Since interviews usually take place between two individuals, the study of interviews as
"interpersonal communication" deserves attention. In relation to other forms of
interpersonal communication, the interview process contains some key factors to its
understanding.
- The communication is usually between strangers.
- In most cases, you are meeting each other for the first time.
- In most cases, both individuals have specific objectives for the
communication encounter.
- The employer wants to hire a very qualified person at the most economical
salary.
- The potential employee wants to prove him/herself as worthy and obtain the
highest possible salary.
- The individuals are typically not on the same level within the relational
hierarchy.
- The interviewer usually holds a position of higher status than the
interviewee.
- The communication is restricted to a specific time frame.
- The time limit of the interview is usually preset.
- Consequently, in many cases, the "first impression" holds great weight
in the communication encounter.
- Due to a limited time span, the interviewee must make a strong first
impression rather than rely on a potential long-term relationship.
DiSalvo & Monroe (1993) emphasize key communication influences that can impact a
positive or negative outcome to an interview.
1. The Content Level vs. the Relationship Level.
On the content level, the interviewee shares facts, perceptions, beliefs, and
attitudes in answering the interviewer's questions.
On the relationship level, the interviewee consciously or unconsciously,
deliberately or accidentally, for the good or the bad, creates an impression on the
interviewer
Find the Best Answers for Interview Questions -Douglas B. Richardson - WSJ Career Journal
The Ins and Outs of Interviewing - Lawrence Stuenkel - USA Today
2. Trust
Trust can dictate the accuracy and the amount of information shared within an
interview. Key aspects of trust include
Confidentiality - Will the interviewer share information with other parties?
Safety - Will the responses result in a negative consequence?
Acceptance - Will the interviewer respect the interviewee, regardless of
answers to questions?
3. Communication Climate
Is the interview being conducted in a defensive climate or a supportive climate?
Does the interviewer foster communication via open-questioning strategies and
demeanor?
Does the interviewer allow the interviewee to ask questions or provide feedback?
Don't Let Tough Questions Sabotage your Interview - Eugene Raudsepp - WSJ Career Journal
In addition, our own oral communication skills can positively or negatively impact
our success in an interview.
4. Verbal Communication Skills
Do both interviewer and interviewee use language and vocabulary that is
understandable to the other parties?
Does jargon or slang terminology inhibit effective communication?
Do the parties use vocal qualities that encourage the communication
relationship?
Do the interviewee?s answers to questions help accomplish his/her objective?
Putting the Right Spin on Interview Answers - Hal Lancaster - WSJ Career Journal
Interviewing Mistakes - About: Business Majors - Carole Martin
Talk Your Way through a Stellar Interview - Elizabeth McKinley - USAToday.com
5. Nonverbal Communication Skills
Do the interviewer and interviewee effective facial expressions, gestures, and
posture during the interview?
Does appearance or dress detract from a positive first impression of either
party?
Do both parties utilize effective nonverbal listening behaviors?
Body-Language Tactics that Sway Interviewers - Eugene Raudsepp - WSJ Career Journal
Covert Job Hunters Need Dress-Code Discretion - Rachel Emma Silverman - WSJ Career Journal
Dressing for Success - About: Job Searching - Alison Doyle
"interpersonal communication" deserves attention. In relation to other forms of
interpersonal communication, the interview process contains some key factors to its
understanding.
- The communication is usually between strangers.
- In most cases, you are meeting each other for the first time.
- In most cases, both individuals have specific objectives for the
communication encounter.
- The employer wants to hire a very qualified person at the most economical
salary.
- The potential employee wants to prove him/herself as worthy and obtain the
highest possible salary.
- The individuals are typically not on the same level within the relational
hierarchy.
- The interviewer usually holds a position of higher status than the
interviewee.
- The communication is restricted to a specific time frame.
- The time limit of the interview is usually preset.
- Consequently, in many cases, the "first impression" holds great weight
in the communication encounter.
- Due to a limited time span, the interviewee must make a strong first
impression rather than rely on a potential long-term relationship.
DiSalvo & Monroe (1993) emphasize key communication influences that can impact a
positive or negative outcome to an interview.
1. The Content Level vs. the Relationship Level.
On the content level, the interviewee shares facts, perceptions, beliefs, and
attitudes in answering the interviewer's questions.
On the relationship level, the interviewee consciously or unconsciously,
deliberately or accidentally, for the good or the bad, creates an impression on the
interviewer
Find the Best Answers for Interview Questions -Douglas B. Richardson - WSJ Career Journal
The Ins and Outs of Interviewing - Lawrence Stuenkel - USA Today
2. Trust
Trust can dictate the accuracy and the amount of information shared within an
interview. Key aspects of trust include
Confidentiality - Will the interviewer share information with other parties?
Safety - Will the responses result in a negative consequence?
Acceptance - Will the interviewer respect the interviewee, regardless of
answers to questions?
3. Communication Climate
Is the interview being conducted in a defensive climate or a supportive climate?
Does the interviewer foster communication via open-questioning strategies and
demeanor?
Does the interviewer allow the interviewee to ask questions or provide feedback?
Don't Let Tough Questions Sabotage your Interview - Eugene Raudsepp - WSJ Career Journal
In addition, our own oral communication skills can positively or negatively impact
our success in an interview.
4. Verbal Communication Skills
Do both interviewer and interviewee use language and vocabulary that is
understandable to the other parties?
Does jargon or slang terminology inhibit effective communication?
Do the parties use vocal qualities that encourage the communication
relationship?
Do the interviewee?s answers to questions help accomplish his/her objective?
Putting the Right Spin on Interview Answers - Hal Lancaster - WSJ Career Journal
Interviewing Mistakes - About: Business Majors - Carole Martin
Talk Your Way through a Stellar Interview - Elizabeth McKinley - USAToday.com
5. Nonverbal Communication Skills
Do the interviewer and interviewee effective facial expressions, gestures, and
posture during the interview?
Does appearance or dress detract from a positive first impression of either
party?
Do both parties utilize effective nonverbal listening behaviors?
Body-Language Tactics that Sway Interviewers - Eugene Raudsepp - WSJ Career Journal
Covert Job Hunters Need Dress-Code Discretion - Rachel Emma Silverman - WSJ Career Journal
Dressing for Success - About: Job Searching - Alison Doyle
| Interviewing as interpersonal communication |
