Interviewing

Interviewing is not my favorite thing to do. Perhaps it depends on the person I’m interviewing or what I’m subject the interview is about. Either way, it’s not something I love doing. I think it’s because I feel like I’m inconveniencing the person I’m questioning. I don’t want to be burdensome or feel like I’m taking up their time. That said, there are times when it can be interesting and fun.

I have come to understand that interviewing is more enjoyable when you have a willing participant and when the questions are open-ended and encourage conversation. It can be awkward to ask a question that doesn’t engage the interviewee. I’ve learned I should ask questions that feel natural and not forced. The questions can lead to more in-depth answers if I give them a lead, such as, “Your peers have said…How do you respond to that?” Setting up the questions like that gives them something to rebuttal or clarify and also states a different viewpoint. I think that can help the interview be more interesting.

Depending on the person I’m interviewing, it can get off track if I’m not careful. I understand that asking follow-up questions to their responses is a good idea and I should be able to think quickly on my feet, however, the interview can easily get derailed. I need to keep the interview going in the direction I want it to go so I can get the information I’m seeking. Otherwise, the “meat” of the message could get lost.