When is it appropriate to use open-ended questions in an interview?

Open-ended questions are particularly valuable during interviews for gathering general information. These types of questions encourage the interviewee to provide detailed responses and elaborate on their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives. By using open-ended questions, the interviewer can facilitate a more in-depth conversation, allowing them to uncover nuances, context, and insights that may not emerge with closed, yes-or-no style questions.

This method is effective for establishing rapport and encouraging dialogue, which can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the situation being investigated. In contrast, using open-ended questions solely with suspects, or in situations of uncooperativeness, may not yield the same depth of information, as those contexts often require a different interview approach. Moreover, when confirming factual details, closed-ended questions are typically preferred as they provide precise answers and verification. Thus, leveraging open-ended questions for general information aligns with best practices in effective interview techniques.