Flexibility

Definition

Flexibility refers to the ability to adapt to changing circumstances or unexpected situations, allowing a person to modify their approach as needed. This quality is crucial when dealing with difficult interviewees, as it enables the interviewer to navigate challenges, maintain rapport, and find new ways to extract valuable information. Embracing flexibility means being open-minded and ready to adjust techniques or questions based on the interviewee's reactions and responses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Flexibility allows interviewers to pivot their questioning style if they sense resistance or discomfort from the interviewee.
2. Being flexible can help create a more comfortable environment for difficult interviewees, making them more likely to open up.
3. Flexibility involves not only adjusting questions but also adapting body language and tone of voice based on the interviewee's responses.
4. Interviewers who demonstrate flexibility often gain insights that might not emerge from a rigid questioning approach.
5. Cultivating flexibility requires practice and a willingness to learn from each interaction, enhancing overall interviewing skills.

Review Questions

• How does flexibility contribute to building rapport with difficult interviewees?
  • Flexibility plays a vital role in establishing rapport because it allows interviewers to respond dynamically to the interviewee's emotions and reactions. When an interviewer can adjust their approach based on the cues they receive, it shows the interviewee that they are being heard and understood. This adaptability can ease tension and create a more open dialogue, encouraging difficult interviewees to share their thoughts and feelings more freely.
• In what ways can an interviewer demonstrate flexibility during an interview with a difficult subject?
  • An interviewer can show flexibility by altering their questioning style if they notice that specific questions are causing discomfort or defensiveness. This might involve switching from closed questions to more open-ended ones, allowing for broader responses. Additionally, adjusting non-verbal cues, such as maintaining an open posture or using a soothing tone of voice, can help create a more supportive atmosphere for the interviewee.
• Evaluate the importance of developing flexibility in interviewing skills and its long-term benefits for effective communication.
  • Developing flexibility in interviewing skills is crucial as it enhances an interviewer’s ability to handle diverse situations and personalities effectively. It leads to improved communication as interviewers learn to listen actively and adapt their strategies in real-time. Over time, this not only results in richer, more informative interviews but also fosters deeper connections with subjects, enhancing trust and openness. Ultimately, this adaptability can significantly boost an interviewer’s effectiveness and reputation in the field.

Related terms

Adaptability: The capacity to adjust one's thoughts, behaviors, or strategies in response to new conditions or challenges.

Active Listening:

A communication technique that involves fully focusing on, understanding, and responding to what the interviewee is saying.

Empathy:

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, which can help build trust and ease tension during interviews.