What type of question requires the applicant to describe their response to a particular situation?

The type of question that requires the applicant to describe their response to a particular situation is known as a hypothetical question. Hypothetical questions are designed to prompt individuals to think critically and analyze how they would react or respond in a specific scenario that may not have actually occurred. This allows the interviewer to gain insight into the candidate's thought process, decision-making skills, and problem-solving capabilities.

Hypothetical scenarios often present challenges or dilemmas that are relevant to the position being applied for, allowing the applicant to showcase their skills and knowledge in a practical context. Through this type of questioning, the interviewer can assess the suitability of the applicant for the role based on their ability to handle real-life situations in the fire service environment. This is especially important for leadership positions, such as a Fire Officer, where decision-making plays a crucial role in effective operations.

In contrast, other types of questions, such as closed-ended questions, typically require a simple yes or no response, while open-ended questions solicit broader responses but may not focus specifically on hypothetical situations. Probing questions are follow-up queries that seek to gather more depth on a particular answer already provided, rather than asking about an imagined scenario.