Mastering Debates and Acing the Job Interview

The Debate as a Form of Discourse

• A debate is a type of speech featuring arguments and counterarguments, led by a moderator, involving two or more parties. Based on different and often competing opinions, they try to defend their position to others, persuading them of its validity.
• In academia, debates often take the form of round tables, which occur within scientific meetings such as congresses, conferences, and seminars.
• In recent years, another type of intervention has become common: presenting a poster or participating in a panel.
• Outside academia, another widespread form of debate is the political debate, where the role of spectators is very important.

Dialogic Discourse: The Job Interview

A job interview is a formal interaction between two parties:

• The interviewer, who is in charge of asking questions to decide on the candidate's suitability.
• The interviewee, who responds with the intention of convincing the interviewer that they are the best candidate for the job.

Despite technological advances, most interviews are still conducted face-to-face. The interviewer wants to assess, in addition to the curriculum, the candidate's physical appearance, style of dress, manner of expression, nonverbal behavior, immediate response capacity, and general knowledge.

Before the Interview

• It is advisable to think about questions you might be asked.
• It is also advisable to prepare the most appropriate responses for the situation.

During the Interview

• It is important to go to the interview feeling secure and confident in your chances. You are selling your professional services, not asking or begging for work.
• There is a clearly marked turn to speak: the interviewer asks questions, and the interviewee responds. Flexibility is determined by the situation.
• At the end of the interview, the interviewee is often given the floor to reflect on or expand upon any aspect of the interview, or to ask any questions.
• The interview will focus on the applicant's academic and professional profile, but the interviewer will also try to get information on their potential for group work, leadership, conflict resolution, availability, and personal interests.

Interview Tips

• Preparation: It is advisable to prepare well for the interview. You should always highlight your most interesting qualities and compensate for any deficiencies with positive attributes.
• Punctuality: Arrive on time.
• Expression: Use careful and professional linguistic expression.
• Formality: Maintain the formal tone appropriate for the interview.
• Responses: Answer questions thoughtfully. You don't have to be sparing with words, but you should not extend your answers more than necessary.