Interview Skills

Interviewing an expert in a field related to the research topic helps students learn current and relevant information. In addition, the skills learned are life-skills important to future interactions with peers, adults, and superiors.

The following steps provide a step by step interview process:

1. FIND A PERSON TO INTERVIEW

• An expert relative or neighbor might be appropriate depending on the topic to be studied.
• University faculty or staff are field specific and are often good resources.
• Professional organizations may have a list of possible choices.
• Yellow pages, either in the phone book or online provide a list of businesses that may be willing to recommend someone.
• Hospitals, research labs, zoos, aviaries, government offices,  or amusement parks may also provide an expert depending on the topic.

An interview may be in person, on the telephone or written via letter or email.  It is wise to have some background information about the interviewee and permission from an adult (teacher or parent) before an interview takes place.   An adult may accompany an elementary student to the interview if necessary.

2.  PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW

• Contact the person by telephone or letter.
• Introduce yourself when you contact the person with whom you are interviewing and your purpose for the interview.
• Make an appointment based on the convenience of the person being interviewed.
• Complete background research on the topic before the interview.
• Make a list of questions that you might use.  Include closed and open-ended questions (closed-ended questions are yes/no or specific such as “How long have you been in this field?” while open-ended questions require an explanation or opinion such as “How do you feel about….?”
• The day before the interview, call or email to confirm the interview and get specific directions (if interview is in person) to the destination.
• Practice the interview with an adult and listen to their suggestions.
• Take a notebook and pencil to the interview.

3.  TIME FOR THE INTERVIEW

• Dress appropriately for the interview.
• Introduce yourself, shake hands, and be polite at all times (thank the person for his/her willingness to meet with you at first, and then again as you leave). Explain your purpose for the interview.
• Take notes or ask permission to use a recording device, if available.
• Ask questions but also listen to the answers.  Don’t ask a question that has already been answered in an elaborated answer of a previous question.
• If there is something especially interesting in a response, ask the interviewer to repeat and write down word for word what they say so you can use it as a quote.
• Ask for facts and opinions and follow up by asking for more elaboration on an answer that is interesting or important to your research.
• Ask for clarification if the answer is not understood.

4. FOLLOW-UP

• Go through your notes as quickly as possible after the interview so that facts and ideas will remain fresh in your mind.  Add to your notes as you reflect on the interview.
• Write a short thank you note, thanking the person for their time and expertise.
• Include the name of the interviewee in your bibliography and the date of the interview.