When and where? When do you propose to interview? For how long? The time of
day is as important as the day you choose. Certain times of day
are notoriously difficult for interview: after lunch, for example –
or during lunch! Remember also that an interview that goes on
too long will become counterproductive.
The quality of the interview will be strongly influenced by its
venue. You may decide that your office is too formal or
intimidating; on the other hand, interviewing in a crowded
public area or in the pub can destroy the sense of privacy that any
interview should encourage. You may decide to conduct some
parts of an interview in different places.
Think also about the climate you set up for the interviewee.
Sitting them on a low chair, beyond a desk, facing a sunny
window, with nowhere to put a cup of coffee, will obviously set
up an unpleasant atmosphere.
Structuring the interview Interviews, like other conversations, naturally fall into a
structure. Interviewers sometimes try to press an interview
forward towards a result without allowing enough time for the
early stages.
Every interview can be structured using the WASP structure
that was examined in Chapter 3. This structure reinforces the fact
that both stages of thinking are important.
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94 Improve your Communication Skills • Welcome (first-stage thinking) . At the start of the interview, state your objective, set the scene and establish your relationship. ‘Why are we talking about this matter? Why us?’ Do whatever you can to help the interviewee relax. Make sure the interviewee understands the rules you are establishing, and agrees
