What type of questions are likely to be considered hypothetical during an interview?

Hypothetical questions are designed to assess how a person might respond to a situation that has not occurred or to evaluate their problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities. The phrase "What if..." directly sets the stage for a scenario that has not happened, prompting the interviewee to consider potential outcomes or actions based on a theoretical situation. This type of questioning encourages candidates to think creatively and explore a range of possibilities, which is characteristic of hypothetical inquiries.

In contrast, questions that start with "When" or inquire about specific incidents typically focus on actual events or experiences that have already occurred, making them less about speculation and more about reflection on past behavior. Questions concerning past actions also fundamentally seek to understand how someone has responded to real situations rather than engaging with theoretical or imagined scenarios.

Overall, the framing of questions plays a critical role in distinguishing hypothetical inquiries from those asking for factual recounting of experiences or expectations based on concrete past events.