Interviewer Skills - the Second Question
Group - Half Day
Course Description
Interviewers should measure their ability by the quality of the answers they get. A perfect answer in an interview is one which gives the information asked for, and substantiates and illustrates points which are made. The test of good interviewer comes when an answer is not like this.
The course is based on our Second Question model. The model has this name because the second question is often more important than the first - it has to "tidy up" when an unsatisfactory answer has been given.
The second or follow-up question overcomes the specific deficiency in the previous answer. We believe answers can have four deficiencies:
- too long,
- too short,
- unclear, or
- hiding something.
The secret of skilful interviewing lies in knowing how to ask the right question to pursue each of these problems.
Who Will Benefit
Anyone who has to obtain information from others. Those who are on a selection panel, do performance reviews, engage in policy research, or conduct surveys.
Course Outline
The training program begins by explaining each of the problems in answers. We give examples, and then demonstrate the specific question to ask in response to each type of problem. These responses are practiced in small groups.
When all four response patterns have been learnt, larger groups go through exercise routines to fine tune the skills for all participants.
Finally, each participant interviews a "difficult" interviewee, and has a chance to experience the value of the new skills. This leads to the final essential outcome - confidence to use the skills in real situations.
Course Outline
The program is available only on an in-house basis, and has a maximum group size of 20.