Describe the funnel sequence and inverted funnel sequence for interview questions. Give an example of questions in each sequence. When should an interviewer use each sequence?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The funnel sequence opens with broad, open-ended questions and proceeds with
increasingly restricted questions. Examples will vary. One example is (1) What are the
major problems of the department? (2) What effect does staff turnover have on
productivity? (3) Has a new department manager been selected?
The inverted funnel sequence begins with closed or narrow questions that call for one-
word answers and gradually proceeds toward open-ended ones. Examples will vary. An
example is (1) Did you work as the engineering department manager? (2) How much
technical work did you do? (3) What did you like best about the job?
The funnel sequence is appropriate for interviews when the interviewee is able and
willing to talk freely, such as in a job selection interview. The inverted funnel works best
for situations when the interviewee is hostile or reluctant to participate, such as an exit
or disciplinary interview.