1. Structuring the Interview

2. Chapter Summary Opening the Interview The Body of the Interview
Closing the Interview
Summary

3. Opening the Interview
It takes two parties to launch an interview successfully.
Two-Step Process
Establish rapport
Orienting the other party
Rapport and orientation are often intermixed and reduce relational uncertainty.

4. The Body of the Interview
Interview Guide
An interview guide is a carefully structured outline of topics and subtopics to be covered during an interview.
A guide ensures the consideration of all important topics and subtopics.
It assists in recording answers and recall at a later date.

5. Opening Techniques State the Purpose Summarize the Problem
Explain How a Problem Was Discovered
Offer an Incentive or Reward
Request for Advice or Assistance
Refer to the Known Position of the Interviewer

6. Opening Techniques Refer to the Person Who Sent You to the Interviewee
Refer to Your Organization
Request a Specific Amount of Time
Ask a Question
Use a Combination

7. Nonverbal Communication in Openings
Territoriality
Appearance and Dress
Touch
Reading Nonverbal Communication

8. The Body of the Interview
Interview Guide
Outline Sequences
Topical
Time
Space
Cause-to-effect
Problem-solution

9. The Body of the Interview
Interview Schedules
A nonscheduled interview is merely an interview guide with no questions prepared in advance.
Unintentional interviewer bias is most likely to occur in a nonscheduled interview.

10. The Body of the Interview
Interview Schedules
A moderately scheduled interview contains all major questions with possible probing questions under each.
A moderately scheduled interview lessens the dangers of instant question creation.

11. The Body of the Interview
Interview Schedules
A highly scheduled interview includes all questions and the exact wording to be used with each interviewee.
Highly scheduled interviews sacrifice flexibility and adaptability for control.

12. The Body of the Interview
Interview Schedules
A highly scheduled standardized interview is the most thoroughly planned and structured.
All question and answer options are stated in identical words to each interviewee.
Highly scheduled standardized interviews are necessary for precision, replicability, and reliability.

13. The Body of the Interview
Interview Schedules
Consider a strategic combination of schedule types.
Combined schedules enable interviewers to satisfy multiple needs.

14. The Body of the Interview

15. The Body of the Interview
Question Sequences
Tunnel Sequence: A series of similar questions, either open or closed. It works well with informal and simple interviews.
Funnel Sequence: Begins with a broad, open-ended question and proceeds with evermore restricted questions. It works well with motivated interviewees.

16. The Body of the Interview
Question Sequences
Inverted Funnel Sequence: Begins with a closed question and proceeds toward open questions. It provides a warm-up time for those reluctant to talk.
Quintamensional Design Sequence: Five-step approach that proceeds from an interviewee’s awareness of the issue to attitudes uninfluenced by the interviewer, specific attitudes, reasons for these attitudes, and intensity of attitude. It is effective at assessing attitudes and beliefs and is often used in opinion polls.

17. Closing the Interview
Take your time and be tactful in what you say and do in the closing.
The closing often signals the continuation of a relationship.

18. Closing the Interview Functions and Guidelines for Closings
First, the closing signals the termination of the interview but not the relationship.
Second, the closing may express supportiveness to enhance the relationship and bring the interview to a positive close.
Third, the closing may summarize the interview. A summary must accurately reflect the important elements of the interview.

19. Closing the Interview Functions and Guidelines for Closings
Be sincere and honest.
Do not rush the closing.
Do not introduce new topics or ideas during the closing.
Leave the door open for future contacts.
Avoid false closings when the interview is not really over.
Avoid failed departures when you soon meet up again with the party after having concluded the interview.

20. Closing the Interview Closing Techniques Offer to answer questions.
Use clearinghouse questions.
Declare completion of the intended purpose.
Make personal inquiries.
Make professional inquiries.
Signal that time is up.
Continued...

21. Closing the Interview Closing Techniques
Explain the reason for the closing
Express appreciation or satisfaction
Arrange for the next meeting
Summarize the interview

22. Closing the Interview Nonverbal Closing Actions
Plan the closing just as you do the opening and body of the interview.
Combine effective verbal and nonverbal techniques into effective closings.

23. Closing the Interview Nonverbal Closing Actions
Common Nonverbal Closing Actions
Straightening up in your seat.
Leaning forward.
Standing up or moving away from the other party.
Uncrossing your legs.
Placing your hands on your knees as if preparing to rise.
Continued...

24. Closing the Interview Nonverbal Closing Actions
Common Nonverbal Closing Actions
Breaking eye contact.
Offering to shake hands.
Making hand movements.
Smiling.
Looking at a clock.

25. Summary
All three parts of each interview—opening, body, and closing—are vital to its success.
The opening influences how both parties perceive themselves and one another.
The body must be carefully structured with an appropriate sequence that guides the questions.
The closing not only brings the interview to an end, but it may summarize information.