It would seem to be common for labels to be used beside input fields instead of asking an explicit question, to convey what information the user should fill out a form with. Since this is common practice, is it a good thing though it may be unnatural?

For example when filling out a form: 

Country of birth: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_  

Birthdate: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_  

Last employer: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 

vs

Which country were you born in? \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_  

What is your birthdate? \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_  

Who was your last employer? \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

vs

Specify the country you were born in: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_  

Specify your birthdate: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_  

Specify your last employer: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

In forms, is it better not to phrase it as a question even though in ever day speech you would ask the question if you wanted to know the information?