This week’s International Association of Interviewers interview and interrogation training tip provided by Wicklander-Zulawski, has Chris Norris, CFI, director of WZ Europe and international training, talking about handling requests during the interview.
One thing that’s really important when it comes to handling requests—a drink of water, use of the restroom, a telephone call, things of that nature—is that you should not say no.
Even though we might ultimately deny a request, we don’t want to do so in a way that creates an adversarial relationship with the subject. Think about it like this: nobody likes being told no.
So if we get a request like, “Hey, can I go to the bathroom?”, think about handling it in a professional, adult manner. Even though we’re inclined to deny the request, say something like, “Absolutely, you’ll be able to use the restroom if we just get through a couple quick things here. We’ll get through this and then we’ll step outside. Let’s get through this first.”
A response like this still allows you to deny the request, but you’re doing it in a more compassionate manner, one that allows you to maintain rapport through the conversation.
Once again, when it comes to handling requests, what you should think about is: Are you handling it professionally, and in a way that still maintains a good, positive relationship with your subject?
The International Association of Interviewers (IAI) and Wicklander-Zulawski (WZ) provide interview and interrogation training programs and additional guidance to investigators when dealing with dishonest employees, employee theft, sexual harassment, policy violations, building rapport, pre-employment interviewing, lying, denials and obtaining a statement.
By focusing on the latest information and research from experts in the field as well as academia, legal and psychological resources, these video tips provide interview and interrogation training techniques that can enhance the skill sets of professionals with backgrounds in law enforcement, loss prevention, security, asset protection, human resources, auditors, or anyone looking to obtain the truth.
To learn more, visit www.w-z.com or www.certifiedinterviewer.com.
