When conducting an Interview

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In preparation for my interview of one of the staff of the Springville museum I wanted to collect some pointers about interviews and so I thought I’d share.

– Learn about the person you’re going to interview by checking out their blogs and websites such as myspace or face book is a good source for finding more info.
– Do your homework before you attend the interview not only of the person but the subject you’re asking about?
– Prepare questions in advance and bring them with you
– If time permits maybe do casual conversation to relax both parties before the interview
– Ask follow-up/clarification questions in areas that contain info you are interested in.
– Be very warm and welcoming; cater tone to subject or person
– Ask questions that avoid yes/no answers
– When the subject makes a statement, you may ask for them to give a specific example in support to what he/she said.
– Notice how someone answers a question. If they say I fixed a major problem or say we fixed a major problem it might indicate if he/she had an over inflated ego.
– Questions to expand on might be the ones that might have inconsistent answer or may be of high interest.
– For job interviews throw a curveball by asking an abstract question that doesn’t have a right/wrong answer. It’ll let you test their reasoning power, outlook and comfort in negotiating ambiguity.
– Try to draw out specifics how long, how many, when etc.
– Some like to record interviews to review responses later and to confirm accuracy.
– Look at person’s eyes during the interview
– Note different reactions/body language to questions as that will help define the response.
– On recording, document who talking to date time and where
– Explain the use of the interview and how long it will take
– Ask permission to record interview.
– If there is a phrase someone said, say I like that can I quote you, if yes, write the phrase down precisely.
– Transcribe important parts of interview word by word include ahhs and false starts. It needs to be a faithful record.
– Ask subject if there is anything they would like to add that wasn’t discussed.
– Briefly summarize what you have covered and how you understand the info you have gathered.
– Prepare for technical difficulties of interview materials
– Be careful that you’re not devoting so much time to note taking that you’re not appearing to listen to the person.
– Keep in mind your audience to give them info that will interest them.
– Start out with questions that involve fact and later move to questions of impressions or feelings
– Calmly document responses and avoid jarring motion to immediately document something, otherwise, it may influence the responder’s future responses.
– Provide transition between topics
– Thank the person for the interview
– After the interview write down impressions of the interview right after while things are fresh
– Review your notes right after as your scribbling might need clarification

Resources:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-51052947/how-to-conduct-a-job-interview/
http://managementhelp.org/businessresearch/interviews.htm
http://stringers.media.mit.edu/interview.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eOynrI2eTM
http://www.louisianavoices.org/unit2/conduct_interview.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=loZJpWEMJAE
http://hiring.monster.com/hr/hr-best-practices/recruiting-hiring-advice/interviewing-candidates/conducting-an-interview.aspx
http://www.engl.niu.edu/wac/interview.html
-check out new channel on you tube called the reporter center

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