Probe without leading the answer
Course overview · 4 min reading + 12 min practice, estimated
Principles and method
A good probe clarifies the situation, individual action, reasoning and outcome. Ask what the candidate personally did, which alternatives they considered and how they knew the result. Avoid prompts that supply the preferred answer, such as you escalated immediately, correct? Keep probes consistent in purpose while adapting to the example. Do not reward memorised frameworks over substantive evidence. Where a candidate cannot disclose confidential details, allow an appropriate anonymised account. Record what remains unverified rather than forcing disclosure or filling gaps yourself.
Worked example
A candidate describes resolving a production defect. The interviewer asks which data they examined and what changed after the intervention, rather than praising the story and moving on.
Put it into practice
Write five neutral probes for a vague example of leading change.
Use fictional information and keep your work in your own notes.
Compare your approach: self-review guidance
At least one probe should distinguish the person’s contribution from the team’s, and one should test how the outcome was verified. Remove questions that signal the desired response.
Sources and further reading
Original Academy teaching and fictional examples. These references provide context, not endorsement. Edition 2026.09; updated 2026-09-24.
- CIPD: Selection methods
Professional context for selection methods and their limitations.
- GOV.UK: Discrimination in recruitment
UK legal context. Obtain advice for your jurisdiction and circumstances.