ABSTRACT
Interviews are important in business, for example as part of selection and appraisal, for purposes of consultation and counselling, and in market research. They provide opportunities to inform, question, discuss, clarify and decide. For the interviewer, who must decide on the purpose of the meeting (for example, why the interview is necessary, what is to be discussed, what background information is needed, who should be involved and what are the possible outcomes), preparation is essential. For the interviewee, preparation is desirable and for important discussions both foreknowledge of the purpose of the interview and time for adequate preparation are essential – except in an emergency.
