Page 73 - Part B

Information, Advice or Guidance

The role of the advisor in an advice interview

The advisor has an extremely important role to play in the advice interview. As outlined
above, there are a number of steps the advisor needs to go through to ensure the
meeting is as productive as possible.

The advisor can ensure that this is achieved by using the following steps:

1. Ensure you have had the relevant training and experience to help the client before
arranging an advice interview (this might change during the interview and you may
find that you need to signpost or refer the client to another advisor or organisation)

2. Ensure you use good questioning skills, as covered earlier in the course (use open
questions to ensure a flowing dialogue and use closed or probing questions to
confirm you have fully understood the client)

3. Take time to listen to the client and ensure they have the opportunity to discuss
and provide their own thoughts and feedback

4. Sum up the conversation at the end of the interview, and come up with a plan of
action so the client is clear about the next steps.

Key Facts

• Ensure flowing conversation by using open questions

• Check understanding by using closed or probing questions

• Ensure the interview is summed up and the client is aware of
the next steps.

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