3 Fundamental Approaches to Interviewing
There are two very different approaches to interviewing. You are probably going to use a combination of the two approaches. Often, you will use different styles for different interviews. You will assess your situation and use the approach that suits the individual you are interviewing! Being comfortable with both interviewing styles is important so you are able to gather the most information possible. You may not know the style you will use until you are in your interview!
Which of the two fundamental approaches an interviewer selects – directive or nondirective – significantly affects the exchanging of interviewer and interviewee roles during interviews.
The Directive Approach:
The interviewer establishes the purpose of the interview and attempts to control the pacing, climate and formality of the interview. Questions are likely to be closed, short and maybe leading. Usually direct answers are desired. An aggressive interviewee may attempt to take command of the interview, but the intent if for the interviewer to control the interview. Typically, directive interviews include information giving and information gathering. Some examples of directive interviews are surveys & opinion polls, employment selection, disciplinary and persuasive interviews (particularly sales.) The directive approach has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
1. It is easy to learn.
2. It takes less time.
3. It is easy to maintain control.
4. It will provide quantifiable information.
5. It can be standardized for numerous interviews.
Disadvantages:
1. It is not flexible.
2. It might discourage the interviewee.
3. It limits the interviewer’s range of techniques.
4. It is limited in depth of subject matter.
The Nondirective Approach:
In a nondirective approach, the interviewee may allow the interviewee to control the purpose, subject matter, tenor, climate, pace and formality. Questions are likely to be open-ended and neutral. This gives the interviewee maximum opportunity to respond as desired. Typical nondirective interviews are information getting. Some examples of nondirective interviews are journalistic, historical, investigations, counseling, performance reviews and problem solving. The nondirective approach has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
1. It encourages the interviewee to participate.
2. It allows the interviewer more flexibility.
3. It enables the interviewer to probe into questions.
4. It gives the interviewee more freedom to give longer answers.
5. It gives the interviewee the ability to volunteer information.
6. It generates more information.
7. It allows the interviewer to adapt to each interviewee.
Disadvantages:
1. It is time consuming.
2. The interviewer may lose control of the interview.
3. It often generates unneeded or unwanted information.
4. It requires insight and sensitivity.
5. It tends to generate excessive information.
Combination of Approaches:
Interviewers often find it appropriate to use a combination of both directive and nondirective approaches in the same interview! It is extremely important to remain flexible during each interview and to adapt accordingly to each individual interviewed. Eventually, you will be able to switch gears quickly and utilize both approaches in order to gain the information you need to hire the best individual for your opportunity!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
