Things to consider while doing an interview (Bev)

Talking Points (introduction)

Kinds of interview

1. Structured
2. Unstructured
3. Semi structured

Structured Interviews

• Asks specific questions and in specific order
• Keeps respondents on track
• Scheduled for a particular time, place and time frame

Unstructured Interviews

• Informal in nature
• Free range to talk about any aspect related to the broad interest
• No time limits
• Can be reciprocal in nature – dialogue

Semi structured

• Specific questions asked , organized by topic but not asked in sequential order
• Could be a dialogue format

Question construction

• Questions should not contain academic jargon or phrases
• Avoid why questions as they could lead to discomfort
• Avoid multiple layer questions

Helpful hints

• Be courteous
• Practice
• Carefully select location
• Be ethical – get permission to record
• Be sensitive
• Listen

Things to consider while doing an interview

The 3 P’s

• Permission
• Purpose
• Preparedness

Things to Do:

• Provide a welcoming environment
•  Allow the interviewee to speak without interruptions
• Listen
• Want to understand their point of view
• Be neutral
• Watch your body language

Things not to do:

• Ask a Yes or No question.
• Ask more than one question at a time.
• Say “…and my next question is…”
• Allow for an awkward pause or dull moment.
• Be disrespectful to your audience and the person you’re interviewing.
• Forget who you’re serving.

Model # 1 – the perfect protocol

Interviewer: Thank you for agreeing to do this interview. The purpose of the interview is to gain an understanding about how you prepared for your doctoral program of study. For accuracy I would like to record this interview, do I have your permission to do so? Thank you, we will begin.

My name is Beverley Martin and I’m doing an evaluation on student preparation for a doctoral program of study.

Personal Characteristics / Skills / Strengths:

• Tell me about yourself
• Name 3 strengths that you have as a student and why do you consider these strengths?
• What would one of your or professor say about you?
• What would a professor tell me are your strengths?

Academic Experiences/Performance:

• Why did you major in education?
• Why did you choose to attend Fresno State University?
• How did you make the decision to apply to our program? What other programs did you consider?
• How has your graduate background prepared you for our program?
• What courses have you enjoyed the most?
• What courses have been most difficult for you?

Model # 2 – Imperfect protocol

Thanks for agreeing to this interview, let’s begin. (Interviewer turns tape on) – No permission asked for or given.

• Did you gain any satisfaction from your studies? Yes or no
• Do you feel your academic record accurately reflects your abilities and potential?
• Do you feel you have worked to your full potential? What have you done and why do you consider that your full potential?
• Tell me about Professor Smith and what that you didn’t like about him.(add your own dislike too)
• Do you have skills and/or experiences that have prepared you for admission to this program?
• Why should we consider you for our program instead of several other equally qualified candidates?(phone rings, interviewer answers)
• What will you do if you are not accepted into our program?

Extracurricular Activities:

• What extracurricular activity has been most satisfying to you?
• What activities do you enjoy most outside of the classroom?(interrupts answer and interjects own ideas)
• Do you have any hobbies or outside interests? Yes/no

Weaknesses: 

• What challenges do you think you might face in the graduate program?
• What would you say is an area in which you need improvement?
• What would you change about yourself and why?

Class participation – classmates will critique each model demonstrated using the interview protocol provided and decide if protocol was adhered to or not.

 

Advertisement