What is an interview?
Superficial similarity between an interview
and a conversation.
“A good interview requires good planning proper
preparation and a sensitivity to the complex nature of interaction during the
interview itself.”
Prepare:
You need to plan the interview. We need to
contact them in advance and have a clear idea of how long the interview will be
and the purpose of the interview. We should have this information ready and in
hand.
How and where will it take place? This
needs considering prior to your approaching of potential interviewees.
We should be attentive. Be ready for the next
question, listen to the interviewee’s answers and keep an eye on the time.
Prompts:
Remain Silent, repeat the question, repeat
the last few words spoken by the interviewee and offer some examples.
Probes:
Ask for an example, ask for clarification
and ask for more details.
Check:
Summerise the interviewee’s thoughts
(“So, if I understand you correctly… What
this means, then, is that…”
Conducting the interview.
Introductions and formalities. Be polite.
This should set the tone for the interview:
trust and rapport are the key words.
Prepare the recording equipment.
IF you want to record an interview, make
sure you have notes, an audio recording and an online record such as MSN, email
interview, etc.
Starting the interview.
You should make sure the interviewee is at easy and has little difficulty to answer.
Start with something very basic.
Monitor your progress. Be sure that you are covering the key points. As mentioned this is an an information conversation.
Finishing the interview.
Having kept an eye on the time and covered the key points, the interviewer should be able to close the interview. You should remember to thank the interviewee for giving up their time.
Transcribing recordings. This always takes far too long so be mindful of this when you arange interview time. Considering any intonations and pauses.
