HOW TO INTERVIEW ANYBODY

 

STEP 1: ARRANGE THE INTERVIEW

Figure out how to contact them and ask if they’re free to talk. Give them a general idea of what you want to talk about and let them know how much time you’ll need. In theory, an interview takes as long as it takes, but in reality people only have so much time to spare. Sometimes people can give you an hour, and that’s a good amount of time to work with. But if the person only has a half hour to spare, or even fifteen minutes, that’s something you can work with too.

 

STEP 2: PREP YOUR QUESTIONS

This may involve a little research. You should find some basic facts and more if possible about the person you’ll be talking to. Knowing their biography will help you come up with better questions, and they’ll be impressed that you’ve put some effort into this ahead of time, which will only help the interview.

 

You should also research the subject you’ll be talking about, though you don’t have to become an expert by any means. Just read up on it and come up with questions about it. 

 

STEP 3: REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE NO BAD QUESTIONS!

Don’t be afraid to sound stupid. In fact, a lot of times you have to ask what may sound like basic or broad questions to get an interviewee’s special take on something.

 

STEP 4: DON’T DO AN EMAIL INTERVIEW - TALK TO THEM

Where’s the fun in an email exchange? There’s so much more you can get out of talking with someone on the phone, over Zoom, or even in person once we’re all vaccinated and you can bring a parent or friend along. 

 

STEP 5: ASK QUESTIONS AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO GO OFF THE LIST

When interviewing, don’t worry if you get off track a little. A good interview is a good conversation, and if you loosen the reins a little, you may learn things you didn’t think to ask about.

 

STEP 6: TAKE BACK CONTROL IF THINGS GET OFF-TOPIC

If the interview starts to get too off-topic, get things back on track with a friendly reminder that you have more questions to get to.

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EXTRA TIP #1: DON’T BE AFRAID TO SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF

Don’t be shy about sprinkling in stuff about yourself as you’re talking - it’ll make things feel more conversational. 

 

EXTRA TIP #2: ON THE OTHER HAND, DON’T HOG THE CONVERSATION

Don’t get carried away and hog up the conversation. 

 

EXTRA TIP #3: SHARE YOUR OPINION, BUT DON’T MAKE IT A DEBATE

A debate is a spirited discussion that explores different sides of a topic. An interview explores a topic from the perspective of one person. You can challenge the interviewee with your opinion and other points of view, but ultimately, your job as an interviewer isn’t to argue with the interviewee—your job is to get them to explain their opinion and then let the world react to them.