Idea 83: Structuring the interview
Structuring or planning the interview is necessary if it is to avoid becoming a shapeless conversation. The amount of structure will depend on the purpose of the interview and your own experience. The more experienced you are, the less you will need a preplanned structure of questions to be asked. You should always, however, have a note of the main questions or issues you want to ask or raise.
Like games of chess, interviews have a beginning, middle and end. Each requires skill, as does making the transitions from one part to the other. This table may help to clarify this.
| Opening | Introduce yourself and mention any other important factors.
Confirm the purpose of the meeting straight away. Put the other person at ease. Try to encourage an atmosphere where both of you are relaxed, open-minded, committed to the purpose and prepared to discuss things calmly and frankly. |
| Middle | Keep your aim firmly in mind as you exchange information.
Keep the discussion relevant, helpful and work oriented. Listen, or give the other person’s replies or comments your thoughtful attention. Listen to the person as well as what they say, and so listen with your eyes as well as your ears. Make sure that you have covered the agenda. |
| Conclusion | Sum up the discussion.
Describe the action you have decided or mutually agreed. Confirm the worthwhileness of the meeting. Avoid ending abruptly. Close on a positive note. |