One Way Vs. Two Way Communication
Many times people go to an interview wondering, or hoping that the hiring manager likes them. As far as I am concerned, that is the wrong way to approach an interview. Much of your preparation should be deciding on questions that will help you determine whether the organization and/or job is right for you.
Who’s interviewing who? You must walk into an interview prepared to interview them. They, the hiring organization will be looking for the best candidate for the job. You should be looking for the best organization for you. What do you need to know about the company, the job, the organizational climate, the hiring manager, and the team, that will help YOU determine whether this is a place you want to work?
Too many people go into an interview desperate for the job. So desperate they agree to anything, with very little information about whether the organization or job is really the best place for them to invest time, energy and talent!
In an article I found on Monster.com, “Interview Tips for Landing a Creative Job”, Dan Garriot, founder of Right Brain Resource, “Communication Is a Two-Way Street.” I absolutely agree!
Garriot goes on to say, “I think it’s important to interview them, too, he says. I think a lot of people go on interviews thinking that they have to impress these people to try to get the job and no matter what, don’t disrupt the apple cart. But at the same time, you want to figure out what you’re getting into. You want to go in with half a dozen good questions that you can try to get answers from that paint a picture of what the job is really like.”
One Way communication in the interview, means they ask questions and you answer. Two Way communication means there is meaningful dialog between two parties. Both with a vested interest in ensuring the outcome is mutually beneficial.
In every interview you find yourself, it is your responsibility to walk away with more information than you had before you started. In the end, you will have the ability to make an informed decision about whether you want to work there. Take desperation out of your psyche. Determine to have two way communication with the interviewer. Put yourself in the drivers seat and determine what you are looking for, what you need to ensure your next job opportunity is mutually beneficial for you and them!
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2 opinions for One Way Vs. Two Way Communication
Eric Eggertson
May 29, 2007 at 10:44 pm
I’ve been in a few job interviews where the interviewer had no inkling that they might need to sell me on their organization. Clueless.
Ditto for the first six months on the job. Too many people act like they own you once you’ve taken the job. Don’t they realize your resume is out there from your recent job search?
Darlene McDaniel
May 29, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Your comment is one of the reasons I have a passion for the hiring process. So many people on both sides of the table, are clueless about what the interview transaction should look like.
I was one of them, until I read a book, 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions, by Ron Fry. I personally believe it is the best book on the market. That book and the strategies in it changed the way I approached interviews. I have been talking about this process ever since. I read the book in 1991.
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