5. Effective questioning techniques
· Design questions to check facts, obtain relevant information about each applicant's background, test achievement and assess aptitude and potential.
· Ask specific questions on matters such as the applicant's work experience, qualifications, skills, abilities, ambitions and strengths/weaknesses.
· Ask open questions, i.e. those beginning with 'what', 'which', 'why', 'how', 'where', 'when' and 'who', rather than closed questions inviting only a 'yes' or 'no' answer.
· Ask questions that are challenging, but never ask them in an intimidatory or aggressive tone or manner.
· Ask questions that require the applicant to give examples of real situations that he or she has experienced, for example: 'Tell me about a time when you had to discipline a member of your staff. How did you handle it?'
· Ask factual questions about past experience and behaviour and refrain from making assumptions.
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