Have you always wanted to conduct the perfect interview for a client? Here are 10 easy steps to follow to ensure interview success!
- Research your client/interviewee
- Make sure you know all of the basic facts about this person so that during the interview you’re fully prepared and ready to go.
- Schedule interview at a neutral location
- You want this interview to be as easy and comfortable as possible for both parties, so an accessible public place is a great option.
- Let them know how long the interview will take
- This will keep the interview on track and timely so that the interviewee knows that you are respecting his/her valuable time
- Send a reminder email the day before
- We’re all busy people, and sometimes our brains slip! It can never hurt to send a subtle reminder to help
- Arrive early at the interview and always remember to establish rapport first
- You want your interviewee to feel as comfortable with you as possible, otherwise he/she may not open up as much
- Tip! Make sure if you want to record the interview you ask for permission first
- Be prepared with questions
- Don’t be afraid to stray away from questions throughout the interview though!
- Keep it conversational
- It is important for the interviewee to feel at ease, so keeping it casual and conversational will allow them to trust you with sharing their information.
- Thank them for their time and for sharing their knowledge with you
- They took time out of their busy day to come meet with you, so make sure you thank them for their generosity.
- Don’t be afraid to reconnect (you should always follow up!)
- If there are ever any missing holes in a story/interview, it’s always a good idea to reconnect and ensure that you have all the information you need
- Let them know how/when/where the interview will be used and if it will be public
- Always be transparent with your intentions concerning the interview, no one likes surprises!
– Olivia Gonzales, Shelby Nelson and Raleigh Cavey are on the American Public Works Association account. All three will graduate in June 2015.