1.4 Key skills for successful interviewers
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Successful interviewers need a mix of people skills and analytical abilities. They must listen actively, show , and build rapport while also asking smart questions and thinking critically. These skills help create a comfortable environment for interviewees to open up.
Managing the interview process is crucial too. Interviewers should be adaptable, manage time well, and take good notes. By mastering these key skills, interviewers can conduct effective interviews that yield valuable insights and information.
Interpersonal Skills
Active Listening and Empathy
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- Engage in active listening by giving full attention to the interviewee, avoiding distractions (phone, surroundings), and demonstrating genuine interest in their responses
- Use nonverbal cues (nodding, maintaining eye contact) to show attentiveness and encourage the interviewee to continue speaking
- Practice empathy by putting oneself in the interviewee's shoes, understanding their perspective, and responding with compassion and understanding
- Validate the interviewee's feelings and experiences by acknowledging their emotions and showing support (saying "I understand how you feel" or "That must have been challenging")
Building Rapport and Nonverbal Communication
- Establish rapport by finding common ground, using humor when appropriate, and creating a comfortable and friendly atmosphere
- Begin the interview with light conversation or small talk to help the interviewee feel at ease and build trust
- Pay attention to , such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, as these can provide additional context and meaning to the interviewee's responses
- Use open body language (uncrossed arms, leaning forward) to convey interest and engagement, while being mindful of personal space and cultural differences
Questioning and Analysis
Effective Questioning Techniques
- Employ a variety of questioning techniques, including , , and , to elicit comprehensive and detailed responses
- Use open-ended questions (beginning with "what," "how," or "why") to encourage the interviewee to provide more than just a simple yes or no answer
- Ask probing questions to clarify or expand on specific points, such as "Can you tell me more about that?" or "What do you mean by...?"
- Follow up on interesting or unexpected responses to gain deeper insights and uncover additional information
Critical Thinking and Objectivity
- Apply skills to analyze the interviewee's responses, identifying patterns, inconsistencies, or areas that require further exploration
- Maintain by setting aside personal biases, preconceptions, or judgments and focusing on the facts and evidence presented
- Avoid leading questions that suggest a desired answer or reveal the interviewer's own opinions or assumptions
- Seek to understand the interviewee's perspective and experiences without imposing one's own views or interpretations
Interview Management
Adaptability and Time Management
- Demonstrate by being prepared to adjust the interview approach, questions, or focus based on the interviewee's responses or the flow of the conversation
- Be flexible in addressing unexpected topics or issues that arise during the interview while still maintaining the overall purpose and structure
- Manage time effectively by prioritizing questions, keeping the interview on track, and being mindful of the allocated time for each section or topic
- Use transitions and segues to smoothly move between different topics or phases of the interview, ensuring a logical flow and progression
Note-taking and Documentation
- Take accurate and detailed notes during the interview to capture key points, quotes, and observations without disrupting the flow of the conversation
- Use a consistent system (outline, mind map, shorthand) that allows for easy review and analysis later
- Balance active listening and note-taking by maintaining eye contact and engaging with the interviewee while jotting down important information
- Review and organize notes promptly after the interview to ensure accuracy and completeness, and to identify any areas that may require follow-up or clarification
Key Terms to Review (13)
Adaptability: Adaptability is the ability to adjust one’s approach and behaviors in response to changing situations, needs, or challenges. In the context of interviewing, it involves being flexible and open-minded, allowing interviewers to connect with diverse interviewees, adjust their questioning styles, and respond effectively to unexpected developments during the conversation.
Building rapport: Building rapport is the process of establishing a mutual trust and understanding between an interviewer and an interviewee, creating a comfortable environment for open communication. This connection encourages honest responses and allows for deeper exploration of sensitive topics, making it a crucial skill in conducting effective interviews, especially when dealing with emotional content or seeking in-depth insights.
Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information objectively, evaluate different perspectives, and make reasoned judgments. It involves questioning assumptions, recognizing biases, and using logic to reach conclusions, which is essential for effective communication and decision-making. This skill enhances the ability to formulate insightful questions and develop a well-structured interview outline.
Documentation: Documentation refers to the systematic process of recording, storing, and organizing information obtained during interviews. This practice is crucial for capturing details that contribute to the overall narrative and ensures that the interview's insights are preserved for future reference. Effective documentation not only aids in accurate reporting but also enhances the interviewer’s ability to analyze and reflect on the interview experience, making it an essential skill for successful interviewing.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, creating a connection that fosters trust and openness. This understanding is essential in interviews, as it helps the interviewer to engage with the interviewee's emotions, making them feel valued and heard, which ultimately enhances the quality of the conversation.
Follow-up questions: Follow-up questions are inquiries made after an initial response to gather more details, clarify statements, or deepen understanding of a topic. They play a crucial role in keeping the conversation flowing and ensuring the interviewer can extract richer insights from the interviewee.
Nonverbal communication: Nonverbal communication refers to the process of conveying messages or information without the use of spoken or written words. This includes body language, facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, and other forms of expression that can significantly influence the interaction between individuals. Understanding nonverbal cues is crucial for effective interaction as it can enhance rapport, convey confidence, and help interpret cultural differences.
Note-taking: Note-taking is the process of recording information from a source, such as a conversation or lecture, in a structured and organized way. It serves as a critical skill for capturing key points, maintaining focus, and facilitating later review and understanding. Effective note-taking helps interviewers retain important details and insights, allowing them to engage more meaningfully with their interview subjects.
Objectivity: Objectivity refers to the practice of being impartial, unbiased, and presenting facts without personal feelings or opinions influencing the information. In interviews, maintaining objectivity is crucial for accurately conveying the subject's perspective and for ensuring the audience receives uncolored information. This practice helps to build trust and credibility between the interviewer and interviewee, which is essential for achieving the interview's purpose.
Open-ended questions: Open-ended questions are inquiries that allow for a full, meaningful answer using the subject's own knowledge and feelings, rather than simply a 'yes' or 'no' response. These questions encourage interviewees to express their thoughts and provide more detailed information, which is essential for gathering insights in various interviewing contexts.
Probing questions: Probing questions are follow-up inquiries designed to encourage deeper responses and elicit more information from interviewees. They help clarify, expand, or explore the thoughts and feelings of the person being interviewed, allowing the interviewer to gain a richer understanding of the topic at hand.
Time Management: Time management refers to the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks efficiently within a designated timeframe. It is crucial for interviewers as it allows them to structure interviews effectively, manage their time before, during, and after interviews, and ensure that all essential topics are covered without overrunning the allotted time.
Trust Building: Trust building is the process of establishing mutual respect, confidence, and reliability between individuals, which is crucial for fostering open communication and collaboration. In interviews, trust is essential as it creates a safe space for interviewees to share their thoughts and feelings honestly. This relationship is influenced by a variety of factors including the interviewer's skills and emotional intelligence, which help to deepen connections and facilitate more meaningful interactions.