Closed-ended vs. Open-ended Questions During Job Interviews #5 Future Projects

🚀 #5 How to Ask Open Questions in Future Job Interviews

Closed Questions vs Open Questions #5

Future Projects
Improve your interviews

Closed Question 1: «Are there new projects for this year?»

First example of an open question ❓🤔
«What are the main initiatives the department plans to tackle in the coming months?»
Second example of an open question 🗣️💭
«How do short-term projects align with the company’s overall objectives?»
Third example of an open question 🤷‍♂️❓
«Could you describe an exciting project the team is about to start?»

Why are these open questions better?

«What are the main initiatives the department plans to tackle in the coming months?»

This question invites sharing a strategic vision. Instead of a simple yes or no, the interviewer can explain the team’s priorities, expected challenges, and how they are expected to contribute to the company’s overall growth. This reveals not only planning but also organizational transparency.

«How do short-term projects align with the company’s overall objectives?»

Here the aim is to understand strategic coherence. The interviewee should show how daily tasks connect with the organization’s broader vision. This answer allows the interviewer to assess the candidate’s understanding of the company’s structure and direction.

«Could you describe an exciting project the team is about to start?»

This question digs into the team’s motivation. By asking for a specific and exciting project, it gives the interviewee the opportunity to show enthusiasm, detailed knowledge, and how the team engages with initiatives that make a difference. It also reveals the department’s internal culture.

Closed Question 2: «Do you have a 5-year plan?»

First example of an open question ❓🤔
«How do you envision the department evolving in the coming years?»
Second example of an open question 🗣️💭
«What industry trends are influencing the company’s long-term planning?»
Third example of an open question 🤷‍♂️❓
«Could you share some long-term goals the team expects to achieve?»

Why are these open questions better?

«How do you envision the department evolving in the coming years?»

With this question, the aim is to understand the interviewee’s vision of the future. Not just whether there is a plan, but how they conceive it. This allows evaluation of whether their approach is compatible with the company’s strategic direction and whether they have a proactive mindset toward growth and adaptation.

«What industry trends are influencing the company’s long-term planning?»

This question reveals the interviewee’s connection to the external environment. A good professional not only looks internally but also pays attention to market changes. The answer can show industry knowledge, analytical ability, and how the company prepares to remain competitive.

«Could you share some long-term goals the team expects to achieve?»

Goals are a window into commitment. This question allows learning which objectives are considered important and realistic. It’s key to evaluating the team’s ambition, clarity in defining achievements, and how success is measured in the medium and long term.

Closed Question 3: «Are you developing new technologies?»

First example of an open question ❓🤔
«How does the company approach innovation and the development of new ideas?»
Second example of an open question 🗣️💭
«What role does this department play in driving innovation within the organization?»
Third example of an open question 🤷‍♂️❓
«Could you give examples of how the company has recently incorporated new technologies or methods?»

Why are these open questions better?

«How does the company approach innovation and the development of new ideas?»

This question goes beyond technical knowledge. It allows understanding the company’s innovation culture, how ideas are generated and evaluated, and what mechanisms exist to implement changes. It’s a way to assess whether the organization fosters creativity and continuous improvement.

«What role does this department play in driving innovation within the organization?»

With this question, the aim is to understand the department’s active involvement. Not just whether there is innovation, but whether the team contributes directly to it. This is key for roles that require proactivity and strategic vision to maintain the company’s competitiveness.

«Could you give examples of how the company has recently incorporated new technologies or methods?»

This question evaluates the company’s adaptability. In a world of constant technological change, it’s important to know if the company is willing and able to adopt new solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. It also shows concrete examples of organizational evolution.

🔍 Depth

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

🧠 Critical Thinking

They invite reflection, analysis, and structuring of answers, 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 answers or clichés.

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