1. Chapter 6- Principles of Interviewing
Kierra Whitehead and
Skyler Hewitt

2. What is an Interview?
Interview- a two party interaction in which at least one party has a specific, serious purpose and that usually involves the asking and answering of questions
Pg. 141

3. Interviewing Strategies
Planning the Interview:
Define The Goal
Identify and Analyze the Other Party
Prepare a List of Topics
Choose the Best Interview Structure :
Structured Interview- consists of a standardized list of questions that allow only limited range of answers with no follow-up.
Unstructured Interview- Has a goal and a few topical areas in mind but no list of questions
Moderately Structured Interview- interviewer prepares a list of topics and designs major questions and possible follow-up probes Pg

4. Interviewing Strategies Cont.
Consider Possible Questions
Primary, Open, Factual, and Direct Questions
Example: “Describe some experiences that describe your leadership skills”
Secondary, Closed, and Hypothetical Questions
Example: “You said you welcome challenges. If the chance arose, would you be interested in handling the next round of layoffs?”
Leading questions- suggest the answer the interviewer expects
Arrange the Setting
Pg.145

5. Conducting the Interview
Three Stages:
Opening: Good introduction and first impression
Body: Questions and answers are exchanged
Closing: Bring conversation to a satisfactory end

6. Opening
Greeting and Building Rapport: Begin with a greeting and a self introduction, make small talk, and find common ground (shared interests or experiences)
Orientation: Interviewer gives the respondent a brief overview of what is to follow. In the orientation make sure to do the following:
Explain reason for the interview
Explain what information is needed and how it will be used
Clarify any ground rules
Mention the approximate length of the interview
Motivation: give interviewees a reason that will make them feel the interview is worthwhile for them Pg

7. Body Pg. 150-152 Responsibilities of the Interviewer:
Control and Focus the Conversation
Listen Actively
Use Secondary questions to probe for important information
The Interviewees Role:
Listen actively and give clear, detailed answers
Answer the question the interviewer has asked
Correct any misunderstandings
Cover your own agenda Pg

8. Closing Pg.152 Review and clarify the results of the interview
Establish future actions
Conclude with Pleasantries
Pg.152

9. Types of Interviews Pg.153-154 The Information-Gathering Interview:
View information-Gathering as a Process: background information
Define Interview Goals and Questions: goal should be as specific as possible and worded in a way that will tell you whether you have the answers you are seeking
Choose the Right Interviewee: Who you interview is likely to shape the value of what you learn Pg

10. Types of Interviews Cont.
The Career Research Interview- special type of informational interview in which you meet with someone who can provide information that will help you define and achieve your career goals.
The Value of Personal Contacts: “It isn’t what you know, it’s who know”
Choosing Interviewees: Building a personal network
Contacting Prospective Interviewees: Setting up a meeting
Following Up: After the meeting express thanks for the interviewee’s time Pg

11. Types of Interviews cont.
The Employment interview- this explores how well a candidate will fit the job.
Pre-Interview Steps:
-Clean up online identity
-Conduct background research
-Contact potential employers

12. Prepare for Possible Interview Formats
Panel interview – The interviewee is questioned by several people. It gives you an opportunity to meet the people you may be working with.
Stress Interview- used to evaluate your behavior under pressure.
Audition interview- The employer will ask you to demonstrate your skill at the job you are applying for
Behavioral interview- The employer asks you what you did or would do in specific situations.
Think constructively
Dress professionally

13. During the Interview Key questions interviewer may ask
Educational Background-Does candidate posses the skill for the job?
Work Experience- Do previous jobs prepare candidate for position?
Career Goals- What goals does the candidate have?
Personal Traits- How is the candidate’s attitude?
Knowledge of organization/job- Does the candidate know the job and organize well?

14. During the interview cont.
Respond to employer’s needs and concerns.
Be honest- Emphasize the positive.
- Keep answers brief
- Show enthusiasm
- Have answers to your own questions

15. Rehearsing the Interview
Research to identify the nature of the job you are seeking.
Draft some questions to explore the job you are applying for.
Think about how to answer each question.
Role-Play the interview.

16. Post-Interview Follow-up
Every interview should be followed up by a thank-you note to the person who interviewed you.
Demonstrate common courtesy
Remind employer of you
Remind employer of promised engagements

17. Interviewing and the Law
Questions for the sole purpose of discriminating may not be asked during an interview.
Ex. A mentally impaired person may only be asked questions that pertain to how well they can perform the job.

18. Ethics of Interviewing
Obligations of interviewer
Don’t make promises you can’t keep
Keep confidences
Allow interviewee to freely respond
Treat interviewee with respect.

19. Ethics of Interviewing cont.
Obligations of interviewee
Don’t misrepresent the facts.
Don’t waste the interviewer’s time.