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SECTION 5: APPLICATION QUESTION DESIGN

Questions must focus on the way candidates think rather than testing memorized knowledge.

Design Strategy

  • Focus Areas: Decision making, Leadership judgment, Systems thinking, Communication ability, Responsibility mindset.
  • Avoid technical theory: When the role focuses on management or leadership, do not test technical theory directly.
  • Ask ‘Why’ and ‘How’: Instead of asking how a task is performed, ask why outcomes matter and how the candidate approaches responsibility.

Effective Questioning

Less EffectiveMore Effective
How would you teach a specific topic.What separates average performance from excellent performance in a team.

Using Scenarios

Use scenarios to observe judgment. Example:
A team member is well liked but results are inconsistent. How would you approach the situation.

Question Length & Helper Text

Short Text Questions

  • Purpose: Evaluate clarity of thought.
  • Length: 25 to 40 words.

Long Text Questions

  • Purpose: Evaluate reasoning and decision making.
  • Length: 150 to 200 words.

Helper Text

Each question should include a short instruction indicating word limits and expectations.
  • Example: Maximum 150 words. Provide a structured response.