Page 38 - 101 Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions

Interview Types and Techniques 31

The interviewer who uses the direct questioning technique has specific
questions and usually asks these in a planned sequence. Usually the
intewiewer aslcs questions that relate to your:

. Education
. Work experience
. Interpersonal slulls
. Skulls and strengths
. Ability to tale initiative and solve problems
. Career goals

The direct questioning technique involves both open-ended and closed
questions. Closed questions are those that can be answered with a simple
7es” or “no. ’’ Although candidates often will elaborate beyond the simple
“yes” or “no, ” even these elaborations are usually more concise and to the
point than answers to open-ended questions. Open-ended questions call
for information, reflection, or judgment; they are intended to give the
interviewer insights into the laowledge, personality, or character of the
applicant. Open-ended questions must be answered with more than a
“yes” or “no” and often begin with “what” or “how. ’’

Indirect

The indirect interview technique is less structured than the direct method.
It’s also used less frequently than the direct method. When using this
method, the interviewer wants you to talk as much as possible about
yourself and the job so he or she can determine your likely performance
as a result of this interview. The interviewer tends to ask broad general
questions relating to several key areas that he thinks will elicit indicators
of your likely on-the-job performance. Most questions are open-ended,
requiring elaboration from the interviewee. You might be asked:

We had a problem lastyear with one employee who leaked iizformation on
our new product designs to our major competitor. How mightyou have
handled this if the employee were one qfyour subordinates?

I seeyou have degrees in both engineering and sociology. That’s an interest-
ing combination. Tell me how your educational backgrounds in both jelds
might help you on this job.