The Interviewer's Handbook: Successful Interviewing Techniques for the Workplace

All interviews take place to assist in gathering relevant information from an interviewee. This could be in relation to the recruitment of staff; appraisal of employees; accident investigation or in a variety of other circumstances. Using effective questioning techniques, the interviewer must make the exchange of information seem as natural as possible, whilst at the same time steering the conversation through a predetermined structure. The Interviewer's Handbook is a comprehensive guide to conducting formal employee interviews. Covering disciplinary situations, return to work/absence investigations, appraisal and recruitment interviews, it gives the reader the tools for handling and achieving results from these formal settings. The book provides in-depth guidance on questioning techniques, the use of body language and listening techniques. It also shows how to encourage dialogue and avoid conflict in sensitive situations. Case studies and scenarios are used as clear illustrations of the techniques throughout the book and best practice information, forms and procedures and legal requirements are also included.

Table of Contents:
Interviews - structured and unstructured; Questioning Techniques; Body Language and Effective Listening Technique; Absence Investigation and Return to Work interviews; Accident Investigations; Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures Recruitment Interviewing

About the Author :
Sandra Bunting was formerly Head of Management Studies at an Oxford Business School and prior to that Head of Division of Business, Leisure and Information Technology at a Leicestershire college. Earlier in her career she was a Lecturer and Programme Area Leader with responsibility for strategic curriculum development of business and management programmes. Prior to working in Further Education she worked for many years in manufacturing industry, latterly as a Personnel Manager.

Review :
"The Interviewer's Handbook seeks to plug the gap between dry human resource (HR) manuals and academic treatises on management techniques and the plethora of books available to the interviewee." -Writer's News, May 2005 "Identifies the importance of using effective questioning to get specific information from individuals and explores the need for managers to understand body language." -Bristol Evening Post, August 2005 "In recruitment interviews first impressions count with job candidates, as well as employers. Sandra Bunting explains how to make sure you show your company in the best possible light." -Human Resources, September 2005 "Bunting's straightforward approach is matched by a clear presentation...dividing the information into easily digestible chunks, making it work well as a day to day reference. Throughout she has provided a multitude of case studies to illustrate her points, and tasks which you could do by yourself or with colleagues. Ideal for a new manager the book would also work well for more experienced managers, especially those who have mostly learnt from experience." -Outsourcer Magazine, September 2005 "There's a fine line between a thorough interview and an interrogation - and it pays not to cross it. Sandra Bunting explains how to brush up on your technique to bring out the best in your interviewee." -Edge, October 2005 "The book is primarily aimed at human resource professionals, but is written in such an easy to read style that it will form a ready guide to assist all those managers who have to conduct formal employee interviews... a must have book for any manager." Management Services, December 2005 "This book offers tips, tasks and case studies to guide employers through recruitment and potentially fraught formal interviews... Helpful templates for written records of interviews in line with current employment law are included." Third Sector, 14th December 2005 "A useful first book for an HR practitioner or line manager... The use of tasks set throughout the book is a good idea to embed the practices and processes for an experienced reader." Useful? **** Well Written? **** Practical? **** Careerwise, February 2006 "A good useful first book for an HR practitioner or line manager. Clearly written, good advice on a step-by-step basis." Personnel Today "A comprehensive guide to conducting formal employee interviews. Provides the reader with tools for handling and achieving the best settings. Best practice information and easy-to-follow guidance are included... this is an indispensable guide for any manager to conduct a successful interview." European Foundation for Management Development, Volume 49, Issue 3