tips to interview like a pro mr. robbins digital media & communications
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
TIPS TO INTERVIEWLIKE A PRO
Mr. Robbins
Digital Media & Communications
![Page 2: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Interviewing
Long, formalQuick phoneWalkaroundOn-the-fly chatBackgrounder
Interviews come in all shapes, sizes
![Page 3: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
GET MOVIN’Ask politely for interview time. What time works best? Office? Home? Coffee shop?
You’re busy, they’re busy, so don’t put it off. Rush jobs are obvious and stink.
Please and thank you go a long way.
![Page 4: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
INTERVIEWING BASICSWhen you’re interviewing someone, what’s your most important skill?
Listening.Do your homework before going to an interview.
Try to make it a conversation and not a cross examination.
![Page 5: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
KEEPING CHASING“I e-mailed him two weeks ago and he hasn’t e-mail me back.”
“I left a message for him and he hasn’t called me back.”
Keep digging/chasing.It’s amazing how few students think of GOING TO MEET THE PERSON IN PERSON.
It’s allowed and encouraged.
![Page 6: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
LITTLE THINGS ARE BIG
Show up 10 minutes early.Make sure you know where you’re going.Make sure you have a notebook, plenty of WORKING
pens.Should you record it? Yes, but take notes. Check the
machine during the interview to see whether it’s working.
Carry extra batteries/SD Cards.
![Page 7: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
LITTLE BIG THINGS Dress appropriately; “young professional” and not “college
kid with holes in my pants, my butt hanging out and my hat on backward.”
Put your source at ease; get him/her talking by mentioning something on the walls or the weather or ain’t the Cowboys great.
![Page 8: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
GROUND RULESEverything is on the record.Don’t agree to a list of questions.Don’t let them review the story.Conduct an accuracy check on needed items.NO anonymous sources.
![Page 9: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
WHOM TO INTERVIEWHighest officials possible.Experts on an issue.People with opposing views.People affected.Diverse sources.
![Page 10: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
ONCE YOU GET GOINGGive the source an overview of what you plan to
talk about.Open-ended questions Listen, listen, listen.Be prepared to change directions if the source
says something that dictates it.Observe your surroundings/take notes that help
give the story flavor.
![Page 11: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
FIRST THINGS FIRST
First question to ask . . . “May I have the correct spelling of your first and last names?”
People will like that you’re trying to be accurate.
![Page 12: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
NOW WE’RE ROLLIN’Ask the easy questions first to get the source
talking.Open-ended questions are good.Save the tough stuff for the end.
“Did you embezzle $2 million from the bank?”
![Page 13: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
SILENCE IS GOLDEN Don’t be afraid of silence. It can help the source get
organized. Keep questions short; let the source do most of the talking. Highlight the good stuff. Mark tape number.
![Page 14: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
FAVORITE QUESTIONS From Pat Stith, a retired investigative reporter for the Raleigh
News and Observer:Why?What makes you say that?How do you know?How am I going to explain that to people in …?
![Page 15: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
WRAP IT UP
Two questions to ask at the end of the interview:
“Is there anything else you think we need to discuss?”
“Is there anyone else I should talk to about this story?”
Let the source get the last word.
![Page 16: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
In-person interviews
Interview pros and cons
DisadvantagesWastes time traveling and waiting
Distractions can interrupt interview
If you are uncomfortable, it becomes obvious
AdvantagesBest way to build rapport
Physical surroundings can provide useful data
People take you more seriously when you are in front of them
![Page 17: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Setting up the interview Do your homework.
Think through story.
Determine best way to interview.
Tips for successful interviews
![Page 18: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Continue research.
Organize questions.
Prioritize.
Tips for successful interviews
• Rehearse the interview.
• Arrive on time.
• Dress appropriately.
Preparing for the interview
![Page 19: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Relax.Be in charge.Start with basics.Budget time.Begin with softballs.Focus
questions.
• Keep it simple.• Limit “yes/no”
questions.• Get every question
answered.• Ask follow-up
questions.• Stay flexible.
During the interview
![Page 20: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Ask people to slow down.Don’t worry about asking a
dumb question.Look around.Use reassuring body
language.
Tips for successful interviews
• Use silence.• Don’t interrupt.• Don’t take sides.• Use the toughest
question last.
![Page 21: TIPS TO INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO Mr. Robbins Digital Media & Communications](https://reader033.vdocuments.site/reader033/viewer/2022051401/5697c02b1a28abf838cd8b8a/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Interviewing
Many interviewers, one interviewee
Many interviewers, many interviewees
One-on-one is not the only option One interviewer,
many interviewees