Information Seeking Strategies
Big6 #2 (pg. 12)

Interviews (pg. 2)

Try not to ask questions that you could look up the answer to in a reference source. That will waste the time of the person you interview. Try to find out as much about the person or subject as you can before the interview.

Set up a time and place for the interview. Be polite, and be on time.  Introduce yourself and be sure to thank the person when you are done.

Don't be in a hurry.  Listen to what the person tells you.   If you plan to tape the interview, ask first. If you can't tape the interview, leave space after your questions so you can take short notes.  Don't write word for word!  It is OK to ask the person to repeat an answer if they are talking very fast.

It is OK to ask other questions that you think of during the interview, called follow-up questions.  Ask for examples or explanations if they say something you do not understand.

Don't interrupt unless it is very important.

Be sure to thank the person when you are finished.

Later, send a thank-you note to the person you interviewed.

Check your notes very soon after the interview to write down things that you remember.

The following link is good advice on conducting an interview.

Handout: Interviewing Skills (be sure to click the BACK BUTTON to return!)