Common Errors in Asking Questions (Multiple, Unfinished)

Introduction: Common Formulation Pitfalls

Even when an interviewer understands the difference between open-ended and closed-ended questions, there are several common formulation traps that can detract from the effectiveness of the interview.

These mistakes, which we often make in everyday conversations, become problematic in a formal setting where clear and objective information needs to be obtained.

These failures often occur when the interviewer's "internal thinking" is filtered and mixed in with the question.

Trap 1: Turning Open-Ended Questions into Closed-Ended Questions

This is one of the most common mistakes.

The interviewer asks an excellent open-ended question, but immediately afterwards, out of insecurity or habit, adds a closed-ended question that negates the power of the first one. Example: "What do you think of the latest developments, do you think they will work?".

The Problem: The first question ("What do you think...?") was broad and called for analysis. The second ("Do you think they will work?") reduces it to a "yes" or "no."

The interviewer closes the door he himself has just opened, ceding control of the conversation to the candidate.

Trap 2: Multiple or Simultaneous Questions.

This trap occurs when the interviewer, in his enthusiasm or nervousness, launches several questions at once without pausing.

Example: "What do you think of the latest developments, do you think they will work, who else should we brief, and when should we talk to them?"

The Problem: This confuses the candidate, who will probably only select and answer one of the questions (almost always the last one they heard).

The interviewer, in turn, often forgets the other questions he or she asked, thus missing valuable opportunities to gain information.

Trap 3: Multiple Choice Questions

This is a variant of the previous trap. Instead of asking different questions, the interviewer offers a list of possible answers, revealing his or her own thought process.

Example: "What do you think of the latest developments - do you think they will work, do you think we need to talk more, or do you think they don't stand a chance?"

The Problem: By offering a menu of options, the interviewer is leading the candidate.

The candidate will likely choose one of the options presented, rather than formulating his or her own original answer, which could have been completely different and much more revealing.

Trap 4: Unfinished or Inaccurate Questions

This error manifests itself in two ways: questions that are so vague that the candidate does not know what is expected of him or her, or questions that are literally left unfinished.

Example of Imprecision: "How is your style... or your manner, the way you do things... as well as something about you...?".

Example of an Unfinished Question: The interviewer ends his or her sentence with a hesitant "or...", waiting for the candidate to complete the thought.

The Problem: The vagueness confuses the candidate.