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Getting the Most from an Interview

An interview can take a matter of seconds or several hours. It can be in person, by telephone, by e-mail, by fax or by letter. It is simply a dialogue established to help you gain information. Your chances of a successful interview will be improved if you follow a few simple ideas. Some of the main things to remember: Be prepared! Decide what you really, really want Know something about the person you’re interviewing Be casual Use tricks to keep them on track Record using notes or a tape recorder Review your notes before the interview starts Be careful! Do not give them the answers Make sure the recording / note taking is invisible Get specific information, not generalities Interview people one by one Ask for documentation if available Ask "How..." questions Ask "Why..." questions Don’t ask questions that can be answered with "Yes" Don’t ask questions that can be answered with "No" Be selective in sharing what you already have Be sensitive to their concerns Don’t laugh Don’t cry Let them do the talking! Web links offer some other techniques Interview Relatives - a Basic Guide Fifty Questions for Family History Interviews Oral History techniques Updates? Corrections? Better examples? Send an e-mail to Dave Updated January 5, 2009

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