Effective Interview Tips for Developing a Shared Meaning
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You feel me? You know what I mean? You get me?
These phrases are contemporary vernacular utilized by a speaker in a conversational dialogue to clarify or establish a shared understanding. In this instance, it’s the speaker who is initiating clarification from the listener. The overarching goal is to establish a shared meaning through a sender-received communication model during the communication process.
But what about when you are conducting an interview? What if the interviewee is a stranger? Who may or may not have time to sit with anyone for a meeting due to their busy schedule.
Lol, the former is a tad bit dramatic but very real for many instructional designers, IDs who need to conduct interviews with clients or subject matter experts, SMEs. In these types of situations, the role reversal leaves it up to you, the listener, the ID, to take the initiative in establishing a shared understanding of project ideas and goals.
Your interview can be successful when you create well-thought-out questions, build rapport, and take notes. I know this it’s ‘easier said than done’. Below are some tips and a cheat code that can help.
Tip 1: Develop a skillset to include interpersonal, intrapersonal, and critical thinking skills.
These skills will allow you to become aware of your biases, establish a critical eye for verbal and non-verbal cues, and effectively analyze the current situation.
Tip 2: Develop a Rapport
If you can, try introducing yourself with either a quick meet-and-greet before your scheduled meeting or utilize the first 10 minutes of your scheduled session. This way, you can get a sense of the client or SME’s personality, style, and level of openness to interact. You can now adapt your questions and interview style to accommodate the interviewee.
Tip 3: Research, Prepare, and Prepare
A two-for-one, research and prepare before your scheduled interview. Research your interviewee and their position. Try LinkedIn or your company’s intranet to get some insight into your interviewee’s background. You can use your findings as talking points to build rapport.
Tip 4: Take Notes
Note-taking is the key. You don’t want to interrupt the interviewee’s train of thought with a clarifying question. Hold your point, write it down, and use your critical thinking and interpersonal skills to know when to interject. Additionally, you can use your notes to assist in paraphrasing the interviewee’s thoughts for better understanding.
Cheat Code: Active listening
Use Active listening as a communication strategy during the interview process. Try not to veer off or blank out during the interview process. Remain in the present moment and give the interviewee your undivided attention. Giving the interviewee uninterrupted attention reflects a sense of respect for their time.
References
Richey, R.C; Klein, J.D & Tracey, M.W (2011) The Instructional Design Knowledge Base. New York, NY: Routledge Taylor & Francis. ISBN978-0-4158020
Robertson, K. (2005). Education: Active listening – more than just paying attention. Australian Family Physician, 34(12), 1053 -1055. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.366629010280498
Tai, (2019, November 14). What Are Intrapersonal Skills and Why Are They Important? Matterapp.com. Retrieved September 9, 2021, from https://matterapp.com/blog/what-are-intrapersonal-skills-and-why-are-they-important.
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