Why is it critical to follow up on unexpected responses during an interview?

Following up on unexpected responses during an interview is crucial because it allows the interviewer to clarify and deepen their understanding of potentially significant information. Such responses can indicate new or unexpected avenues of inquiry that the interviewer may not have anticipated. By probing further into these responses, the interviewer can uncover important details that may provide insight into the subject matter being investigated.

Unexpected answers might reveal a discrepancy, lead to new evidence, or highlight areas requiring further exploration. Engaging with these responses helps to ensure that nothing crucial is overlooked, allowing for a more comprehensive and informative interview process. Moreover, it creates an opportunity for the interviewee to elaborate on their thoughts, which could yield valuable context that is not immediately apparent.

In contrast, focusing solely on the time spent, keeping the discussion on track, or verifying memories does not capture the essence of engaging with unexpected responses in a way that enhances the depth and quality of information gathered during the interview. These aspects are still relevant but do not address the significant potential of unexpected responses to enrich the interview process.