Setting a Successful Interview

The proper approach to interviewing a client is important in establishing a trusting, open conversational atmosphere conducive to fostering openness on the clients part. This process can carry over into many areas besides psychology or social work; job interviewing, legal/court interviewing, and even interviewing for articles or news clips. Direct Social Work Practice: Theories and Skills by Hepworth and Rooney, et. al. establishes a few ground rules for a successful interview process. First is physical setting, second is the structure of the interview and third is the establishment of rapport with the interviewee.

The appropriate setting may vary based on the circumstances of the business or facility. For instance, a fellow social work student interning in the emergency room said that privacy is a rare thing when you have 28 extra beds lining the walls in the hallways and you have to speak with the client right there. Using past experience as the manager of a retail outlet, I have conducted interviews right on the sales floor while walking around and straightening things up, just to give the applicant an idea of what they are really applying for. However, for social workers and clinicians a good environment is needed to maximize client comfort. So what is a good environment?

According to Direct Social Work Practice the following conditions are conducive to a productive interview:

1. Adequate ventilation and lighting.

2. Room Temperature: Is it comfortable for the client?

3. Is there enough space to avoid feeling trapped or crowded?

4. Id the décor inviting and attractive?

5. Are the chairs supportive and comfortable?

6. Is privacy available pursuant to the cultural beliefs of the client?

7. An area free from distractions.

8. Is there enough space between all participants involved?

Of course, not all workers can meet all of these settings goals, but it is good to attempt to observe as many as possible.

Equally important is the structure of the interview. In social work and clinical settings, there is usually a specific purpose, direction and focus which is reflected by the structure. According to the text, information should be exchanged systematically with a view towards "illuminating and solving problems, promoting growth, or planning strategies or actions" that have benefit for the lives of clients. A good interviewer will be able to adapt to different situations and the flow of the conversation. Often this comes down to rapport.

Rapport is a type of relationship which fosters openness and free communication; it helps clients gain trust in the helpful intent of the interviewer no matter who that is. (I want you to have this job. I want you to succeed in this school. I want to be able to help you as your probation officer.) It is important to begin to form this rapport from the moment you meet this person by greeting them warmly, with a smile. Depending on your position as interviewer, you may ask how the person(s) would like to be addressed. (Some cultures take it amiss when their first names are used.) This also conveys a level of respect for your interviewee. Regardless of the setting, rapport may be difficult to establish. Remember, the interviewee may have a history of failures or bad interview experiences. They may see interviews as a weakness or be embarrassed to admit what their real problems are, even to their therapist. To this end, Direct Social Work Practice suggests a "warm-up" period. This is a period of general small talk which is warm and informal. The text even points out that many cultures, including Hispanic and many pacific islanders, expect this period of small talk. To head straight into their problems is seen as rude and intrusive.

While there are many more important things to consider during the interview process, this gives anyone, from retail manager to social worker a basis of how to begin a successful interview. I hope this helps, and happy interviewing!

Source: Hepworth and Rooney, et. al. 2010. Direct Social Work Practice: Theories and Skills. Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, Belmont, CA.