Tuesday, May 12, 2009

How to Prepare and Conduct Interviews

Starting Off:

  • 3 interviews
  • schedule interviews (24+ hours)
  • give a "heads up" to interviewees
  • conduct background research
  • write interview questions (10 - 15)

Preparing Questions:

  • it's your job
  • first impressions
  • nervous and unexpected circumstances
  • higher quality questions
  • preparation is a guide, not a limitation

Holy Trinity

  • anecdote
  • revealing quotation
  • portraiture: description created by writer, based on observations of interviewee. Description is related.

Preparation Payoff:

  • varying types for various purposes
  • to relax, gain trust, show genuine interest

Types of Questions:

  1. Opener: beginning question/remark, establish a rapport: "Oh, cute pictures. Are those your children?"
  2. First Step: asks about the topic. "I wanted to talk to you about the upcoming fundraiser?"
  3. Qualifier: find out if your source is qualified. "What is your role in the fundraising efforts?"
  4. Routine factual: 5w/h "Who is on the committee? When will the fundraiser be?"
  5. Numerical: statistical information. "How much money do you hope to raise?"
  6. GOSSEY: ask deeper questions: goals, obstacles, solutions, start, evaluation, why?
  7. Responder: clarification. "Would you explain what you mean?"
  8. Soliciting a quote: a specific question. "Tell me exactly what your hope is for this fundraiser."
  9. Soliciting an anecdote: prompts a short story. "What has been the most memorable aspect of this process?"
  10. Imaginative: strays from the routine. "Does your team have any superstitions?"
  11. Grenade: difficult questions. "Some people say you favorite certain platers. Would you comment on this?"
  12. Recover from grenade: a neutral question. "Any last minute strategies before the game?"

Concluding the Interview:

  • "thank you"
  • sign documentation sheet
  • further questions

Beware:

  • Some people are bad at interviews.
  • plan ahead, there are unforeseen circumstances

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