Open-ended questions allow respondents flexibility in answering a question about a specific topic. There are different levels of open questions. For example, highly open questions basically have no restrictions on the possibilities of answers. Moderately open questions have some lim­itations but generally give respondents freedom to answer. Open-ended questions are useful in interviews because they allow candidates the time and space to speak their mind and to offer up information.

Closed questions are the opposite of open questions. They are narrow in focus and limited in terms of possible responses. As with open-ended questions, closed questions come in varying degrees. Highly closed questions generally induce a specific response. Moderately closed ques­tions generally ask for specific pieces of information. An interviewer can use closed questions to better control the interview, but these types of questions do not allow for much information to be expressed. An interviewer might ask closed questions if the focus is on basic functions of the position. These basic functions can be addressed with brief (i.e., yes or no) responses.

bipolar question

Probing questions

Hypothetical questions

Similarity, inclusion/involvement, affection, control, and trust

selection interview

information-gathering interview

exit interviews