CHAPTER

Principles in Interviewing
Chapter Objectives

1. Describe the nature/importance of the interview. 2. Identify appropriate interviewing goals. 3. Specify effective strategies for interview preparation. 4. Structure an interview to achieve your goals. 5. Develop appropriate interview questions. 6. Identify effective reactions to interviewee responses. 7. Manage communication apprehension in dyads.

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Copyright 2008 Allyn & Bacon

The Interview
Three primary characteristics of an interview:
Planned

discourse Dyadic discourse Interactive discourse

Both Interviewer and interviewee should minimize the following obstacles:

Competing

demands

Ego

threats Lack of courtesy

Copyright 2008 Allyn & Bacon

Situational Knowledge: Structuring the Interview

The Opening (Managing Impression Formation) Evaluations are formed from limited external information. First impressions are influenced by stereotypes. First impressions are initially based on physical appearance. Initial impressions do form a baseline of comparison.
Impressions consist of judgments on at least 3 levels: Physical (age, gender, race) Sociocultural (education level, occupation) Psychological (temperament, moods, psychological makeup)

Copyright 2008 Allyn & Bacon

The Body
Directive Interview The Interviewer controls the purpose, structure, and pacing of the interview. Nonscheduled Interview The Interviewer prepares an interview guide that lists potential topics and subtopics. Moderately Scheduled The Interviewer prepares an interview guide that includes all major questions, with possible probe questions. Highly Scheduled The Interviewer prepares an interview schedule that includes all questions and all answer options.
Copyright 2008 Allyn & Bacon

The Closing
Three leave-taking functions:
Concluding Summarizing Supporting

Consider the following closing techniques:

Offer to answer questions. Use clearing-house questions. Declare the completion of the purpose. Tactfully signal that time is up. Express appreciation or satisfaction. Plan for the next meeting.

Copyright 2008 Allyn & Bacon

Asking Effective Questions

Question the meaning of each inquiry by considering: Clarity Relevance Pretesting Filter questioning Bias Neutral questions Provides no hint about expected response Directed questions Subtly or blatantly clues the respondent to the expected response
Cue is subtle; it is a leading question You like technology dont you? Cue is blatant; it is a loaded question Should smoking be banned in public places?

Copyright 2008 Allyn & Bacon

Asking Effective Questions

Question Form Open/Closed Questions Primary/Secondary Primary questions introduce new topics or areas of questioning Secondary questions develop topics already introduced
Clarification Elaboration Paraphrase Encouragement Mirror Summary

Question Sequence Funnel, Inverted Funnel, or Tunnel Special Purpose (Quintamensional Plan)

Copyright 2008 Allyn & Bacon

Copyright 2008 Allyn & Bacon

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Responding and Providing Feedback

Five Categorizations:
Evaluative

responses Interpretative responses Supportive responses Probing responses Understanding responses

Copyright 2008 Allyn & Bacon

Anxiety Management
A competent interviewer will follow these guidelines: Prepare in advance of the interview Listen well to the interviewee. Treat the interviewee as an equal. Be personable, not personal. Respond to nonverbal and verbal cues. Show respect for the interviewee.
Copyright 2008 Allyn & Bacon

Anxiety Management
A skilled interviewee will manage anxiety to improve performance in the interview. Consider what is available to the interviewer on the Web about the interviewee Research and the company and the position. Practice possible responses before the interview. Concentrate on what to say. Listen carefully to the questions. Take time to pause, collect thoughts, then reply. Communicate confidence.
Copyright 2008 Allyn & Bacon