Guidelines for Interview
An interview has two primary functions: 1) to give information, and 2) to get information. In the framework of the Decathlon, most of the interviewing process will be devoted to the judges "getting" information from the students. It is important that the interviews be objective, consistently uniform, and that all students have the same opportunity to express themselves in this competition.
The students are likely to be a little nervous and apprehensive. The judges will create an atmosphere that is relaxed and informal. Our goal is to provide a setting that is conducive to the students performing to the best of their abilities.
It is our intent to pattern the interview after the guidelines which apply to an employment interview situation. Employment inquiries must be job-related. The interview will be as "contest-related" as possible. The following factors will be observed.
1. Judges will not ask questions regarding race, religion, creed, ethnic groups, national origin or ancestry, political beliefs or affiliations or any questions that can be construed as same. Use question sheet for a guide.
2. One judge will not overpower the conversation. The student will do most of the talking.
3. Judges will help the student relax and talk if they sense apprehension.
4. After the student leaves the room, judges will rate the student on the evaluation sheets provided. It is helpful to discreetly jot down notes or scores occasionally during the interview.
5. Judges should be "active" listeners. They will listen not only to what is being said, but they will observe how it is said, i.e., tone of voice, vocabulary, facial expressions, gestures, etc.
6. Judges should avoid arguing, interrupting or displaying authority. This will put the student on the defensive and infringe on the student's limited time to favorably present himself/herself.
7. Students should not be asked open-ended questions, i.e., questions that cannot be answered by a "yes" or "no.” Certain words facilitate open-ended responses while others encourage the opposite result
(see below).