Interviews are a dance of questions and answers. Open-ended queries invite storytelling, while closed-ended ones nail down facts. Probing questions dig deeper, encouraging interviewees to elaborate and clarify their responses.
Skilled interviewers avoid leading questions that might skew results. Instead, they use a diverse array of inquiries to paint a complete picture, from background info to personal experiences and opinions.
Question Types in Interviews
Open-ended vs closed-ended questions
- Open-ended questions allow detailed responses begin with "how," "why," or "describe" encourage sharing personal experiences gather in-depth information explore topics broadly (What motivated you to pursue this career?)
- Closed-ended questions elicit specific answers typically "yes," "no," or short factual responses confirm information gather quick precise data establish basic facts or demographics (Do you have any siblings?)
Probing questions for detailed responses
- Follow-up questions ask for elaboration on previous answers use phrases "Can you tell me more about..." (What specific challenges did you face during that project?)
- Clarification questions resolve ambiguities in responses "When you say X, do you mean..." (Could you clarify what you mean by 'innovative approach'?)
- Example-seeking questions request specific instances to illustrate points "Can you give me an example of a time when..." (Can you describe a situation where you had to use your leadership skills?)
- Hypothetical questions present imaginary scenarios explore potential reactions "What would you do if..." (How would you handle a disagreement with a colleague?)
Leading questions and bias
- Leading questions contain assumptions suggest desired answers include emotional language present one-sided views (Don't you think the company's policy is unfair?)
- Effects on interviews skew responses compromise data integrity make interviewees uncomfortable introduce interviewer bias
- Alternatives use neutral phrasing allow diverse responses present multiple perspectives (What are your thoughts on the company's policy?)
Diverse questions for comprehensive coverage
- Background questions establish context gather basic information (What is your educational background?)
- Experience questions explore personal involvement firsthand accounts (How did you become involved in environmental activism?)
- Opinion questions seek perspectives interpretations (What do you think are the main challenges in renewable energy?)
- Feeling questions delve into emotional responses (How did winning the award make you feel?)
- Knowledge questions assess understanding of facts concepts (What can you tell me about the history of this neighborhood?)
- Behavioral questions investigate actions decision-making processes (How do you typically approach problem-solving in your work?)