Interviewing Basics Help You Focus on Content

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Interviewing Basics Help You Focus on Content

• Article by Dalya Goldberger
• Presented by Thomas Hall

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Introduction

• There are three stages to the interview process.
• The first stage is setting up the interview.
• The second stage is planning the interview.
• The final stage is conducting the interview.
• By developing the basic skills for each stage,
  you will be able to focus on the content of the
  interview rather then the process.

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Setting Up the Interview

• This is usually the hardest part of the
  interview, because it can be difficult to get a
  commitment from the interviewee
• To help with this process be flexible when
  setting up a time and location for the interview
• Prior to the interview discuss with the
  interviewee the type of information you are
  seeking, whether your work will be published, and
  whether he or she will be able to review your
  work.

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Planning the Interview

• You are responsible for possessing a certain
  degree of background knowledge.
• This knowledge will boost your confidence level,
  give you a better understanding of the
  interviewees answers, and help to avoid asking
  embarrassing questions.
• A good example of this is learning key
  terminology in the subject area.

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Planning the Interview cont.

• You should anticipate the direction of the
  interview.
• Prior to the interviewee create a list of
  questions and anticipate the answers.
• This will help you maintain control of the
  interview.
• It is important to remember that this list is
  only a guide.

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Planning the Interview cont.

• You must be prepared for mishaps.
• For example, if you are using a type recorder,
  you should bring extra batteries.
• You should also bring a notepad and several
  pens, so that you always have some way of
  recording information.

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Conducting the Interview

• Make sure the interviewee feels comfortable.
• Allow him or her to state their purpose for
  coming.
• Explain your reasons for conducting the
  interview.
• Make sure the interviewee is comfortable with the
  location.

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Conducting the Interview cont.

• Take the lead in focusing the interview.
• Guide the conversation along specific and
  relevant paths.
• Decide when to let the interviewee talk, when to
  ask questions, and when to observe.

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Conducting the Interview cont.

• Be a good listener.
• Encourage the interviewee to talk.
• Pay attention to how he or she speaks.
• Adjust your own way of speaking to match that of
  the interviewee.

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Conducting the Interview cont.

• Learn how to read and use body language.
• Mirror the interviewees positive body language
• Never mirror negative body language.
• By observing the interviewees body language you
  will be able to determine when and how to alter
  your own body language or tone.

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Conducting the Interview cont.

• Know when to ask open-ended and leading
  questions.
• These questions allow you to probe for a specific
  topic without directly asking for it.
• Avoid asking questions that require only a yes or
  no answers.

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Conclusion

• The three main parts to the interview process are
  setting up, planning, and conducting the
  interview.
• By knowing these basic interview skills, you will
  be able to focus on the content of your interview
  rather than the process.
• ANY QUESTIONS?