Interview Techniques

There are two types of questions you can ask when interviewing people:


Closed questions which are answered with a single word or short phrase, you are not looking for an elaboration. For example questions such as such as 'how old are you?' and 'where do you live?' would be closed questions. A more limited definition would be that closed questions can be answered with a 'yes' or 'no.' The reason for using closed questions is that they give you facts and that they are easy and quick to answer. They can help keep control of an interview so the contributor doesn't go off on a tangent.


Closed questions can be used to break the ice, they make it easier for the other person to answer. Also used to test the understanding of the subject this is also a great way to break into a long ramble. For example 'So you want to move into our flat?' Can also set up a desired positive or negative frame of mind in the subject, for example 'would you like to find a better supplier?' For seeking the definitive answer to the big question.


You can turn any opinion into a closed question by adding tag questions for example; 'It's a  nice day today, isn't it?' this is you forcing a closed opinion. The first word of the question sets up the dynamic of the closed question, signalling the easy answer ahead. Note how these are world like: do, would, are , will, if.


Open Questions on the other hand are more likely to receive a long answer, allows the person you are talking to too elaborate on their points. Open questions are designed with a longer answer in mind. Open questions have he following characteristics: They ask the respondent to think and reflect, They will give you opinions and feelings, They hand control of the conversation to the respondent. Actively listen to the respondents answer.


Open questions can be used to follow on a closed questions in order to develop the conversation. They can be used to find out more about a person for example what they; need, want do.
Can be done to make the person get to realise the extent of their problems or the extent of their work, makes the respondent thing about themselves. This can often be a trigger point.