By: Miranda Emery

Interview- Highly structured conversation in which one person asks questions and another answers them. ◦ Highly structured- Purpose and questions

determined ahead of time◦ Used for comparison◦ Effective participants prepare in advance

Interview Protocol- List of questions you prepare to elicit the information you want to know from the interviewee.

Effective Questions◦ Primary- Lead-in questions about one of the major

topics of the interview.◦ Secondary- Follow-up questions designed to probe

the answers to primary questions.

◦ Open- Broad-based probes that allow interviewee to provide perspective, ideas, information, feelings, or opinions as he/she answers.

◦ Closed- Narrowly focused and control what the interviewee can say. Allow very brief answers.

◦ Neutral- Do not direct the person’s answer.◦ Leading- Guide respondents toward providing

certain types of information and imply that the interviewer prefers one answer over another.

Order and Time (pg. 189, sample)◦ List questions and estimate interview length (4

min/open, 1 min/closed)◦ You never want an interview to take longer than

scheduled◦ Initial questions should be short and get the

interviewee involved◦ Leave more complex questions until later◦ Place important topics toward the beginning of

the interview

Research Interviewees◦ Figure out who you want to talk to (sometimes

obvious, sometimes not) Ask around Look online Contact via email and telephone

Clearly state interview purpose, how the info will be used, and expected length of interview

◦ Research the topic Prepare better questions Better experience for interviewee

Conducting the Information Interview◦ Be prompt◦ Be courteous

Thank them for time Be respectful of what they say (regardless of your opinion)

◦ Ask permission to record◦ Listen carefully◦ Keep the interview moving◦ Match nonverbal cues to interview tone◦ Get permission to quote

Written if direct quotes will be published◦ Always end by thanking the interviewee

Organizations assess knowledge, experience, skill, and who will best fit the organization’s culture.

In the past 50 yrs., average number of yrs. Spent with one company dropped from 23.5 to 3.5.

HR pros/managers to current employees

Preparing for the Interview◦ Research

Knowledge, skills, and aptitude needed ◦ Study

Résumés, references, and (if available) test scores of applicants

◦ Avoid Q’s that violate fair employment legislation

Conducting the Interview◦ Greet applicant◦ Ask prepared questions◦ Consider your nonverbal cues◦ Use follow-up questions◦ Conclude with clarification of next steps

Job seeker- Anyone who is looking for a job or considering a job change. (pg. 192)◦ “As a rule, the best jobs do not go to the best-

qualified individuals-they go to the best job seekers” (Graber, 2000)

Applying for the job◦ Interviews= time consuming, so companies use

screening devices to eliminate. Chiefly, evaluating your résumé and cover letter.

◦ Résumé/cover letter goal: “to communicate your qualifications in writing and sell yourself to prospective employers” (Kaplan, 2002)

Applying for the job (continued)◦ Research

Know something about the company and the job◦ Write and effective cover letter

Cover letter- Short, well-written letter expressing your interest in a particular job.

Focus on employer’s needs, not yours Capture attention, demonstrate qualifications, and request

an interview Steps:

ID the job for which you are applying Summarize your qualifications Indicate interest in interview, list how you may be reached Close by saying you look forward to hearing from them soon

Applying for the job (continued)◦ Prepare a professional résumé

Résumé- Brief summary of your skills and accomplishments and is your “silent sales representative”

No universal format, but generally 1-2 pages and includes: Contact information Career objective Employment history Education Relevant professional affiliations Military background (if applicable) Special skills Community service References

Useful source: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/6/23/

◦ Electronic cover letters and résumés Employers

Easier to sift through, less time consuming Job seekers

Less time consuming Less expensive

◦ Preparing to be interviewed Do your homework Prepare a self-summary Prepare a list of questions about the organization

and job Rehearse the interview

◦ Guidelines for job interviewees An interview is your opportunity to sell yourself to

the organization. Although stressful, preparation should give you the

confidence you need to relax and communicate effectively. You aren’t the only one who is stressed/nervous.

Interviewers generally do not interview every day. Most have no interview training.

Your goal: Make the interview a comfortable conversation.

◦ Guidelines for job interviewees (continued) Steps to a successful interview:

Dress appropriately Arrive on time Bring supplies Use active listening

(See Steps in Listening Process, pg. 91) Think before answering Be enthusiastic Ask questions

◦ Following up after an interview Write a thank-you note Self-assess Contact the interviewer for feedback

◦ Before the interview Members of media are under tight deadlines, crucial

to answer interview requests immediately. If not, you look like you are hiding something and evading the interview.

Remember the interview will likely be edited, so prepare 3-4 talking points- Central ideas you want to present.

◦ During the interview Combination interviewing, nonverbal communication,

and public speaking skills Appropriate nonverbal Clear/concise statements Realize you are always “on the record” Learn how to bridge- Transition