How to Interview Better

Interviewing is an art and a science. It's not just about asking questions and getting answers; it's about creating a dynamic conversation that yields valuable insights. Whether you're a seasoned interviewer or just starting, improving your interview skills can significantly impact the quality of the information you gather. This guide will delve into advanced techniques, practical tips, and psychological strategies to help you conduct interviews that are not only effective but also engaging and insightful.

Key Takeaways

1. Preparation is Crucial: The success of an interview largely depends on how well you prepare. This involves researching the interviewee, understanding their background, and preparing thoughtful questions.

2. Active Listening: It's not just about asking questions but also about listening carefully to the responses. Active listening helps in picking up nuances and follow-up questions.

3. Creating Rapport: Establishing a connection with the interviewee can lead to more open and honest responses. Building rapport is essential for a productive interview.

4. Flexibility in Questioning: While having a set of questions is important, being flexible and adapting to the conversation can lead to more meaningful insights.

5. Effective Follow-Up Questions: Good follow-up questions can delve deeper into the subject matter, revealing more than just surface-level information.

6. Handling Difficult Interviews: Strategies for managing challenging situations and ensuring the interview remains productive and respectful.

Preparation: The Foundation of a Successful Interview

Effective interviews start long before the actual conversation begins. Preparation involves several key steps:

• Research the Interviewee: Understand their background, achievements, and areas of expertise. This allows you to tailor your questions and show genuine interest in their work.

• Define Objectives: Clearly outline what you hope to achieve from the interview. Are you looking for specific information, insights, or opinions?

• Draft Questions: Prepare a list of questions based on your research and objectives. Ensure they are open-ended to encourage detailed responses.

• Plan the Logistics: Arrange the interview setting, whether it's in-person, over the phone, or via video call. Ensure all technical aspects are sorted out beforehand.

Active Listening: Beyond the Surface

Active listening involves more than just hearing the words spoken; it requires understanding and interpreting the underlying messages. Here's how to enhance your listening skills:

• Maintain Eye Contact: This shows attentiveness and helps build trust.

• Use Non-Verbal Cues: Nods, smiles, and other gestures can encourage the interviewee to continue speaking.

• Avoid Interrupting: Let the interviewee complete their thoughts before jumping in with your next question.

• Reflect and Clarify: Paraphrase or summarize what the interviewee has said to ensure you’ve understood correctly and to prompt them to elaborate further.

Building Rapport: Making a Connection

Creating a comfortable environment is crucial for obtaining honest and detailed responses. To build rapport:

• Start with Small Talk: Engage in light conversation before diving into the main questions. This helps to ease any tension and create a more relaxed atmosphere.

• Show Empathy: Demonstrate understanding and appreciation for the interviewee’s experiences and viewpoints.

• Be Respectful: Respect the interviewee’s time, opinions, and boundaries. This fosters mutual respect and encourages openness.

Flexibility: Adapting to the Conversation

While having a structured set of questions is important, being flexible during the interview can uncover unexpected insights:

• Follow the Flow: If the interviewee touches on an interesting point, be prepared to deviate from your planned questions to explore it further.

• Ask for Clarification: If a response is unclear or intriguing, don’t hesitate to ask for more details or examples.

• Adjust Your Approach: Based on the interviewee’s responses, you may need to adjust your questioning strategy to dig deeper into relevant areas.

Effective Follow-Up Questions: Digging Deeper

Follow-up questions are essential for gaining a deeper understanding of the topic. Here’s how to craft and use them effectively:

• Ask for Examples: Request specific examples or anecdotes that illustrate the interviewee’s points.

• Probe for Details: Encourage the interviewee to expand on their answers by asking how and why questions.

• Explore Implications: Discuss the broader impact or significance of the interviewee’s responses to gain more insight.

Handling Difficult Interviews: Strategies for Success

Some interviews can be challenging due to uncooperative interviewees, sensitive topics, or other obstacles. To handle these situations:

• Stay Calm and Professional: Maintain your composure and keep the conversation respectful, even if it becomes difficult.

• Use Redirecting Questions: If the interviewee becomes evasive or uncooperative, redirect the conversation to a different but related topic.

• Know When to End: If the interview is no longer productive or is becoming too contentious, it’s okay to gracefully conclude the conversation.

Practical Tips and Examples

Here are some practical tips and examples to enhance your interviewing skills:

• Example of a Good Question: Instead of asking, “What are your job responsibilities?” try, “Can you describe a typical day at work and the challenges you face?”

• Example of Effective Follow-Up: If an interviewee mentions a significant project, follow up with, “What was the biggest challenge you encountered during that project, and how did you overcome it?”

• Example of Building Rapport: Start with, “I noticed you’re passionate about [topic]. How did you get started in this field?”

Conclusion

Improving your interviewing skills involves a combination of preparation, active listening, rapport building, flexibility, and effective questioning. By mastering these techniques, you can conduct interviews that not only yield valuable information but also create a positive and engaging experience for both you and the interviewee. Remember, the best interviews are those that allow for an open, dynamic exchange of ideas, leading to deeper insights and a richer understanding of the subject matter.