The Interview as a Goal-Directed Dialogue

Abstract

An interview is fundamentally a goal-directed exchange between the interviewer and the respondent, an interaction explicitly designed to fulfil a conscious and shared purpose. This paper examines various categories of interviews classified by the manner in which they are conducted and by the objectives they are intended to serve. The interviewing process begins with an opening phase and advances through a structured sequence of actions directed at the desired outcome. Throughout this process, a skilled interviewer draws upon specific techniques and competencies to help the respondent meet the objectives of the encounter. The central aim of this paper is to offer a thorough understanding of the interviewing process and the core competencies required for effective interviewing.