What type of question is phrased to suggest a desired answer during an interview?

A leading question is designed to guide the respondent toward a particular answer, often by subtly implying that a certain response is preferred or expected. This type of question can shape the way information is processed by the interviewee, prompting them to respond in a way that aligns with the anticipated outcome. For example, asking, "Don’t you think our service has improved significantly?" suggests that the interviewer expects a positive response and can influence the interviewee’s reply, even if they might not feel that way.

In contrast, open questions allow for more expansive responses and encourage interviewees to express their thoughts freely without steering them toward a specific answer. Closed questions, on the other hand, solicit a yes or no answer, limiting the respondent’s ability to elaborate. Clarifying questions are used to gather more information to enhance understanding of a previous response. Each of these question types plays a distinct role in interviews, but it is the leading question that intentionally aims to secure a particular viewpoint or sentiment from the interviewee.