Interview Techniques - Notes

Question Types


Closed Questions: Answered with either a single word or a short phrase.
                              ie: "How old are you?", "Where do you live?", "Are you happy?"
                              Typically a 'yes or no' answer.
                              Facts, easy to answer, quick questions that keep control with the questioner.
                              Useful for opening questions. Doesn't reveal too much.
                                                                              Testing understanding.
                                                                              Sets up a desired positive or negative frame of mind.
                                                                              Seeking yes to a big question.
                               Helps shorten an open question. "Isn't it?", "Don't you?", "Can't they?"
                               First word of a question sets up the closed question: do, would, are, will, if


Open Questions: Likely to receive a long answer. Deliberately seek longer answers.
                            Ask the respondent to think and reflect.
                            Opinionated feelings that hand control of the conversation to the respondent.
                            Actively listen to the answer.
                            Useful to follow a closed question. Develop conversation.
                                                                                     Find out wants, needs and thoughts.
                                                                                     Help realise extent of problems and worth.