Mastering the Art of Interviews: Key Strategies for Success

When you think about interviews, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Most people immediately think of questions, but great interviews are so much more than that. A successful interview isn’t just about asking the right questions—it’s about making the interviewee feel comfortable, creating an engaging dialogue, and extracting valuable insights. Whether you’re conducting a job interview, a podcast, or even a media interview, the goal is the same: connect deeply with the person in front of you and extract meaningful, thoughtful answers. So, how do you achieve this? Let’s dive into the elements that make an interview unforgettable.

1. Preparation is Key

An often-overlooked aspect of interviews is the level of preparation that goes into them. You can’t wing it. Great interviewers, like Oprah Winfrey or Tim Ferriss, do extensive research on their guests. This preparation allows them to ask questions that are both insightful and tailored to the individual’s experience. If you don’t know much about the person, you risk asking generic questions that lead to unremarkable answers. Do your homework! Study the interviewee’s background, their work, and what’s currently happening in their life. This will give you the ability to ask questions that no one else is asking.

2. Start with the Big Picture, Then Get Specific

Here’s a key technique: begin with broad, open-ended questions that encourage your guest to talk freely. Starting with something too narrow or direct can stifle the flow of conversation and make the interview feel more like an interrogation. Once you’ve built rapport and allowed the interviewee to open up, you can start getting more specific with follow-up questions.

For example, instead of starting with “Why did you write your latest book?”, you might say, “Your career has spanned many different genres and formats—what inspired you to dive into your current project?” This broad opener invites the interviewee to share more of their personal journey and motivations.

3. Active Listening

One of the most underrated skills in interviewing is active listening. When you truly listen to your guest, you pick up on subtle clues, stories, or points that can take the interview in a unique and compelling direction. Active listening leads to better follow-up questions—which is where the magic often happens. For instance, if someone mentions a pivotal moment in their career, follow up by asking about the emotions and lessons learned from that experience. This not only shows that you’re paying attention but also encourages the interviewee to dig deeper into their own story.

4. Build Trust and Rapport Early

People are naturally more candid when they feel comfortable. The first few minutes of your interview are crucial for building trust. Start with light, warm-up questions that aren’t too invasive. Pay attention to body language and tone; if someone seems nervous, acknowledge it or offer a lighthearted comment to ease the tension. Once they feel comfortable, they’re more likely to open up about the deeper, more insightful topics. And when they open up, that’s when the real value of the interview comes out.

5. Craft Unique Questions

In a world where information is readily available, guests are often tired of answering the same questions over and over again. To stand out, craft questions that no one else is asking. If your guest has been interviewed many times before, make an effort to find out what hasn’t been covered yet. Sometimes, this means framing common topics in a different way. Push the boundaries of the interview by asking bold, unexpected questions—but always ensure they’re appropriate and respectful.

For example, instead of asking, “What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?” try asking, “What’s a failure or misstep that, looking back, you’re now grateful for?” This small change in phrasing can lead to more thoughtful and less rehearsed responses.

6. Timing Matters

Great interviews are all about timing. Knowing when to pause and let your guest think, when to steer the conversation, and when to wrap things up is an art form in itself. If a guest seems like they’re getting stuck or unsure of how to answer, don’t rush them—give them the space to gather their thoughts. Silence, when used strategically, can be your ally. It often prompts deeper reflection and better answers. On the flip side, if the conversation starts to drag or go off-topic, gently steer it back without cutting off the interviewee’s flow.

7. Create an Emotional Arc

The best interviews aren’t just a series of questions and answers—they tell a story. As the interviewer, you’re the one guiding that narrative. Start with lighter, introductory questions to ease into the conversation, then build up to more emotional or thought-provoking topics. Take your guest on a journey. The goal is to leave the audience with something that moves them, whether it’s a piece of wisdom, a personal revelation, or simply an inspiring story.

8. Wrap It Up Effectively

How you end the interview is just as important as how you start it. A great conclusion leaves both your guest and your audience feeling satisfied. Summarize the key points that were discussed and give your interviewee a chance to share any final thoughts. Thank them for their time and contribution, and close on a note that ties everything together. This not only leaves a positive final impression but also encourages the guest to reflect on the conversation as a meaningful experience.

9. Post-Interview Reflection

Once the interview is over, don’t just move on to the next one. Take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Did you ask the right questions? Were there any moments where the conversation stalled? Did your guest seem fully engaged throughout the interview? Use this reflection to continuously refine your interviewing technique.

10. Handling Difficult Situations

Not every interview will go smoothly. Sometimes, you’ll encounter guests who are uncooperative, evasive, or overly nervous. In these cases, your job is to adapt quickly and find ways to salvage the conversation. Keep your tone positive and constructive, and don’t be afraid to pivot if necessary. If someone doesn’t want to talk about a particular subject, respect that boundary and move on to something else. Stay calm, composed, and professional, no matter how challenging the interview becomes.

Conclusion

Interviews are a delicate dance between preparation, active listening, and adaptability. Mastering the art of interviewing takes practice, but with the right approach, you can create compelling conversations that resonate with both your guest and your audience. Whether you're interviewing for a job, a podcast, or a news outlet, these strategies will help you conduct memorable interviews that stand out.