Creating a list of questions

Definition

Creating a list of questions involves generating specific inquiries designed to elicit information during an interview. This process is crucial as it guides the flow of conversation and ensures that important topics are covered, allowing for a more informative and engaging interaction with the interviewee.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Creating a list of questions helps interviewers stay focused and ensures that critical subjects are addressed, improving the overall quality of the interview.
2. It's important to tailor the questions based on pre-interview research about the interviewee and their background to create relevant and engaging inquiries.
3. Questions should vary in type, including open-ended, closed, and follow-up questions, to encourage diverse responses and facilitate a dynamic conversation.
4. An effective list of questions allows the interviewer to adapt and pivot during the conversation based on the responses given by the interviewee.
5. Preparing questions in advance helps build confidence for the interviewer and can lead to more insightful and meaningful interviews.

Review Questions

• How does creating a list of questions enhance the effectiveness of an interview?
  • Creating a list of questions enhances interview effectiveness by providing structure and direction to the conversation. It helps ensure that important topics are not overlooked and allows the interviewer to guide the discussion based on what is most relevant. A well-thought-out list also enables the interviewer to be more confident, which can lead to a more engaging interaction with the interviewee.
• What role does pre-interview research play in developing a list of questions?
  • Pre-interview research plays a crucial role in developing a list of questions as it provides context about the interviewee's background, experiences, and perspectives. This knowledge allows the interviewer to tailor their questions specifically to the individual, making them more relevant and likely to elicit thoughtful responses. By understanding key aspects of the interviewee's life or work, the interviewer can ask deeper questions that lead to richer discussions.
• Evaluate how different types of questions in a list can impact the depth of information gathered during an interview.
  • Different types of questions in a list can significantly impact the depth of information gathered during an interview. Open-ended questions encourage expansive responses, allowing interviewees to share their thoughts and experiences freely. In contrast, closed questions can limit answers but help clarify specifics. Follow-up questions are essential for probing deeper into interesting points raised. By strategically incorporating various question types, an interviewer can navigate conversations effectively, resulting in more nuanced insights and comprehensive understanding.

Related terms

Open-ended questions: Questions that require more than a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer, encouraging detailed responses and discussion.

Interview guide: A structured framework or outline that organizes questions and topics to be covered during an interview, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Follow-up questions:

Questions asked after an initial response to delve deeper into a topic or clarify information provided by the interviewee.