The Art of a Great Interview

What is an Interview?

• An interview is a highly structured conversation that is dominated by questions and answers.

What role will Interviews play in Life?

Getting the Job you Want Meeting new people at a party

Talking to your Principal about a problem

If you are a witness in a trial

Having a fun first date with someone special

Getting help from your counselor

Getting into College Getting interviewed by your school or local

newspaper

Interviewing is part of the Communication Process

• Interviewing goes on in varying degrees every day.

• There are job interviews, dating interviews, journalism interviews and more.

• Interviews can be very formal or very casual.

Interviews are part of the Political Process

• Politicians are cross-examined by members of the press on issues that are important to voters.

Interviews are part of the Legal System

• Police use interviews in investigations

• Cross examination of witnesses is an important skill for lawyers to develop.

Types of interviews• Interview for writing

– Newspapers, historical documentation

• Interview for research– police work, university

studies• Interview in the workplace

– Human resources, exit interview, appraisal interview

• Friendly interview– Dating, friends,

counseling session

Before You Interview

• Research topics to develop appropriate questions.– Before interviewing World War II veterans

read up on different battles.– Before interviewing someone to be hired,

read over their resume and contact sources.

Before You are Interviewed

• Before a job interview research the company and its products.

• Have a friend ask you questions that you expect will be asked.

Conducting an Interview

• Effective interviewers discover a comfortable format for themselves.

• Others follow a script or similar outline of questions for all interviews – many large companies have standard questions.

Steps in a Typical Interview

1. Nesting • greeting the person

• Finding a seat

• Getting interviewee something to drink

2. Previewing• Share exactly what will happen in interview

3. Interview body• Question and answer portion

4. Allow for questions• Gives you more info

• Brings closure to interview

Types of Strategic Questioning• Hypothetical question

– Give scenario and ask how person might respond

• Invitation question– A question which invites interviewee to talk about

a subject

• Follow up question– The why, probing for greater detail– Usually asked after a closed question

• Justification question– Explaining why interviewee thinks the way they do

Keeping a Record

1. Using your memory• Not recommended

2. Take notes• Good for general ideas

3. Note form• Prepared before interview with questions and

places for specific info

4. Record the interview• Get every word• Some drawbacks

• May make some people nervous• Takes time to set up

Conclusion

A good interviewer1. Prepares

2. Listens

3. Empathizes

4. Is thorough

Remember:

When your interviews go well, your life goes well!

Good Luck in your future interviews.