Evasive interviewee

Definition

An evasive interviewee is someone who avoids answering questions directly or provides vague, unclear responses during an interview. This behavior can stem from a variety of reasons, including anxiety, fear of repercussions, or the desire to manipulate the conversation. Understanding how to handle such interviewees is crucial for effective communication and obtaining valuable information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Evasive interviewees often use ambiguous language or change the subject to avoid directly answering questions.
2. They might also provide non-committal responses, like saying 'I don't know' or 'It depends,' making it challenging for the interviewer to gather specific information.
3. Recognizing patterns in an evasive interviewee's body language can help identify when they are not being forthcoming.
4. Effective interviewing techniques, like using follow-up questions, can help clarify vague answers and encourage the interviewee to share more relevant information.
5. Building rapport with the interviewee can sometimes reduce evasiveness, as they may feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts openly.

Review Questions

• How can an interviewer identify when an interviewee is being evasive in their responses?
  • An interviewer can identify evasiveness through several signs such as inconsistent answers, reluctance to provide details, and shifts in body language. For example, if the interviewee avoids eye contact or fidgets, these non-verbal cues may indicate discomfort with the questions being asked. Additionally, if responses lack specific details or rely heavily on vague language, it suggests that the interviewee may be intentionally avoiding direct answers.
• What strategies can be employed to effectively engage with an evasive interviewee during an interview?
  • To engage effectively with an evasive interviewee, an interviewer can employ strategies such as active listening and asking open-ended follow-up questions. By demonstrating genuine interest and creating a comfortable atmosphere, the interviewer can encourage the interviewee to elaborate on their thoughts. It may also help to rephrase questions or provide context to facilitate clearer answers and reduce defensiveness.
• Evaluate the potential consequences of failing to address evasiveness during an interview and how this might impact the overall outcome of the conversation.
  • Failing to address evasiveness can lead to incomplete or inaccurate information being gathered during an interview. This could significantly impact decision-making processes, especially in situations where clarity and truthfulness are crucial. Additionally, if an interviewer does not recognize and respond to evasiveness, it may create a perception of incompetence or unpreparedness, which can undermine their credibility and diminish trust between the interviewer and interviewee in future interactions.

Related terms

Body Language: Non-verbal signals that a person gives during an interaction, which can indicate their level of comfort, honesty, or engagement.

Active Listening:

A communication technique that involves fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively hearing the message of the speaker.

Follow-up Questions:

Questions posed after initial responses to probe deeper and encourage more detailed answers from the interviewee.