6 Key Questions to Ask During Interviews
By Linda Formichelli
I recently had a writer ask me for tips on coming up with interview questions — and I realized I’ve never done a blog post on this valuable topic!
Interviews are important — they’re where I get most of the information for my articles. So preparing for them and asking the right questions are key. I’ve done thousands of interviews over the last 15 years, and over the years I’ve developed a loose set of rules I follow for each interview. Here are the six key questions I almost always ask:
1. How’s the weather?
I like to loosen up the source — and myself — by asking about the weather in their area, how their holiday went, etc. Sources seem grateful that I don’t just jump in and start asking them the hard questions!
2. Hey, that reminds me of another question… ???
I create a very casual list of basic questions and use these as a guide instead of sticking to the list like glue. Through your initial research you should come up with a few good questions. Use these as a base to riff off of — more questions will come up as you do the interview. It should be more like a conversation than a third degree, as sometimes the best info comes up in response to questions you didn’t know you were going to ask.
3. How do you spell your name?
Always be sure to get the source’s full name (and spelling), credentials (PhD, MD, etc.), phone number and email address (for the fact checker) and mailing address (so you can ask the editor to send the source a copy if the magazine isn’t easily available on the newsstand).
4. Can I ask you a stupid question?
If I’m new to the subject I’m interviewing the source about, I come clean. For example, for a recent interview on the janitorial business, I told the source, “This is my first article for this magazine, and you’re my first interview — so I might ask you some stupid-sounding questions.” He got a laugh out of that, and I got my questions answered. Don’t be afraid to keep asking until you understand a concept!
5. Is there anything I didn’t ask you?
One thing I always like to ask at the end is, “Is there anything you thought I would ask but didn’t?” Sometimes sources prepare for the questions they think you’re going to ask, so you can get more good info this way.
6. Can I contact you again?
At the end I also like to ask, “Is it okay if I email or call you if anything comes up while I’m writing this article?” They ALWAYS say yes, and it helps you become less fearful that you didn’t get everything you need. You can always go back!
How about you: Do you have any great tips for coming up with interview questions? Share them in the Comments below! [lf]
Also, a quick note: I’m booked up with phone mentoring clients for January but have spaces starting in February. If you’re interested, read more details and testimonials on the phone mentoring page!
If you liked that post, you might also like:
- Why You Shouldn’t Do E-Mail Interviews Unless You Really, Really Have To
- My Dirty Little Secret — And 5 Ways to Beat Your Fear of Interviewing Sources
- You Ask, I Answer: Do I Need the Expert Before I Query?
- Bust My Excuse: I’m Afraid of Interviewing!
- Are You Making This Writing Mistake That Costs You Valuable Time?
Jan 10, 2013 Interviewing
Oh my gosh, number 5 gets me priceless anecdotes every time–especially when you’re talking to architects or builders! I remember asking that once and got a story about a construction crew crashing into an old septic tank from the 1920s no one knew about (the old maps had been tossed years ago). They’re excavating away and all of a sudden, the bulldozer disappears into a hole and the sh*t literally started hitting the fan.
LOL — that’s awesome!
Awesome list. My interviews have typically been conducted for case studies, press releases and white papers. So, I always ask if I can quote them. Often, I either ask for a specific quote or I ask if I can quote them on something they’ve already said.
I consider it a basic rule of manners, and they appreciate my asking instead of just quoting them without their prior knowledge.
Gwynneth – I love that story. You kinda made my morning and I thank you.
May seem like a strange thing to say – but don’t be afraid of silence. In other words don’t feel you necessarily have to rush in with your next question the very second your interviewee has finished speaking. Sometimes leaving a little gap can be really effective – the interviewee will often fill the silence un-prompted, and I’ve heard some terrific stories and anecdotes that way!
Ooh, great point and one I use often! So I guess one of the questions you should ask should also be: “….”
Definitely! And if you’re actually with the person – or can at least make eye contact with them, then an encouraging little smile can often work wonders as well!
Good point about silence, Gilly. I often pause if I’m typing during a phone interview and invariably my source will rush to fill in the silence. If possible, I prefer in-person interviews because I get more info from sources and little details I can add to my story (the place we met, what they’re wearing — if applicable to the topic — etc.).
