Real Communication An Introduction

Appendix A   Competent Interviewing^511

could identify people or organizations that she thinks she’d like to work for and

arrange for information-gathering interviews with them. In the first approach,

Jan, the job hunter, fills the role of interviewee—she answers questions posed by

the interviewer. In the second example, Jan acts as the interviewer, asking people

in various positions for information about potential career paths in their industry.

So how are these roles different? How are they similar? Let’s find out (Stewart &

Cash, 2014).

Responsibilities of the Interviewer

In any interview situation, competent interviewers have at least four responsibili-

ties: they must (1) identify potential barriers, (2) make the interviewee comfort-

able, (3) ask ethical and appropriate questions, and (4) effectively listen and

respond to the interviewee.

Identify Potential Barriers

Before heading into an interview situation, interviewers should take time to

reflect on potential barriers that might disrupt the interview. For example,

is the space where the interview will take place quiet, private, and fairly neat

and organized? Is lighting adequate, are the room and furniture appropriate

TABLE A.4

CLOSING STRATEGIES

Behavior Definition Example

Declare the completion of the

purpose or task.

The word well signals a close; people

automatically assume the end is near

and prepare to take their leave.

“Well, I think we’ve covered a lot of territory

today.”

Signal that time for the

meeting is up.

This is most effective when a time limit

was announced in the opening of the

interview. Avoid abruptness so the

interviewee doesn’t feel pushed along

an assembly line.

“We have just a few minutes left, so... .”

Explain the reason for the

closing.

Be sure the reasons are real; if an

interviewee thinks you’re giving phony

excuses, future interactions will be

strained.

“Unfortunately, I’ve got another meeting

in fifteen minutes, so we’ll have to start

wrapping things up.”

Express appreciation or

satisfaction.

This is a common closing because

interviewers have usually received

something from the interview (informa-

tion, help, a sale, a story, employment).

“Thank you for your interest in our cause.”

Plan for the next meeting. This reveals what will happen next (date,

time, place, topic, content, purpose) or

arranges for the next interview.

“I think we should follow up on this next

week; my assistant will call you to arrange

a time.”

Summarize the interview. This common closing may repeat

important information, solidify

agreements, or verify accuracy.

“We’ve come to three major agreements

here today.” (List them briefly.)

Source: Labels from Stewart & Cash (2011).

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