Career Management Center

The Job Search

Types of Questions

There are three types of questions. They are open-ended, closed-ended, and probing.

The open-ended question gets you talking. It is broad, but comprehensive. It is important to have a structure to your response - a beginning, a body, and a close (summary). Unless you are encouraged by the interviewer, don't make your response longer than two to three minutes.

The closed-ended question seeks specific facts. The response is usually short and to the point. If it is to your advantage, offer to elaborate on the experience you're discussing.

The probing question supplements or cross checks information. Recruiters have ways of checking the internal consistency of your responses during the interview. DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT LYING OR EMBELLISHING. (You will get caught!)