Number 5 is the best! I also always make sure to take a look around if it’s an in-person interview at their place of business or home and ask questions about their surroundings.
Good point! I try not to do in-person interviews but that’s a great tip for writers who do them.
And (my apologies if I’m turning into a blog-hog here!) – it’s fine to have a list of questions already prepared – but don’t get hung up on them. Listen to what your interviewee is saying and follow up on interesting points – don’t just jump straight to the next question on your list. It’s amazing how often interviewers actually miss out on great stories because they haven’t been listening!
I totally agree!
You make it sound so easy! I have plans for interviews and this is a great help. Thank you!
Let us know how it goes!
Hi Linda, this is a really helpful article as I haven’t done many interviews yet. I gave a half hour interview, it took me ages to transcribe it and then the editor changed her mind about the article.
Many of the mags over here ( Oz) seem to want you to write the article on spec. with no guarantee of publication. This can be difficult and time wasting for the interviewees.
I have written one on spec article only to find that the editor I sent it to, published a very similar article herself the next week and consequently turned down my article.
Oh the joys of writing!
That stinks! If it’s true this is the case in Australia, you may want to target magazines in other countries such as the US. Check out the recent guest post on this blog about pitching mags in other countries.
Yes, this is my next course of action, thanks
I haven’t done this for awhile but when I did, I got good responses. For profiles, in particular, I would ask a themed question. For instance, when I interviewed a woman who directed community musicals every year, I asked her what song would describe her life. For Linda’s janitor, you could ask what cleaning tool or task is a favorite and why. These little tidbits sound corny but lead to great personal details that might be overlooked otherwise.
What a great idea! Sounds like you’d get a lot of fun quotes that way.
I interview a lot of people for stories – and have always sort of played it by ear. In the beginning, stuck to a rigid set of questions, then as time went on loosened up to resemble more of your approach of #2. I find a lot depends on the personality because some people really are gifted talkers and you can kind of let them go on without much interruption and get a lot of great information. Others you may have to guide more. Either way, it’s a lot of fun to interview people – and then to tell the story effectively with the right quotes.
Yes, I went through the same process — when I started out in 1997, I’m sure I basically read from my list. Now I’m much more comfortable with leading a conversation. But it’s true — some sources need more prompting than others.
I’m doing an interview today, so this is perfect timing for me! Although I’m fairly new to journalism, I’m proud of myself for already doing some of what’s on this list. I was just thinking about checking out a library book to improve my interviewing skills, but I’ll start with the tips in this post.
Let us know how your interview went today, Sarah!
It went really well. I forgot a few things, but I think that’s because I wasn’t following the checklist so much as trying to have a good conversation with the other person. That worked.
I can’t wait for more practice!
Good for you! And don’t forget — you can always go back.
As I read through this list, I realize that I have been using these same techniques in sales, networking and just “casually” chatting with clients (to give or receive information).
One technique I also use is “mirroring”. If they are leaning forward, touching my arm and all chatty, I go with that rhythm. But if they are talking softly and not making eye contact, I dial it down to make for a harmonious & comfortable atmosphere. I am continually surprised at what that brings out. People say, “I don’t know why I am telling you this, but I feel so comfortable with you.”
I was planning to do on the spot “mini-interviews” at an upcoming national convention for future articles or possibly an e-book. Some of them I would be with over dinner, but most would just be in casual conversations in the trade show, meeting rooms and the “educational opportunities in the hallway.”
I might say “I like your take on that. May I quote you in an article that I am working on about [whatever their topic is]and contact you later if I need more in depth information?” as I give them my card.
In my experience, most are flattered and eager to get some kind of recognition for their brilliance. (These are photographers, but I imagine it could apply to any convention.)
Anything thoughts on that type of “interview”?
Love it! I find I do the same…if I’m talking with a reserved source, I tend to speak much more slowly and quietly that I normally do.
As for the impromptu in-person interview — I’ve never done one, but it sounds like the way you’re doing it is great!
One of my favorite questions: what do you know now that you wish you’d known before you started? As opposed to saying, “what have you learned” or “what mistakes did you make” — which people would balk at answering, it turns the question around to highlight their experience and speak in the role of advisor and mentor.
What a great question! That must get some really cool responses. Thanks for sharing!