An interview is an exchange of information between two people in the form of questions and answers. People might experience formal and informal interviews during their lifetime. Formal interviews include interviews for getting a job or applying for a study program. Informal interviews do not follow strict procedures and are held in an informal setting. For example, informal interviews are used when an employee is looking for advice or wants to receive more information about a specific topic.
- Describe parts of an interview.
During the introduction of an interview, a candidate is greeted by an interviewer. The outline, structure, and purpose of the interview are presented. The body of the interview is the central part of asking questions and receiving answers. In the closing part, the next steps of the process are explained, and an interviewee can ask clarifying questions.
- What is the purpose of seeking information? Give an example explaining how you seek information from others in the workplace.
The purpose of seeking information is to obtain the necessary knowledge and create bonds with co-workers. For example, if I want to receive recommendations from colleagues, I request information by asking them directly. Sometimes, before asking, I observe the environment to determine whom to ask.
- Explain the importance of questioning yourself.
Questioning oneself is crucial because it does not only imply doubt or hesitation. It is a possibility to look critically at one’s own actions and reasoning without making hasty decisions. Moreover, it is a way to formulate the right questions and look at stressful situations from a different angle.
- Give examples of direct and indirect questions, open and closed questions, single and multiple questions.
Open and single questions can be used at the beginning of an interview to make interviewees feel confident. Multiple questions let an interlocutor know that an interviewer is listening. Direct and closed questions guide the flow of the conversation by demanding exact pieces of information. Indirect questions help build communication when discussing issues are.
Direct: what are your salary requirements for the position?
Indirect: Do you know whether your professor approved the thesis topic?
Open: Can you give an example of how you managed conflicts with colleagues?
Closed: Did your job involve traveling?
Single: How long have you been learning Spanish?
Multiple: How old are you, and what is your educational background?
- What are some suggestions for asking questions during meetings in no threatening ways?
First of all, there should be a safe and comfortable environment for everyone. Besides, meetings have to be designed in a structured way. In the beginning, questions can be more general to break the ice, such as open questions. The following questions can be asked using prefatory statements to let interviewees think and respond coherently.
- How does using presupposition and prefatory statements impact the types of answers parents give during discussions about their children?
Presupposition implies that there is a necessary assumption needed to understand the question. It guides the conservation in the right direction and does not allow parents to avoid answering. The example is: do you know that Sam has experienced problems with a mid-term test? Prefatory statements direct the attention of the interlocutor and give time to think. The example is: the next question is crucial for preparing the curriculum for the next term. What kind of improvements do you expect from us?
- Compare and contrast describing overt and covert information. Give an example of each type.
Covert information is often concealed or not acknowledged, whereas overt information is easily observable. For example, when students share opinions on the question or read aloud, they follow the over engagement strategy (Hatch, Triplett, Duarte, & Gomez, 2019). Covert strategy means relying on the mental thinking process or reflecting on past events.
- How are the terms advice, suggestion, and command different from explanations?
The goal of an explanation is to present new knowledge or describe cause and effect. Advice is different from an explanation because it is a formal way of presenting a solution. Unlike an explanation, it requires expertise and supervision. A suggestion does not need control as it is an informal way of introducing an opinion. In contrast to a simple explanation, command implies exercising direct authority and guidance over someone.
- List and describe ways of handling uncooperative communicators. How might this information help you in your workplace?
If the communicator is passive, it is reasonable to let them think and use body language. In the situation, when the communicator is overly expressive, it is advised to speak slowly. Overly-talkative communicators need to be guided and stopped when necessary. If the communicator is easily distracted, try to set eye contact and take an open position. Knowing ways of dealing with uncooperative communicators decreases the probability of conflicting situations in the workplace. Moreover, it ensures confidence in critical or unexpected situations.
Reference
Hatch, T., Triplett, W., Duarte, D., & Gomez, V. (2019). Hatching results for secondary school counceling. Implementing core curriculum, individual student planning, and other tier one activities. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.