What do you do if your behavioral interview questions stump the candidate?

1 Clarify Doubts

When a candidate seems stumped by a behavioral question, it's essential to first consider if the question was clear. Technical jargon or complex scenarios can sometimes be misunderstood. Take a moment to rephrase the question or offer an example to illustrate what you're looking for. This not only gives the candidate a chance to gather their thoughts but also shows your willingness to assist, fostering a supportive interview environment. Remember, the goal is to understand how they think and react, not to trip them up.

3 Simplify Questions

If clarification doesn't help, consider simplifying the question or breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This can help candidates focus on specific aspects of their experience without feeling overwhelmed by the broader context. By guiding them through the question step by step, you can help them build their response incrementally and alleviate some of the pressure they may be feeling.

4 Redirect Focus

Sometimes a candidate simply may not have an experience that matches the scenario you've presented. In such cases, it's beneficial to redirect the question towards a related topic or a different aspect of their experience. This allows the candidate to demonstrate their competencies in areas they are more familiar with, while still giving you the information you need to assess their suitability for the role.

5 Encourage Examples

Encourage the candidate to draw on any relevant experiences, even if they're not directly related to the question asked. This can include projects, volunteer work, or any situation where they've had to use similar skills. By broadening the scope of acceptable answers, you allow the candidate to showcase their capabilities and how they might transfer to the role they're interviewing for.

6 Reflect Positively

End the interview on a positive note by acknowledging the effort put forth by the candidate, regardless of any difficulties encountered with specific questions. This ensures that they leave with a favorable impression of your company and the interview process. It also sets a professional and courteous tone, which is critical in maintaining your company's reputation in the competitive IT services industry.

7 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?