Environmental Factors in Interviews

Environmental factors can make or break an interview. When interviewees are made to feel welcome and comfortable they will be more likely to respond with honest and complete answer to questions. One of the main goals of an interview is to get the interviewee to talk over and above the context of the questions being asked. Asking simple open-ended questions will eliminate the ability for yes/no responses thus requiring the answers be more elaborate.

There is value in the setting of the room where the interview is taking place in that it needs to be free of distractions and interruptions. Within the setting of the room those conducting the interview must present themselves in a position of authority and respect. This can be done in such a way that it does not cause discomfort to the subject of the interview but still elicit a level of response that will indicate how the subject responds to and respects authority.

Overcoming the environmental factors can be done through the setting of a comfortable and welcoming yet respectful interview location. During the interview the asking of questions that elicit responses other than strictly yes or no will give the interviewer a better understanding of the subject.