Interviewer

Definition

An interviewer is a person who conducts interviews, typically to gather information, opinions, or insights from respondents. This role is crucial in the process of preparing for and conducting interviews, as it requires skillful questioning and active listening to elicit meaningful responses from participants. The effectiveness of an interviewer can significantly impact the quality of the information gathered and the overall success of the interview process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. An effective interviewer prepares thoroughly by researching topics related to the interviewee and crafting relevant questions ahead of time.
2. Establishing rapport with the interviewee is key for an interviewer, as it can lead to more open and honest responses.
3. Interviewers often utilize both structured and unstructured formats in their questioning approaches, depending on the desired outcomes.
4. Body language and non-verbal cues are important for an interviewer, as they can convey interest and encourage interviewees to open up.
5. Post-interview analysis by the interviewer is essential for evaluating the information gathered and determining how it can be used effectively.

Review Questions

• How does an interviewer's preparation affect the outcome of an interview?
  • An interviewer's preparation is critical in determining how well the interview will go. By researching background information and creating a thoughtful list of questions, the interviewer can guide the conversation effectively and cover all necessary topics. This preparation not only helps in asking relevant questions but also boosts confidence during the interview, allowing for a smoother interaction that can yield richer insights from the interviewee.
• In what ways can establishing rapport with an interviewee enhance the interviewing process?
  • Establishing rapport with an interviewee is vital because it fosters a comfortable environment where the interviewee feels safe to share their thoughts and experiences. When an interviewer builds a connection through active listening and showing genuine interest, it encourages more open dialogue. This dynamic often leads to deeper insights and richer narratives that might not surface in a more formal or detached interviewing style.
• Evaluate the impact of an interviewer's questioning techniques on the quality of information obtained during interviews.
  • An interviewer's questioning techniques play a significant role in shaping the quality of information obtained. The use of open-ended questions encourages detailed responses, allowing for exploration beyond surface-level answers. Additionally, how questions are framed can influence the comfort level of the interviewee, affecting their willingness to share personal insights. Ultimately, skilled interviewers adapt their techniques based on the flow of conversation and remain flexible to pursue interesting avenues that arise during the dialogue.

Related terms

Interviewee: The individual being interviewed who provides responses and information to the interviewer.

Open-ended questions: Questions that allow for elaborate responses rather than simple 'yes' or 'no' answers, encouraging interviewees to share more detailed information.

Active listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the interviewee says during an interview.