Default to coaching (asking questions) when someone needs to develop a skill. Switch to mentoring (sharing experience) when they need context they could not have. "What have you tried?" before "Here is what I would do."
Strong answers distinguish: mentoring (sharing experience, advising based on your own path) from coaching (asking questions to help someone find their own answer). Best candidates use both approaches situationally: coaching for skill development and decision-making, mentoring for career navigation and perspective sharing. They should mention knowing when to switch between the two.
Tests development philosophy. Leaders who only mentor create dependent teams. Those who only coach can frustrate people who need direct guidance. The best leaders read the situation and choose the right approach.