Open-ended questions in interviews: your moment to shine
It’s not just about answering well, but asking the right questions to evaluate if that job really suits you.
There’s a moment at the end of almost every interview when they tell you: «Do you have any questions?» And of course, with nerves and your mind half blank, it’s easy to just say «no, everything’s clear.» But that space is your opportunity to show genuine interest â and to test whether the job suits you too.
Open-ended questions open doors to conversation and nuance. They let you see the real culture and values that never appear in the job posting.
And asking good questions shows curiosity and critical thinking. You don’t need a perfect script â just pay attention and ask follow-ups. For instance: «You mentioned earlier teamwork is key â how do you usually organize projects?» Simple, yet powerful.
Specialized resources to master interviews
Five specific guides to better prepare yourself and stand out in any selection process.
Personal Development
How to talk about your professional growth and future goals convincingly.
Training
Present your education and continuous learning as competitive advantages.
Mentorship Program
Demonstrate your ability to learn and teach in collaborative environments.
Role Challenges
Address job difficulties and show your problem-solving abilities.
Future Projects
Articulate your long-term vision and how it fits with company goals.
Converting Open to Closed Questions
- Start with «Who, What, When, Where, Why, How» for open questions
- Use yes/no prompts or specific options to close questions
- Example: «What challenges do you face?» â «Do you face budget constraints?»
When to use open-ended and when closed questions (simple version)
Use open-ended questions to explore and understand. They’re useful at the beginning: they reveal motivations and context.
Use closed questions to confirm and decide. They’re useful at the end: they help you establish priorities or next steps.
A practical sequence: open to explore, specify with examples, then close with a decision.
Useful questions for interviews (and why they work)
- «What’s a typical day like in this position?» â reveals daily reality beyond the job description.
- «What growth opportunities are there?» â shows ambition and helps you picture your future there.
- «What are the team’s biggest current challenges?» â shows genuine interest and readiness to contribute.
- «How would you describe the work culture here?» â helps assess fit with company values.
The STAR method: structure your answers like a professional
Use this framework to describe past experiences clearly:
- Situation: The context or background.
- Task: The objective or responsibility you had.
- Action: What concrete steps you took.
- Result: The measurable outcome or impact.
Example: «In my previous job (Situation), I had to increase sales by 20% (Task). I set up weekly tracking and training sessions (Action). By quarter’s end, we reached a 25% increase (Result).»
Common interview mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- â Not asking questions â â Prepare 3â4 that show genuine curiosity.
- â One-word answers â â Use the STAR method for structured responses.
- â Criticizing old employers â â Focus on lessons learned and growth.
- â Not researching â â Spend 30 minutes learning about their work and values.
Final tips to shine in your interview
- Before: Practice aloud, prepare examples, arrive early.
- During: Maintain eye contact, listen actively, ask thoughtful follow-ups.
- After: Send a thank-you note within 24 hours mentioning something specific.
Remember: an interview is a two-way conversation. You’re also assessing whether this job fits you. Open-ended questions give you the insight to make that call.