Interviewing
Interviewing
a communication perspective
One of the most practical influences in the study of Interpersonal Communication is the interview process. Unlike other dyadic communication forms, the interview assumes specific variables:
Interviewing is a form of interpersonal communication where two or more parties interact in a question and answer format. Within the interaction, at least one party has a specific objective for the communication encounter.
In this unit, you will:
Understand the interview as a form of interpersonal communication.
Recognize the various types of interviews and the communication implications for each.
Evaluate the importance of oral communication skills within the interview process.
Analyze the impact of effective communication skills in the global marketplace.
Reflect upon your own experiences in interviews in order to enhance your own professional impression.
Nine Primary Types of Interviews (Berko et al. (2016))
1. Employment Interview – a means to enter the job market or to change position, gain a promotion, or achieve a salary increase.
2. Information-Gathering Interview – the interviewer sets out to obtain information from a respondent. This type of interview is important to journalists, law enforcement authorities, health care workers, students, businesspeople, and mental health professionals.
3. Problem-Solving Interview – Both parties meet to solve a problem, very common in business and industry.
4. Persuasive Interview – Interviewer seeks to change a person’s beliefs or behavior. Lobbyists in government frequently meet with representatives to encourage a particular vote.
5. Appraisal Interview – also known as a performance review. The interviewer helps the interviewee realize the strengths and weaknesses in his/her performance.
6. Reprimanding Interview – The interviewer helps the interviewee to analyze problems caused by the latter so corrections can be made.
7. Interrogation Interview – the interviewer uses various probing techniques to secure information from an interviewee. Lawyers, law enforcement officers, and credit officers frequently use this type of interview.
8. Media Interview – the interviewer asks questions of a guest for an audience of third-parties. The interview may be for informational or entertainment purposes.
9. Counseling Interview – designed to provide guidance and support to the interviewee.
Since interviews usually take place between two individuals, the study of interviews as ‘interpersonal communication’ deserves attention. In relation to other forms of interpersonal communication, the interview process contains some key factors to its understanding.
The communication is usually between strangers.
In most cases, you are meeting each other for the first time.
In most cases, both individuals have specific objectives for the communication encounter.
The employer wants to hire a very qualified person at the most economical salary.
The potential employee wants to prove him/herself as worthy and obtain the highest possible salary.
The individuals are typically not on the same level within the relational hierarchy.
The interviewer usually holds a position of higher status than the interviewee.
The communication is restricted to a specific time frame.
The time limit of the interview is usually preset.
Consequently, in many cases, the ‘first impression’ holds great weight in the communication encounter.
Due to a limited time span, the interviewee must make a strong first impression rather than rely on a potential long-term relationship.
DiSalvo & Monroe, emphasize key communication influences that can impact a positive or negative outcome to an interview.
The Content Level vs. the Relationship Level.
On the content level, the interviewee shares facts, perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes in answering the interviewer’s questions.
On the relationship level, the interviewee consciously or unconsciously, deliberately or accidentally, for the good or the bad, creates an impression on the interviewer
Trust
Trust can dictate the accuracy and the amount of information shared within an interview. Key aspects of trust include
Confidentiality – Will the interviewer share information with other parties?
Safety – Will the responses result in a negative consequence?
Acceptance – Will the interviewer respect the interviewee, regardless of answers to questions?
Communication Climate
Is the interview being conducted in a defensive climate or a supportive climate?
Does the interviewer foster communication via open-questioning strategies and demeanor?
Does the interviewer allow the interviewee to ask questions or provide feedback?
In addition, our own oral communication skills can positively or negatively impact our success in an interview.
Verbal Communication Skills
Do both interviewer and interviewee use language and vocabulary that is understandable to the other parties?
Does jargon or slang terminology inhibit effective communication?
Do the parties use vocal qualities that encourage the communication relationship?
Do the interviewee’s answers to questions help accomplish his/her objective?
Nonverbal Communication Skills
Do the interviewer and interviewee effective facial expressions, gestures, and posture during the interview?
Does appearance or dress detract from a positive first impression of either party?
Do both parties utilize effective nonverbal listening behaviors?
Berko, R., Wolvin, A., Wolvin, D.R., & Aitken, J.E. (2011). Communicating: A Social, Career, and Cultural Focus (12th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315506937