Which of the following techniques should an internal auditor use in order to conduct an effective interview?

Question

Options

• AUse technical language to establish credibility with the employee being interviewed
• BAvoid straightforward questions to make the person being interviewed think before answering
• CPrepare the next question while the interviewee is responding to demonstrate preparedness
• DAppear confident but not arrogant during the interview to show professionalism

• A
  85% (17)
• B
  10% (2)
• C
  5% (1)

Explanation

Note: There appears to be an error in the provided answer key. The correct answer is D, not A.

Option D is correct because effective interviewers project confidence without arrogance - this builds rapport, encourages the interviewee to speak openly, and maintains the professionalism expected of an internal auditor operating under IIA standards.

Why the other options are wrong:

• A is incorrect because using technical jargon can confuse the interviewee, create communication barriers, and make them feel defensive - the opposite of an effective interview environment.
• B is incorrect because vague or indirect questions produce unclear answers; straightforward questions yield clearer, more useful information.
• C is incorrect because mentally drafting your next question while the interviewee is still speaking means you stop actively listening - you may miss critical details, nuances, or admissions.

Memory tip: Think of an effective interview as a conversation, not an interrogation. The auditor's job is to listen and understand, not to impress or trick. The four choices map to four mistakes: confuse (A), mislead (B), ignore (C), and intimidate (arrogance half of D). Only D's second half - confident and professional - describes sound technique.

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