Question

employment-related interviews present specific barriers to effective communication, including 1) different intentions of the people involved; 2) bias; 3) the fact-inference fallacy; 4) nonverbal communication; 5) effects of first impressions; and 6) organizational status. Discuss two of these barriers that you have experienced during an interview, and describe how you dealt with the barriers, either as an interviewer or an interviewee. Were you successful in dealing with the barriers? Why or why not?

Answer 1

I think the two barriers I have had to over come are Bias, and effects of first impressions. When I got out of the Army on November 1^st 2017 I had no idea what I wanted to do or what career field I wanted to go into. Having two degrees in Business I never thought the day would come where I would have to use these degrees in the real world other then the military. When I first intervened with Airgas, I was contacted by a recruiter in Georgia inquiring about my interest in becoming a driver. After talking to the recruiter for about 15 minutes he said he would forward my information to the manager at the St. Louis location. To my surprise about 30 minutes later the same recruiter called me back and asked if I could be in St. Louis for a face to face interview. I was still in Texas, and it was late on Tuesday and he wanted me there on Thursday. Once the recruiter realized I was in Texas he asked me if I wanted to try an over the phone interview I said No. I bought a plane ticket and flew back to St. Louis for my face to ace interview. I arrived 15 minutes early and was greeted at the door and walked into the facility. The person who greeted me was the assistant plant manager. After about 15 minutes I was asked to join the interview with the plant manager and the assistant.

About 5 minutes into the interview the assistant plant manager said to me Ron I would love to have you at Airgas, but I think you are over qualified and turned his clip board over on his lap. Needless to say, I was stunned and calmly took a deep breath and explained my reasons why I wanted to be a driver and even though I was working on my masters this position would fit great and hopefully allow me to grow in the company and move into a management position. After about 20 minutes the interview was over. I had this thought as I left well I just paid $700 dollars to fly back to St. Louis for nothing.

About a week later I received a call from the plant manager offering me a position. Her reason was, knowing I was well educated and had served in the Army, she thought I would be a good fit and was impressed how I was able to talk, and maintain eye to eye contact.

After I went through the hiring process the same assistant plant manager approached me and said Ron I know your just out of the Army, this place needs some leadership and when you are ready for that next step we would love to hear your ideas.

I think the main reason was able to overcome this obstacle, was due to me spending 4 years as an Army recruiter. During my time as a recruiter I had to teach myself how to talk to all kinds of people and not talk at them. While I was talking to people I also had to spot certain things to see if from the first impression this person was qualified for the Army. Many of the things I would look for where tattoos on the neck, hands or behind the ears. I also found out that asking leading questions such as did you play any sport; did you have any injuries.

So, I would have to say that my army training and recruiter training has helped me over come these two obstacles