Interview
Watch the video on how to conduct a successful interview and/or read the video summary below.
A successful interview requires a combination of thorough preparation and active listening.
Here are some recommendations to help the interview process go smoothly:
1. Record the interview
- Plan to record the interview in at least two ways, one digitally (the Voice Memos app works great) and one by hand. Recording the audio will guarantee that you have a complete record of the interview. And taking notes will help you to listen actively and ask compelling follow-up questions.
2. Balance prepared questions with improvisation (active listening)
- After asking a prepared question, don’t rush on to the next question; give your interviewee(s) a chance to answer fully
- Some good follow-up questions include:
- “Can you explain more what you mean by that?”
- “Can you give me an example?”
- “How did you feel about that?”
3. Other interviewing tips:
- Ask one question at a time
- Avoid “yes” or “no” questions
- Ask questions that begin with words such as “how”, “why” and “what”. For example:
- “Why did you decide to pursue a career in physics?”
- “Why do you think this topic matters in our world today?”
- “What stands out most to you about that experience?”
- “Can you describe your typical work day?”
- At the end of your interview, make sure to ask your interviewee(s) if there is anything you left out, anything important that they still haven’t gotten a chance to mention.
