Interviewing

When we think of interviewing, many of us think of job interviews and that is one kind of interviewing. But it is only one kind. Interviewing has a broader definition.

Interviewing is a bipolar oral communication involving the ability to get and give information.

There are two terms in that definition that indicate its function: bipolar and oral. Bipolar communication means that at least two parties are involved. Bipolar communication is more than just a transmission of one person's ideas. It is the exchange of ideas. To have an exchange, you necessarily need to have the ideas of at least one other person. The other term is oral. There are advantages to oral communication. They are in nonverbal communication. You could spend a lifetime trying to study it.

While George's comment about throat clearing was funny, it proves a point.Your nonverbal messages are important and effect those with whom you converse. Scholars agree that we receive most of our information through The exchange of nonverbal communication, postures, gesture, facial expressions, tone of voice, etc..., allow us to better process and make an appropriate response to information that we receive. Let me give you 3 examples from the nonverbal messages just mentioned.

Professors and parents have all experienced what it feels like to have someone slouching while we lecture. From that information, we might surmise that the lecture is boring. Does the student or child not care about the information? Of course, the recipient may also not have gotten enough sleep.

During a Clinton/ Bush debate, Bush looked at his watch. The pundits went to town. It could have meant that he wanted out of there. It could have meant that he didn't have time to be bothered with something as unimportant as the national debate. In either case, the message to the public could have been that if the would-be President didn't have the time for the national debate, he might not have the time for us, either.

If we are trying to explain our position on some topic, and the other party rolls their eyes, the message is clear. They think that our judgement is off. If someone in the conversation suddenly raises his or her voice, the message is clear. They are frustrated. Each of these nonverbal messages gives us added information regarding how to respond.

We cannot receive those messages through the phone, online or by the printed word. They can only be experienced through face-to-face communication. Those cues help us to filter the information that we get from those with whom we communicate. In the case of an interview, they can give an interviewer ideas which need to be followed up. So again, in-person interviewing with its accompanying nonverbal messages offers more information than does a written exchange. One more thing about the definition. At least one party in an interviewing situation has a preconceived and serious purpose, which distinguishes interviewing from casual interactions. As George Rodman stated in Understanding Human Communication, "the goal goes beyond sociability."

Finally, interviews have a specific intent. They have 4 main traits: Purpose, Structure, Control, Balance

Clarify purpose	What do you want to accomplish? The more clearly defined, the greater the chance of success.
example
Choose a roomate	Find person with compatible interests, study habits, dating life, ideas about neatness and financial responsibility.

Develop Questions

Cover the content developed in the purpose.
Facts or opinions?	Opinion - Where do you think the problem lies? Factual - What bothered you about what happened?
Closed or open questions	Closed questions invite a one or two-word answer. Open questions encourages response.
Direct v. Indirect questions	Use diplomacy to determine which tactic is best. Direct questions are most efficient but can be embarrassing or confusing.
Primary & secondary questions or probes	Initial questions are primary questions and may be all that is needed. All other questions are follow up questions or secondary questions. Sometimes simple comments or probes can elicit more information.
Neutral questions	Worded without influence from the interviewer ex) Do you think sexism is a college problem?
Leading Qeustions	Worded with influence form the interviewer ex) What examples of sexism have you seen at the college?
Hypothetical questions	To determine future acts. Encourages interviewee to volunteer information

The kinds of questions that we ask speak of our communication competence. The sterotype of many women is that they lament having uncommunicative partners, but they ask closed questions. The stereotype of many men is that they think most women talk too much, but they ask only opinion qeustions. How could you try to remedy such situations?

Developing good questions takes time and thought.

Arrange the Setting

The setting influences the outcome of any interview: with your partner, with a potential employer, etc...
I f you want your talk with someone to be successful, keep two things in mind: time and place.

Time

Haven't you experienced having someone try to start discussion when they can see that you are already engrossed in another activity? Interviews should take place at a time that is convenient for both parties. So, avoid busy times. In fact, you could ask if morning or evening works best, and even better, find out if they have other appointments.

Place:

Choose a place that is free of distractions - no telephone, no interruptions!

Choose a place that is convenient, easy to find with available parking.

We've all seen the stuffy, uninvting offices with the desk looming large, intimidating, warning you who is the boss. Ever heard of Feng Shui? Some work places hire feng shui consultants to balance the flow of energy in offices and coordinate the feel of the setting. Choose a relaxed setting.

II. Interviewee's role

steps to plan to increase the chance of success:

→ Clarify the inteviewer's goals: know what the interviewer is looking for

When people ask us question we look for the ulterior motive. An interviewer may be honest in questioning. For example, you know that an interviewer is seraching to fill a job vacancy. What is most important? education? experience? initiative? Another may keep the aggenda hidden. Is someone asking about your job routine? You answer could get you fired or promoted.

→ clarify your own goals

Do you want the job or are you trying to learn about a particular industry. Example, retail sales.

→ DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Gather as many facts, figures, materials as possible before the interview.

I. Stages of an Interview

Opening

Sets the tone, lets interviewee know of interviewer's goals (a brief peiod of informal conversation usually takes place after introductions, which allows both parties to settle down and establish some common ground.)Previews subject.

Body

The longest part of the interview where the planned questions are asked. Nonverbal behavior on both sides is noted and interpreted.

Closing

a review of the opening

conclude with an exchange of pleasantries

II. The Interviewer's Responsibilities

Control and focus the conversation

help the interviewee feel comfortable (use self-disclosure such as reasons for questions)

probe for important information:

Repeat

Amplify

Paraphrase

clarifies an answer and encourgages interviewee to give more information

use silence and prods

III. The Interviewee's Responsibilities

give clear, detailed answers

keep on the subject

correct any misunderstanding

cover your own agenda

The Selection Interview

» Come prepared

extra resumes, note pads, letters of comendation, work examples

It tells the interviewer that you are always ready.

» Follow the interviewer's lead

» Keep your answers brief

» Follow up after the interview

identify any problem area

resolve problem area