Redirecting

Definition

Redirecting is a technique used in interviews to steer the conversation back to a specific topic or question when the interviewee strays off course. This approach ensures that the interviewer gathers relevant information and maintains control of the dialogue, while also encouraging interviewees to elaborate on their responses. By using redirecting, interviewers can clarify responses and delve deeper into important areas, enhancing the quality of the interview.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Redirecting helps keep the conversation focused and on topic, which is crucial for effective information gathering.
2. This technique can be used to recover from moments of confusion or digression during an interview.
3. Redirecting can involve rephrasing the original question or directly addressing points made by the interviewee that are off-topic.
4. Using redirecting effectively requires good timing and an understanding of the flow of conversation.
5. Successful redirecting can lead to richer answers as it encourages interviewees to think more deeply about the questions posed.

Review Questions

• How does redirecting improve the quality of responses during an interview?
  • Redirecting improves response quality by keeping the focus on relevant topics, allowing interviewers to gather more accurate and meaningful information. When an interviewee strays off-topic, redirecting techniques help bring them back to important questions, encouraging them to elaborate on key points. This ensures that the dialogue remains productive and that essential details are not overlooked.
• In what scenarios might an interviewer find it necessary to use redirecting, and what are some effective strategies for implementing it?
  • An interviewer may find it necessary to use redirecting when an interviewee begins to give irrelevant information or goes off on tangents. Effective strategies for implementing redirecting include rephrasing questions, summarizing previous points made by the interviewee before steering back to the original question, or gently reminding them of the topic at hand. These techniques help maintain the flow of conversation while ensuring that critical information is captured.
• Evaluate the impact of redirecting on building rapport with interviewees while maintaining control over the interview process.
  • Redirecting can positively impact rapport building when done thoughtfully, as it demonstrates that the interviewer is engaged and genuinely interested in the interviewee's insights. However, if used too aggressively or frequently, it might lead to frustration or discomfort for the interviewee. The key is to strike a balance between maintaining control of the conversation and allowing space for open dialogue. A skilled interviewer uses redirecting as a way to enhance discussion rather than stifle it, creating a more comfortable environment for both parties.

Related terms

Active Listening: A communication technique where the listener fully concentrates, understands, responds, and remembers what is being said during the conversation.

Open-ended Questions: Questions that allow for a wide range of responses, encouraging interviewees to provide more detailed and elaborated answers.

Follow-up Questions: Questions posed after an initial response that seek clarification or additional information on a specific point made by the interviewee.