Types of Questions

Questions are used to draw out information and confirm written material. Different types of questions can be used at interviews.

Question Type & Purpose Example Behavioural questions – aim to  Tell me about a time when you had to have the applicant describe how they discipline a staff member. Describe the have dealt with a situation that they situation, what action you took and what was have been involved in. Past the outcome? behaviour is a good predictor of future behaviour. Open questions – framed to Open questions start with: How…, who…, encourage an expansive response. what…, when…, where…, describe…, explain…, in what way…  How did you apply your training to your work?  What past experience have you had dealing with performance issues? Closed questions – can be  Do you have a current driver’s license? answered with a single word  Is your registration current? response, usually ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Probing questions – are the key to  Tell me more about how you worked effective selection interviewing. They effectively under pressure…. seek to follow up, clarify, amplify or  Give me an example of when you had to look for contrary evidence. They resolve a conflict between staff members ensure all relevant information is sought and they ensure all applicants are treated fairly. Hypothetical questions – set up a  Imagine the boss calls you and says that the situation or problem and ask the server is down again. What would you do? applicant for possible causes of actions Theoretical questions – ask  What methods of culling are available when applicants to indicate or comment on you have a large number of applicants to the appropriate way to deal with a sort through? situation. They encourage textbook  What are the critical steps in the recruitment responses that cover current thinking and selection process? or practices in a certain area.

Source: BSBHRM402A Recruit, Select & Induct Staff, Education and Training, Western NSW LHD and http://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/merit/module_7/types_of_interview_questions

Types of Questions Version 2 – 11 June 2013