Interviewing Based on Chapter 8, Goodall and Goodall Lynne Dahmen COM 2301: Advanced Speech

Characteristics of Interviews Two ‘sides’, one side asking questions ‘a specialized, two-party communication primarily involving questions and answers directed at a preplanned objective ’

Types of Interviews “Interrogation” Sales & Persuasion Appraisal/performance review Information/Focus Groups Selection/Employment Problem-solving Counseling Entertainment

Steps for an Information Interview Define its purpose/goals Be prepared Set limits Outline a structure Prepare your interviewee Stay involved Take good notes/record interview Keep an open mind Take thorough notes Follow up

Advice for an Interviewee Confirm process and purpose if unclear Think before speaking/responding Avoid elaboration unless asked Don’t ‘hog’ a group interview Don’t joke unnecessarily Avoid swaying other member of group

Structure and Sequence Distinguish between personal and private information Vary types of questions (directive or non directive) Listen to complete answer before asking another Be able to move the interview along

Preparing for Conducting Employment Interviews Establish goals (who to hire, with what skills, personality, experience, etc) Design a job description (experience, requirements, preferred skills, salary range) Distribute/publish ad (newspapers, online, professional organizations, headhunters)

Sample parts of Employment Interview Establishing rapport Define interviewee’s experience Clarify requirements of position Present the organizations Provide closure

Considerations for Phone Interviews Reduce potential distractions Reserve a suitable location Avoid talking to interviewee at work Speak clearly Wait for other speakers to finish talking Clarify unclear questions/answers Smile, even if no one is watching… Introduce members of interview team

Class Exercise Break down into groups and draw a list of interview questions you would ask for the following situations. Also identify what information you would want to gather before you interview the person. Also, identify which type of interview is described.

Jacques has been working for the Alliance Française for one year and his contract is up for renewal. Driss Chraibi is coming to AUI and you are going to interview him for AUI radio. You are the school psychologist and a student will be coming to your office. Malika just graduated and is trying to get a job with Maersk Shipping. You work at Marjane in the computer department and your salary is based on how many you sell. You see a young couple looking at the laptop computers. Scenarios

Written Exercise: Due Tuesday November 8 Watch and analyze an interview on tv and analyze the strategies used by the interviewer to conduct the interview. The interview can be one about entertainment, information, political topic, etc. Also provide an analysis of the way the interviewee responds. Did the interviewer do enough research? Did the interview seem to follow a good process? Did the interviewee perform well? Why or why not?