Closed-ended vs. Open-ended Questions During Job Interviews #4 Rol Challenges

🧩 #4 Converting closed questions into work challenges

Closed Questions vs Open Questions #4

Role Challenges
Improve Your Interviews

Closed Question 1: “Are there problems in the department?”

First example of open question ❓🤔
“What are the main challenges the team currently faces?”
Second example of open question 🗣️💭
“What obstacles has the department overcome in the past year?”
Third example of open question 🤷‍♂️❓
“Could you describe a recent difficult situation and how it was handled?”

Why are these open questions better?

“What are the main challenges the team currently faces?”

This question invites exploring the team’s real difficulties. Instead of a simple yes or no, it allows understanding concrete challenges, helping to grasp the work environment and assess whether the candidate has the necessary skills to face them.

“What obstacles has the department overcome in the past year?”

Here we look for evidence of resilience and growth. The interviewee must recall specific cases of overcoming challenges, allowing the interviewer to evaluate the team’s ability to adapt and improve in the face of adversity.

“Could you describe a recent difficult situation and how it was handled?”

This question delves into the interviewee’s practical experience. By asking for a specific situation and its resolution, it evaluates analytical ability, decision-making, and conflict management, key aspects in any professional role.

Closed Question 2: “Are there clear objectives for the position?”

First example of open question ❓🤔
“How is success defined for this position in the first 6 months?”
Second example of open question 🗣️💭
“What skills or qualities have been crucial for success in this role?”
Third example of open question 🤷‍♂️❓
“Could you share examples of significant achievements by people in this position?”

Why are these open questions better?

“How is success defined for this position in the first 6 months?”

With this question, we seek to understand the real expectations of the position. Not just whether there are objectives, but what they are and how they are measured. This allows evaluating whether the candidate has a clear vision of what is expected of them and if they align with the company’s values.

“What skills or qualities have been crucial for success in this role?”

This question reveals the interviewee’s self-awareness. A good professional knows the key competencies of their role. The answer can show empathy, clarity in decision-making, and the ability to identify strengths and areas for improvement in the team.

“Could you share examples of significant achievements by people in this position?”

Achievements are a window into potential. This question allows understanding how successes are recognized and valued in the company, what type of results are expected, and how professional growth is fostered. It’s key to evaluating the candidate’s motivation.

Closed Question 3: “Does the role change frequently?”

First example of open question ❓🤔
“How has this position evolved over the years?”
Second example of open question 🗣️💭
“What changes do you anticipate could affect this role in the near future?”
Third example of open question 🤷‍♂️❓
“Could you describe how the team adapts to changes in the market or industry?”

Why are these open questions better?

“How has this position evolved over the years?”

This question goes beyond the stability of the role. It allows understanding the growth and transformation of the position, revealing the company’s ability to adapt to new needs and how it values employee professional development.

“What changes do you anticipate could affect this role in the near future?”

With this question, we seek to understand the interviewee’s strategic vision. Not just whether they know what changes are coming, but if they’re prepared to face them. This is key in roles requiring anticipation, planning, and continuous adaptation.

“Could you describe how the team adapts to changes in the market or industry?”

This question evaluates organizational culture. In a constantly changing world, it’s important to know if the team fosters innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. It allows understanding if the candidate will fit into a dynamic and proactive environment.

🔍 Depth

Open questions allow exploring beyond the surface, revealing hidden thoughts, experiences, and skills.

🧠 Critical Thinking

They invite reflection, analysis, and structuring responses, showing how the candidate processes information and makes decisions.

💬 Communication

They reveal the ability to express oneself clearly, organize ideas, and convey messages effectively.

🌟 Authenticity

They allow the candidate to show their true self, without fitting into prefabricated responses or clichés.

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