Interviewing Techniques May 2005 Revision

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Interviewing TechniquesMay 2005 Revision
9T9L
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Upon successful completion of this topic, you
should be able to

• Describe the two major types of ORR/RA interview
• Management
• Level of Knowledge.
• Describe how to prepare for an ORR/RA interview.
• Compare the strengths and weaknesses of various
  questioning techniques.
• Discuss the timing / scheduling of interviews
  during an ORR/RA.

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Types of Interviews

• Management Interviews
• Learn how they do business
• Address issues or questions you discovered
  studying their processes and procedure
  documentation.
• Level of Knowledge
• Systems
• Safety Envelope
• Processes
• Precautions/Hazards/Controls
• Principles.

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Listening Process
Active Listening 70 of an interview should be
listening

• Hearing the message . . .
• Processing the message . . .
• Providing feedback to ensure you understand . .
  .

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Barriers to Effective Listening

• Preconceived ideas
• Competing demands
• Excess mental time
• Emotionally charged words
• Viewing listening as a passive process
• Detrimental actions
• Distractions . . .

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Elements of Good Interviewing

• Planning . . .
• Opening . . .
• Questioning . . .
• Closing . . .

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PLANNING
Plan Questions in Advance Consider, Create or
Develop Lines of Inquiry (LOIs) . . .

• Defines purpose of interview . . .
• Ensures you will get the information you need . .
  .
• Keeps interview on track . . .

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OPENING

• Sets the tone . . .
• Puts the personnel being interviewed at ease
• Address note taking
• Introduce Others
• Body Language.
• State the position, responsibility, and purpose
  of the interview . . .
• Start with general topic and move to more detail
  as the interview progresses . . .
• Establish control and Maintain control of the
  interview . . .

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QUESTIONING

• Ask clear and concise questions . . .
• Avoid yes / no leading questions . . .
• Allow personnel being interviewed time to think
  through the response . . .
• Keep interview on track
• restate questions
• ask follow-up questions . . .

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QUESTIONING (continued)

• Ask for clarification or basis of opinion . . .
• Get complete answer to one question before
  progressing to the next one . . .
• Ask for illustrations or examples of documents
  alluded to by the personnel being interviewed . .
  .
• sketches and diagrams/drawings may be helpful . .
  .
• Above all - LISTEN carefully . . .

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Note Taking

• Necessary, but can be distracting to the
  interview!
• Short pertinent notes
• Pre-written questions are helpful (e.g. LOIs) .
  . .
• Provide time immediately after the interview to
  clarify notes . . .

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CLOSING

• Should be a natural part of the interview . . .
• Conclude interview when information is obtained
  or no longer meaningful
• You are not obligated to fill the scheduled
  time!
• Provide personnel being interviewed with a
  summary and what will happen next . . .
• Leave door open for follow-up time if needed . . .

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Post Interview

• Immediately summarize information or conclusions!
• Check information or documentation referred to
  during the interview . . .
• Discuss conclusions with Team as appropriate . .
  .
• Conduct self critique of the interview
• Determine if your technique created problems . .
  .
• Modify your approach as necessary!
• Seek guidance as necessary . . .