List and define the different types of questions that an interviewer may ask during an interview

Question

Explain when each type of question would be used.

Answer 1

The different types of questions that can be used in an interview are as follows:

Open-ended questionsâ€"These are questions that are phrased in such a way that they elicit a relatively unguided and lengthy narrative response. Open-ended questions can be used when the interviewer wants to give the interviewee an opportunity to talk at some length about a subject. They are useful for interviewing clients or friendly witnesses.
Closed-ended questionsâ€"These are questions that are phrased in such a way that they elicit a simple "yes" or "no" answer. Closed-ended questions can be used if an interviewee tends to digress frequently from the topic being discussed or may be used to relax an interviewee in preparation for more difficult questions that will follow later in the interview. Closed-ended questions may also help to elicit information from adverse witnesses who are reluctant to volunteer information.
Hypothetical questionsâ€"These are questions based on hypothesis, conjecture, or fiction. Hypothetical questions are frequently used with expert witnesses. Hypothetical questions allow the questioner to obtain an answer to an important question without giving away the facts (and confidences) of a client's case.
Leading questionsâ€"These are questions that suggest, or "lead to," a desired answer. Interviewers may use leading questions to elicit responses from witnesses who otherwise would not be forthcoming. Leading questions are effective for drawing information out of adverse witnesses and others who are reluctant to disclose information. Leading questions should be used cautiously with clients and friendly witnesses because they may lead to distorted answers.