Community Profile

Tips for an Effective Interview

1.   In order to create an effective interview, you will need to do some preliminary research about your subject and the organization s/he works for.  Here are some general questions to get you started:

How long has the organization been around?

Who is the most crucial person in the organization?-This would ideally be whom you would choose to interview.

How long has the “subject” been working/associated with the organization?

What are her/his duties, responsibilities, tasks?

When is s/he available for interviews?

2.   Next, you’ll need to develop the actual questions to ask the subject.

You’ll need to decide what you want to find out-what information will best help you understand the mission of the organization, its target population, and its effectiveness.

You’ll need to choose questions that encourage your subject to talk at some length.  Although “closed questions” can be initially helpful, they aren’t going to give you enough (or the most interesting/effective type of) information necessary for your profile.

3.   Next, you’ll need to perform the actual interview.

It’s important to keep in mind that your subject is doing you a favor.  S/he is busy enough without having to stop and answer your questions, so be as courteous as possible.

For best results, keep the following things in mind:

            Be early-at least 5 minutes before your scheduled (but not too early)

Pay attention to the time-wear a watch so that you don’t take up more time than you’ve asked for

Dress professionally-or at least appropriately for the organization you’re visiting

Act Appropriately-don’t chew gum; don’t ask for pen or paper (bring a sturdy notebook in case there’s no table to write on)

Be as precise and clear in your questions as possible

Thank the subject at the close and ask if you can come back for a follow-up, if necessary

Above all else-treat the subject with respect

4.  When you’ve finished with the actual interview, take some time as soon as possible (directly afterward is best) to fill-in your notes with details you didn’t have time to include.  Also, free-writing about your feelings, impressions, and new-found knowledge is very helpful-just be sure to keep your journaling separate from your actual notes; you don’t want to be confused about where you information comes from when you sit down to draft your profile.