Psychology of the Interview
- Author:
Oldfield-
Pp. 144. Methuen & Co., Ltd. 5s. net. The author has made an experimental and analytical study of the interview, and his deductions shoukl be of considerable value to those who have to assess the personal characteris- tics of ” candidates ” after a brief encounter in an atmosphere not devoid of formality.
It is asserted that the interviewer’s task is to introduce suitable topics of conversation and to evoke the candidate’s ” attitudes Judgment is then based on the reactions displayed by the candidate. The formation of a first impression, the modification of this picture and the final judgment resulting in a ” homunculus “-like representation of the candidate in the inter- viewer’s mind, are all analysed and carefully recorded. Stress is also made on the ” matter ” and ” manner ” of the candidate’s remarks, as shown by relevancy, vivacity, choice of words, syntax, etc.
Mr. Oldfield suggests that the ” candidate in the waiting-room is the victim of violent, if temporary, conflict “, and therefore an attempt should be made to create an atmosphere of humanity and kindliness. There is an interesting sidelight on the ” interviewing board”?a social group ” well established by convention ” and the subject of much heated controversy. E.B.
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