Getting Started (Part 9): Interviewing Step by Step

By Joanne D. Kiggins

Before beginning this column, I had to ask myself how many successful interviews I had done in my career.  So I opened my file cabinet drawer marked “interviews” and scanned the file folder topics.  I’ve interviewed hundreds of people from various backgrounds, ranging from local subjects to politicians and stars.  Each folder was complete with interview information, tape recordings, pictures, and the published article. 

Every person I had interviewed had been a successful sale.  Here’s how you can make sure your interviews turn into sales for you.

Before you pick up the phone or whisk off an e-mail to someone you’d like to interview, be sure you have taken the right steps to ensure you look like a pro.  By following these simple steps to set up your interview, you can be sure that you will get the information you want, make a good impression, and possibly gain a contact or more information for future articles.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Make a list of interviewees.  Once you have determined the subject of the article you are going to propose, make a list of people in that field that you would like to interview.  For example, my story “Flowers From The Heart,” dealt with an agoraphobic (fear of being in open spaces) who runs a profitable florist business.  I asked him for an interview and also interviewed several others from his support group.  These additional interviews led to another article, “Living Outside An Inside World,” which explained the hardships of living with agoraphobia.

Read everything available on the interviewee and subject.  If you are planning to interview someone who is well known, make sure you are up to date on current information. Research the person and topic prior to the interview.  This means double-checking just days before the interview also.  Between the time you set the interview and the time you do the interview, there may be two new articles about this person. There is nothing more unprofessional than asking questions that have been asked a dozen times previously.  If the person isn’t a celebrity, and very little to nothing has been written about him/her, then you can gather the information during the interview from the list below.

Prepare a list of questions in advance.  By having a list of questions in logical order, you’ll be able to keep yourself and the interviewee in focus. Don’t rely on your memory.  The list will enable you to be thorough and professional without missing important information.

Never ask questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no.  Ask open-ended questions.  For example, when I interviewed John Glenn, I didn’t simply ask, “Was traveling to the moon exciting?”  I asked, “What was the most exhilarating about traveling in space?”  (Watch my future columns for a complete list of open-ended questions.)

WHAT TO FIND OUT BEFORE AND DURING AN INTERVIEW

This is a general list of things you may want to find out, if possible, prior to an interview.  Some items on the list may not pertain to information you’ll need to gather for your particular article; others items may lead to additional questions you may not have on your original list. 

Pay attention to details; you may find a small piece of information that can lead to a larger story.

WHEN TO MAKE THE PHONE CALL

Now that you have an article idea, a list of questions, and have researched the topic, it’s time to call the person to request the interview and set up a time.

Remember, professionals have a job to do and normally set aside certain times of the day when they allow calls.  These times listed below are when you’ll most likely find your professional willing to speak with you.