Structuring the Interview

Chapter Summary

Opening the Interview The Body of the Interview Closing the Interview Summary

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.

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.

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

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

Nonverbal Communication in Openings

Territoriality Appearance and Dress Touch Reading Nonverbal Communication

The Body of the Interview

Interview Guide Outline Sequences

Topical Time Space Cause-to-effect Problem-solution

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Body of the Interview

Interview Schedules Consider a strategic combination of schedule

types. Combined schedules enable interviewers to

satisfy multiple needs.

The Body of the Interview

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

Closing the Interview

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

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.

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...

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.

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.