When I began writing and interviewing, I didn’t understand
the benefit of asking different types of questions to get different types of information.
It’s not always easy for someone to open up to a stranger, so I’m listing one strategy
and five types of questions you can use to improve your interviewing
skills.
One strategy
Start with simple questions to make the person you are
interviewing more comfortable. You may be able to build rapport through the
information shared in those early answers. The person may begin to relax, which
may help him or her open up to you and begin talking like a friend as you progress
to difficult or complex topics.
Five types of questions
1)
Closed-ended questions. These are questions that
can be answered with a simple “yes,” or “no.” These types of questions are a
good way to get the interviewee warmed up. An example would be to ask “Is it
true you graduated from ABC College with a degree in unicornology?”
Closed-ended questions can also serve as fact-checking devices, ensuring the
subject that you are interested in getting the facts straight.
2)
Open-ended questions. These are opposite of
closed-ended questions, and cannot be answered with a simple “yes,” or “no.” An
example would be to ask why the person decided to major in unicornology, which
may provide insight into personality, or what drives him or her.
3)
Primary questions. These questions introduce a
topic. An example would be “What do you consider to be your greatest
accomplishment?”
4)
Secondary questions. These are follow-up
questions that provide insight into motivation, preparation or lessons learned.
If the subject answered the primary question listed above by saying “Climbing
to the top of Mt. Everest,” then a follow-up question could be “What did you
learn from that experience that changed the way you live your life?”
5)
Hypothetical questions. The answers to these
questions may provide insight into character and behavior. “If you had all the
money in the world, what would you do?” “If you could change one thing about
the way your company works, what would it be?”
Well-prepared questions can make or break an interview. Ask
a variety of these types of questions to increase the likelihood of a
successful interview.
Write soon,
Mary
I would not think of asking a hypothetical question during an interview, but think of the rich answers you could get! This is a great idea, Mary.
ReplyDeleteA degree in unicornology? Where do you get those? I want one! ;)
I don't know why unicornology popped into my head, but it did. I want one, too!
ReplyDelete