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Interviews
Interviews
Purpose of the Interview Planning the Interview Conducting the Interview After the Interview Common Errors
Gather facts to understand a process Follow up on a specific topic Understand managements view of a topic Determine level of knowledge etc.
Sources of Data
Peer Reviews are performance based therefore the value of information obtained during an interview is below that of an observation. Interviews give you an understanding of one persons view, complete their personal prejudices and opinions. But they can also provide good insights as to the performance of the station.
Basics
An interview is not a conversation you should ask questions and listen. Dont interrupt or volunteer your opinion. Remember: what you will receive is his opinion of the facts not necessarily the actual facts. Be objective dont jump to conclusions
Know the purpose of the Interview Time and setting Script your questions
Pick a time convenient for the interviewee Select a relaxed location often his office if it is not shared with several people Identify who else may come will he be alone or with his boss or subordinates Tell him in advance the general topics to be discussed
What information are you trying to obtain? Are you after specific answers or a general understanding of an area? Script the questions in advance leave room for the answers
Introduce yourself and give your background (briefly) Tell him why you are talking to him Put him at ease - smalltalk Emphasize that we do not focus on individuals Tell him you will be taking notes
Do not be threatening Open versus closed questions Wait for an answer pause Show interest
Open questions require a longer response What kind of training have you received? Closed questions usually have short answers Were you trained on __ ? Choose type based on purpose of interview, the time available, and the individual. -- Sometimes you need to change during the interview.
Sometimes interviewee will talk extensively about an unrelated topic May have to interrupt him Restate last relevant item and ask next question Ask how that relates back to the original question - politely
Listen carefully listening is half of communicating Restate was you think he said to verify you understood it correctly (repeatback) For important items, ask the same question different ways
Language Barriers
Language differences will always add some error Can use an interpreter or plant person to help (sometimes 3 languages are needed) but allow more time Sometimes written materials or drawings are more effective than words Good place for repeat-backs
Taking Notes
Dont rely on your memory Just write key words fill it in later Write down follow-up questions dont interrupt Do what works for you !!
If two reviewers are involved, one can take notes while the other focuses on the questions Second person often identifies follow up questions Second person can watch body language Can swap roles but dont alternate
Group Interviews
Sometimes it is useful to interview a group of people together Schedule in advance in a separate location (perhaps without management present) Remember that group responses MAY be different from private comments can be more bold or more reserved
For important items, you might want to summarize what you heard Could ask them to provide further details on a topic Thank the interviewee for his time
Review your notes and add words as needed allow time for this Identify additional follow-up needed Share information with other team members verbally or via an observation
Common Errors
Being late for the interview Not being prepared Talking too much not listening enough Asking the wrong questions for the persons position Asking leading questions
More Errors
Not following up on key points Not being objective too harsh or too accommodating Losing control of the interview Second person jumping in when they think they know the answer