What type of questions should be used to begin an interview?

Beginning an interview with open-ended questions is a highly effective approach as it encourages a dialogue and helps to establish rapport between the interviewer and the interviewee. Open-ended questions allow the respondent to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in depth, leading to richer, more informative responses. This approach also signals to the person being interviewed that their input is valued and important, creating an atmosphere of trust and openness.

Furthermore, using open-ended questions helps to gather comprehensive information, enabling a holistic understanding of the individual's perspective, background, and any relevant context. This is particularly important in settings that require detailed assessment, such as healthcare or social services, where understanding an individual’s story can guide appropriate support and decision-making.

Utilizing other types of questions, like closed or direct questions, could limit the exchange, potentially restricting the depth of information gathered. While yes or no questions may provide quick answers, they do not facilitate meaningful discussion. Leading questions, on the other hand, can introduce bias into the responses by suggesting a particular answer, which can compromise the integrity of the information obtained. Thus, starting with open-ended questions paves the way for a more fruitful and informative interview process.