SCW125

THE INTERVIEWING PROCESS

Ch 2: Kirst Ashman & Hull (2002)
Ch 3: Hepworth, Rooney & Larsen (2010)
DEFINITION
(KADUSHIN AND KADUSHIN CITED IN KIRST-ASHMAN & HULL, 2002)

An interview:
 A conversation with a deliberate
purpose that the participants accept.
 Resembles a conversation in many ways.
Both involve verbal and non-verbal
communication between people during
which they exchange ideas, attitudes and
feelings

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PURPOSE

 “To exchange information systemically with a view

toward illuminating and solving problems, promoting
growth, or planning strategies or actions aimed at
improving peoples quality of life for people”
(Hepworth et al, 2010: 43)
 Interview has 2 characteristics:
 A formal structure with a role, time and location
constraints
 A process and development orientation
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THREE TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
1. Informational Interviews
 Obtain background or life history information
 For better understanding – determine the kind of service
 Objective facts, subjective feelings, attitudes
 May include other than the client e.g. parents etc.

2. Assessment or Decision-making Interviews

 More focused in purpose
 Questions asked – specific decisions
 E.g. A sw investigates a child abuse complaint to whether
abuse is occurring.
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Types of interviews...
3. Intervention Interviews
 Purpose: help client make changes, change
environment for improved functioning
 E.g. A shy parent is counselled how to be more
assertive. A depressed lonely or suicidal client is
counselled on how to handle their problems better
 Interviews may have intervention goals
 Intervention interviews most common in sw

(Zastrow 2010:pg 96-99)

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PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

 The sw has control over interview setting

 Physical climate - determines attitudes, feelings etc.

Discussion
1. The conditions conducive for interviews?
2. What is the appropriate dress code for social
workers?

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 SETTING

 Ventilation & light

 Room temperature
 Space
 Furnishings
 Seating/chairs
 Privacy
 Distractions
 Space between participants
 Barriers

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DRESS CODE

 Appearance
 First impressions
 Dress: personality of the agency
 Pay attention to client’s reactions
 Depends on setting – formal vs informal

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STRUCTURE OF INTERVIEWS

 Varies from type, setting; client; to phases

 Skilful interviewer will adapt to context
 Each interview unique
 Effective interviews conform to a general
structure, share certain properties and reflect
use of certain basic skills

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KEY ELEMENTS
OPENING THE FIRST INTERVIEW
 “You came here to see me about something today”
 Not: “I am glad you came in this afternoon”

“ In what way can i help you”

“ You have a problem”
 Sw explain role and position at agency
 Purpose of interview

ESTABLISHING RAPPORT
 Open & free communication
 Characteristic of effective interviews

- Trust
- How: 10
 greeting warmly & introduction
 how you address clients
Initial interview …

 Cultural factors
 Language
 Respect: a given (critical)
 How? Does a sw show respect to client(s)
- Punctual
- Listening attentively
- Make sure client is comfortable
- Remembering clients name
- Physical assistance i.r.o. mobility
 Brief warm up period: warm, informal & light
 If not, might get passive resistance
 Verbal & non verbal messages 11
 Attentiveness to feelings
Initial interview …

Authenticity/genuineness
Spontanaity/open/nondefensive – congruent
Constructive use of humour
Hindering responses
Empathy

STARTING WHERE THE CLIENT IS

Critical when client is involuntary
Clients motivation
Emotional indicators
Elicit feelings to reduce negative feelings
Slow down pace of communication: education,
Sensitive to non verbal indications

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 USING INTERPRETERS

 Bridging the gap

 Explain role of interpreter
 Both sw & interpreters to be skilled to relate:
- verbal, non verbal content, cultural attitudes, beliefs,
subtle expressions, emotional reactions, expectations of
clients.

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QUESTIONING & RECORDING

Various reasons: information, help clients tell their stories, build

relationships, look at alternative strategies, select solutions
 Probing questions- open ended
 example
 Not cross examination
 Phrasing of questions important
 Avoid: loaded, yes/no, either-or, suggestive/leading, bombarding
questions

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 EXERCISE: (6 MINUTES)

 Volunteers:
My first day in the 1st year social work class:
1. One person assumes the role of interviewee
2. The other assumes the role of listener/interviewer
3. The interviewer should use open-ended questions
4. Feedback to the plenary

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QUESTIONING, NOTE TAKING TAPE & VIDEO RECORDING...

RECORDING - NOTES
 Integral part of counselling
 Record: information, contracts etc.
 Not become a hindrance/Possible distraction
 Do not be secretive
RECORDING - TAPE
 Advantageous
 Permission
 Client response
 Effect on process
 Time consuming

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Reflective tool for both client & sw
 ENDING INTERVIEWS

 Not easy
 Proper termination
 Should be done from the beginning
 Time frames
 Summarise
 Extend interview to next appointment

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