Conducting a good interview is more difficult than one might imagine. Of course, thorough preparation is essential, but equally important are knowledge of the specific subject area and effective communication skills. Interviewing: Theory, Techniques and Training presents relevant theoretical perspectives, provides material to help develop a range of communication skills and describes tried and tested ways of preparing for interviews.

There have been many developments in the field of interviewing in recent years. Computer-assisted protocols now play a prominent role in interviewing and there has been much research into the role of communication processes in interviews. Interviewing incorporates these recent developments and insights and offers up-to-date examples and practical suggestions.

Ben Emans is Associate Professor of Human Resource Management & Organizational Behaviour at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands.

Part 1: Orientation 1. Interview Characteristics 2. Telephone and Computer-Assisted Interviewing Part 2: Conducting the Interview 3. Interviewer Tasks 4. Introducing the Interview 5. Asking Questions 6. Evaluating and Probing 7. Leading the Interview Part 3: Preparing the Interview 8. Designing the Interview Guide 9. Interview Training