Page 53 - Communication in Organizations Basic Skills and Conversation Models

Communication in organizations 42

saying that you find working as part of a team very interesting. Can you explain this?’
One can also criticize by relating it to an observation: for example, ‘You say that you
would like to work in a more representative position, but you dress quite casually, if I
may remark; not in a way that we call representative in our company.’
10 Situation clarification, when one notices that the applicant is getting a bit irritated
because of the insistent questioning: for example, ‘I’m getting the impression that you
are viewing my questions as a sort of attack. I don’t mean to do this. However, when I
have to judge whether you are suitable for this function, I need this kind of
information. Do you understand that?’

Giving the opportunity to ask questions, overview of the procedure and
closing of interview
When the committee has obtained enough information, the applicant then gets the chance
to ask questions in return. Once these have been answered, the remaining selection
procedure is briefly discussed and outlined as clearly as possible. Therefore the response
should not be: ‘You will hear from us as soon as possible.’ An example would be: This
week the selection committee will make a first selection. You can expect a reply from us
during next week to indicate whether you will be participating in the next round. This
second round of interviews will take place in the period ….’ Additionally: ‘Where can
you be reached by phone?’
Applicants also have to be asked whether they themselves are willing to proceed after
this interview. Sometimes a psychological assessment is part of the procedure. If so, that
should be explained to the applicant. It should also be explained where and when any
travelling expenses can be declared and refunded: ‘You can claim your travel expenses
from the secretary. I will walk with you to the administrative office.’ Finally, the
applicant is led to the door and thanked for coming. (See Figure 5.1 for an overview of
the selection interview.)