In the blog this week, we will explore the typical question sequence used by employers during interviews that is called the funnel process. We shall also examine how to identify and manage each of the four question types.
The four-step funnel question sequence
Professional company job interviewers typically use the four-step funnel sequence of open, probe, closed, and speculative questions. This sequence will be repeated several times throughout the interview.
Open Questions
These questions attempt to help overcome nervousness and relax the candidate. They are also designed to prompt the candidate to start communicating and expressing opinions. However, as we discussed in the blog last week, it is important to think before responding as the information you provide will be investigated in more detail later in the question sequence.
Language: Tell me about ……
Probing Questions
These questions investigate more specific details about responses to the open questions.
Language: Why … What…When…How... What did you do or how did you behave when …
Closed Questions
These questions conclude, check, and summarise responses to the probing questions.
Language: So, you would or wouldn’t do X in Y situation …… is that right?
Speculative Questions
These are potentially the most challenging questions as they suddenly change the context after the closed question summary. This form of questioning aims at testing creative and critical thinking skills under pressure.
Language: Okay, but then how would you react If Z rather that Y had occurred ……
Therefore, when planning for an interview, it is essential to break down possible responses to questions following the style of the funnel process.
Question 1
What supportive body language signalling is essential during responses to open questions?
Question 2
Why might responding to speculative questions present a particularly demanding challenge?
Question 3
How can we prepare positive questions to ask at interview?
We shall explore Question 3 in the blog next week.
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