Issue 26(1)
Interviewing For Success.
(2004.) Arthur
H. Bell and Dayle M. Smith. Prentice Hall. 144 pp., $17.33, (paperback),
ISBN 0-13-033530-4.
Review
by: Denise
Heidebrink
Student
Services Advisor
USDSU
Sioux Falls,
SD
This book
is a handy resource that prepares the reader for a variety of
interviewing scenarios. It is an interactive tool because every
chapter has questions that the reader can use to reflect on his/her
own interviewing experiences. When used as a handbook, it is an
effective tool to increases self-awareness of one's interviewing
habits.
Much
of the book's content focuses on the various types of interviews
and the information an interviewer needs to gather about the interviewee.
It also provides the reader with useful suggestions on how to
improve performance in each situation.
A
particular strength of the book is its' emphasis on the importance
of the relationship between interviewer and interviewee. The book
states, "Interviewers build relationships with candidates as a
way of gaining trust, opening channels of communication, and inviting
candid opinions and disclosure" (p.3). The book then asks the
reader to reflect upon "a time when an interviewer failed to establish
what you considered to be a good relationship in your interview"
(p.3). It then asks the reader to reflect on how that affected
both his/her performance and the outcome of the interview.
The
book reminds us of the relational basics we use in advising sessions.
It revisits the value of vocal tone and body language and emphasizes
that the interviewer can gather valuable information about the
interviewee from simple observation. Bell
and Smith state: "What we
show by our nonverbal communication turns out to be at least as
important as what we tell in determining our interview success"
(p. 53). Not only does this underscore the importance of paying
attention to our students' nonverbal messages, but it causes us
to think about messages we may be sending to our students!
Although
this book is geared towards someone preparing to become a career
placement professional or the student service generalist, the
"traditional" academic advisor will still find it an excellent
resource. Chapters don't necessarily build on each other; therefore
the reader can pick and choose chapters of interest.
