What type of questions are most helpful in uncovering candidate motivations?

Open-ended questions are particularly effective in uncovering candidate motivations because they encourage individuals to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings rather than providing simple yes or no answers. This format allows candidates to express their personal experiences, ambitions, and reasons for their interest in a position or organization more freely. The detailed responses generated through open-ended questions help interviewers gain insight into what drives a candidate, their values, and how these align with the company's mission or the role in question.

In contrast, closed-ended questions typically limit responses to brief statements, restricting the opportunity for candidates to express deeper motivations. Situational questions, while useful for assessing how a candidate might behave in specific circumstances, may not delve into the underlying motivations that inform those behaviors. Technical questions focus solely on a candidate's knowledge or skills, which does not provide context regarding their motivations, career aspirations, or personal goals.