Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
Interviews, in their various forms, have become a ubiquitous part of modern life. Whether it’s interviewing renowned personalities or job candidates, or even the rise of armchair interviews on social media platforms, the art of interviewing has evolved and expanded. In this article, we will explore the essential qualities required for both types of interviews while addressing the ethical considerations in today’s media landscape.
Qualities for interviewing
Qualities for Interviewing Job Candidates: Knowledgable Insight: An interviewer should have a profound understanding of the job, the company, and industry trends to ask relevant questions. As Socrates said, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.”
Empathy and Respect: Treat candidates with empathy and respect, regardless of the outcome. Kant’s categorical imperative applies: “Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an end.”
Fairness and Objectivity: Be fair and objective in assessing candidates’ qualifications. John Stuart Mill’s utilitarianism advises, “The creed which accepts as the foundation of morals, Utility, or the Greatest Happiness Principle.”
Effective Communication: Communication should be clear and effective, aligning with Aristotle’s wisdom: “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
Patience: In the quest to find the right fit, patience is a virtue. As Lao Tzu said, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” Give candidates time to express themselves fully.
Conflict Resolution: Sometimes, conflicts or differences of opinion may arise during interviews. The ability to navigate such situations calmly and diplomatically is vital for a fair assessment.
Cultural Sensitivity: In today’s globalized world, understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds is crucial. Confucius wisely said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
Qualities for interviewing renowned personalities
Mastery of Subject: Deep knowledge of the interviewee’s work and life is essential to ask insightful questions. Friedrich Nietzsche reminds us, “He who has a ‘why’ to live for can bear almost any ‘how’.”
Empathy and Constructive Criticism: When interviewing renowned personalities, empathy is key, but constructive criticism can also be valuable. As Voltaire said, “To hold a pen is to be at war.”
Authenticity: Remain authentic in your approach. Soren Kierkegaard suggests, “Life can only be understood backward; but it must be lived forwards.”
Adaptability: Be prepared for unexpected developments during the interview. Heraclitus’ philosophy, “You cannot step into the same river twice,” reminds us of the ever-changing nature of dialogue.
Courage: Interviewing renowned personalities may require the courage to ask challenging questions. Remember Mark Twain’s words, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.”
Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport and establishing a genuine connection with the interviewee can lead to more profound insights. Dale Carnegie’s advice, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you,” is apt.
Humility: Approach interviews with a sense of humility, recognizing that every individual has a unique perspective to offer. In the words of Rumi, “Do not be satisfied with the stories that come before you. Unfold your own myth.”
Ethical Considerations in Modern Media: In an age where anyone can assume the role of an interviewer, it is crucial to uphold the ethics of journalism. Public criticism, one-sided narratives, and personal attacks must be scrutinized through the lens of fairness and objectivity. We must remember the words of Joseph Pulitzer: “Our Republic and its press will rise or fall together.” In this age of armchair interviews, ethical journalism remains the bedrock upon which an informed and just society is built.
The Rise of Armchair Interviews: In an era where information flows faster than ever before, armchair interviews have become increasingly prevalent. Anyone can seize a microphone, metaphorical or literal, and broadcast their views to the world. While armchair interviews have their challenges, they also provide a platform for diverse voices and discussions, democratizing the interview process.
The Pitfall of One-Sided Narratives: One of the glaring issues with armchair interviews is the prevalence of one-sided narratives. When individuals take it upon themselves to criticize or defame others without allowing the accused party to present their side of the story, it erodes the fundamental principles of fairness and objectivity that ethical journalism upholds.
The Press Enclave Paradox: A concerning parallel to this phenomenon can be observed in cases where individuals resort to public shaming or personal attacks without due process. The comparison to “Press Enclaves” like Srinagar’s, where grievances are aired publicly, raises the question: Are these armchair interviews any different from public humiliation, except that they occur in a virtual space?
The ethical imperative
Ethical journalism requires adherence to principles such as fairness, balance, and objectivity. Interviewers must provide a platform for all sides of a story, allowing the accused party to respond. As journalists, we are guided by the words of Walter Lippmann: “There can be no higher law in journalism than to tell the truth and to shame the devil.”
Tailpiece: In an age where anyone can assume the role of an interviewer, it is crucial to uphold the ethics of journalism. Public criticism, one-sided narratives, and personal attacks must be scrutinized through the lens of fairness and objectivity. We must remember the words of Joseph Pulitzer: “Our Republic and its press will rise or fall together.” In this age of armchair interviews, ethical journalism remains the bedrock upon which an informed and just society is built.
(The author is a renowned columnist and motivational speaker. With a Master’s degree in Urdu and Education and expertise in computer technology, he has been working in the coaching industry for the past eight years. He currently serves as the Senior EDP Head at DD Target PMT Kashmir and can be reached at [email protected])
