Chapter 2: An Interpersonal Communication Process

Journal your thoughts about the following:

• How is interviewing more than asking and answering questions?
• Define Interpersonal Communication and describe how this concept works in interviewing.
• What relational dimension(s) of communication is (are) most critical for you during an interview?

Split from your partner.

1. 1 person keeps protocol.

2. The other person partners with another person with a protocol.

3. Ask questions on protocol-provide answers.

4. What did you like about each approach?

5. What can you say about control within each approach?

A note on self disclosure:

1. Be aware of the nature of your relationship with the other party.

2. Begin with safe self disclosure.

3. Disclosure should be relevant and appropriate.

4. Be sensitive to the effect your disclosure will have on the other party.

5. Reciprocation of self disclosure.

6. Disclosure is related to gender norms-who discloses more?

7. Cultural norms.

Combination of Approaches

Pay attention to societal or

organizational standards to

determine if you can combine

approaches.

Approaches to the Interview

Directive: Interviewer is in total control by establishing the interview purpose and controlling the pace, climate, and formality of interview.

Examples?

Review Activity

Chapter 2: An Interpersonal Communication Process

1. Information giving

2. Opinion Polls (Focus Group)

3. Selection interviews

4. Employee Recruitment

5. Persuasive (sale) interviews

Class Discussion:

1. List the 7 types of interviews.

2. Provide at least 1 example for each type of

interview.

3. List the 5 characteristics of an interview.

Nondirective Approach

Interviwee has significant control over the subject matter, length of the interview, climate, and formality.

Questions are typically open-ended.

Interview Type Examples:

Journalism

Research

Investigations

Counseling

Performance Review

Letterman List Activity

Activity

Job Application Packet and Interview Assignment

Letterman List: Pair and Share

• Pair up with a classmate you haven't worked with in the past.
• Share your top 10 list-read them aloud-with each other.
• From each of the top 10 lists, choose the top 5.
• We will share these answers at the end of class.

You will need to turn in a packet consisting of the following items:

1. Cover Letter (20 points)-should be on résumé paper and addressed to the person who interviewed you for class.

2. Résumé and reference list (20 points)-should be on résumé paper.

3. Interview Questions (20 points)- typed questions for the interviewee. It does not have to include answers.

4. Recommendation to hire or not hire your interviewee (20 points)-This is a memo typed to me from you telling me whether I should hire or not hire the person you interviewed. Give me three reasons and back them up with specific evidence. This should be typed and no more than a page.

5. Follow-up Letter (20 points)-should be on résumé paper and addressed to the

person who interviewed you for class. Remember, you will have a more familiar salutation because you know what his/her name preference is for this letter.

Important Dates:

Due to your Partner on Thursday, Jan. 29th.

Interview Protocol due to me by Thursday, Feb. 5th.

Schedule COMM Lab Appointment for some time during Feb. 9-13th .

Application Packet due to me by Thursday, Feb. 19th.

COMM Lab Essay due Thursday Feb. 26th.

Verbal and Nonverbal Dimensions

Partner Up.

• Directive Approach: Create a 5 question protocol for an interviewer asking for people's opinion about the US President.
• Nondirective Approach: Create a 5 question protocol for an interviewer asking questions related to job performance.
• Combination: Create a 5 question protocol utilizing both approaches. Scenario: Employment recruiter.

Make a list of your expectations of verbal and nonverbal interactions in an interview setting.

What cultural norms are related to your list?

CH. 2: Journal and Discussion

Stewart and Cash (2014) stated, "The parties are connected interpersonally because each has a stake in the outcome of the interview"(p. 17).

How does each party have a stake?

Constructivist View of Communication

Communication of identity

Relational Dimensions:

• Similarity: Perception of sharing same norms and values, traits, experiences, education, etc.
• Inclusion: Motivated to engage in process
• Affection: Likability and respect for other party
• Control: Movement/Flow; Hierarchy impact
• Trust: Essential for self-disclosure.

Journal examples of why one might try to focus on each dimension within an interview.

Describe any suggestions for what to look for or how to build each dimension.

Stewart and Cash (2014) noted that culture and gender may influence these dimensions. Provide some examples.

• These dimensions help parties to understand one another and build common ground in the interview setting.
• Use inclusive language such as "we" instead of "me and you".
• Understand the chain of command and how it affects the interview process.

Feedback

What is it?

By what means do we convey feedback?

How is listening related to feedback?

Situational Circumstances of Interview

Listening Styles:

1. Comprehensive:

• Listen to Content/Ideas;
• Be Careful and Patient

2. Empathy:

• Listen for Relational Understanding
• Don't interrupt;
• Display interest and concern.

3. Evaluation:

• Listening to make a judgement;
• Ask Q to clarify;
• Listen without defense.

4. Resolution:

• Problem Solving;
• Encourage interaction and trust;
• Paraphrase.

Perceptions

Level of Interactions

Consider the perception of the following variables:

• Initiation of the Interview
• Time of Interaction
• Day
• Week
• Year
• Place
• Surroundings: Noise/Decorations
• Territory/Proximity
• Outside forces

Level 1: Safe, superficial interactions; nonthreatening topics.

Level 2: Personal or controversial topics; ask about beliefs, attitudes, values, and positions.

Level 3: Involve full disclosure on personal or controversial issues

Self Concept: Shaped by our experiences, activities, attitudes, accomplishments, failures, interactions, etc.

Self Identity: Created through the above interpretations.

Self Esteem: The way we feel about our self.

Self-fulfilling Prophecy: Acting upon messages to succeed or fail.

Interviewing is complex.

It's:

• Dynamic
• Purposeful & Goal Oriented
• Interactive
• Perception Based
• Variable Based
• Follows a sequence of question/answer

How do these perceptions impact an interview?

How might we form perceptions of the other party?

Any examples?

Activity

With a partner, create 3 protocol questions for each level of interaction.

Provide the interview setting for your questions.