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Interviewing 101
Basic tips on interviewing
Interviewing is my favorite marketing tool.
I worked for a consulting agency for years, and one company I one company I managed was taking part in a month-long event, and someone asked me to interview six top thought leaders in my company’s industry.
I jumped at the opportunity.
This would be the first interview I had ever conducted, and I was not walking dumb. I had to prepare.
When I tell you I had a blast, I had a blast! Not to mention the fact I could put out some excellent content!
Here are some interviewing basics for you:
Research, Research, Research
Whether you’re interviewing industry thought leaders or conducting a customer spotlight interview, the first thing you do is research!
You can bet I’m walking into that interview, knowing all I can about my subject.
What are your goals?
What do you hope to receive from this interview?
Research the subject thoroughly. You want to be able to carry a conversation with an interviewee and understand the relevance behind what they are saying.
It would help if you did more research to showcase an industry professional or customer.
Plan your questions and start with an easy one. I always like to send my list of questions to the interviewee so they may prepare too.
Your questions should be a balanced mix of both easy and challenging questions.
Base your questions on your research and what you think the public may like to know.
Arrange a mutually convenient time for your interview.
If the session will be recorded virtually, a good practice is to schedule enough time for a “test” interview. You want your interviewee to look good and the lighting and sound to be adequate.
Conducting the Interview
Take some time before your interview to read over your notes.
Speak slowly, clearly, and confident.
