What is an open-ended question? Definition and examples
An open-ended question is one that can't be answered with yes, no or a single word: it invites the other person to explain, describe or tell a story. Open questions usually start with how, what, why or "tell me about", for example "What got you into teaching?" rather than "Do you like teaching?"
Closed versus open
| Closed question | Open-ended version |
|---|---|
| Did you have a good weekend? | What did you get up to this weekend? |
| Do you like your job? | What's the best part of your job right now? |
| Was the conference useful? | Which talk at the conference stuck with you? |
| Is the team big? | How is the team set up? |
A closed question gets a fact. An open one gets a story, and stories give you something to follow up on.
Examples for conversation
- "How did you two meet?"
- "What made you move here?"
- "What are you reading or watching at the moment?"
- "How did you end up doing that?"
Examples for interviews
Open questions are what you ask at the end of an interview, when they say "Do you have any questions for us?":
- "What does a good first three months look like in this role?"
- "What's the hardest part of this job that the post doesn't mention?"
- "How has the team changed over the last year?"
When open questions fall flat
- Too broad. "So, tell me about yourself" at a party asks the other person to do all the work. "What brings you here?" is easier.
- Too many in a row. Five open questions without sharing anything back feels like an interview. Answer your own question now and then.
- "Why" can sound like a challenge. "Why did you do that?" may land as criticism. "What made you decide to…" asks the same thing more gently.
Questions people ask
What words start an open-ended question?
Usually what, how, why, describe, or "tell me about". Who, when and where questions often get short answers, so they sit closer to closed questions.
Are open-ended questions better than closed ones?
Not always. Open questions start conversations; closed ones confirm facts and decisions. Good conversations use both.
What if someone gives a one-word answer to an open question?
Share something of your own, then ask a narrower question about it. Some people need a moment to warm up.
Why do interviewers ask open-ended questions?
They want to hear how you think and what you choose to talk about, which a yes or no can't show.