths and achievements that are relevant to the competency while avoiding questions that might expose weaknesses or failures. Lastly, confirm your understanding of the interviewer's expectations and feedback while building rapport and trust with them.

4 How to answer follow-up questions

When answering a competency-based question, the interviewer might ask you a follow-up question. This could be to probe deeper into your example, test your knowledge or skills, or challenge your assumptions or conclusions. To answer such questions confidently and convincingly, stay calm and composed, and thank the interviewer for the follow-up question. Utilize the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer and provide specific and relevant details. Focus on the positive aspects of your example and explain the rationale behind your actions, decisions, or outcomes. Additionally, provide evidence or examples to support your answer and quantify your results if possible. Reflect on what you learned from the experience and how you applied it to improve your performance or address any gaps. Lastly, ask for feedback or clarification if you are unsure about the interviewer's question or response.

5 How to follow up after the interview

Asking better follow-up questions in competency-based interviews can help you to stand out from other candidates and impress the interviewer. After the interview, it is important to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration, restate your interest and fit for the role and the organization, and address any issues or questions that might have arisen. Here are some tips to keep in mind when following up: send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview, highlight the main points of the interview, reiterate your strengths and achievements relevant to the role, mention any follow-up questions or information you might want to share, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity, ask about the next steps in the hiring process, and keep in touch until you receive a decision.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?