Guidelines for Conducting Interviews

 

Here's the top 10 list!

1. Be fully prepared on the topic before you start the interview (materials)
2. Learn as much as possible about the person beforehand.
3. Be honest upfront about your intentions - tell who you are, why you want to interview this person, and what you plan to do with the interview after it is completed.
4. Make sure your equipment works and you know how to use it.
5. Show respect for the interviewee by dressing properly for the interview.
6. Spend a little time before you turn on the recorder by carrying on small talk and establishing rapport with the interviewee.
7. Ask basic question first to the interviewee such as about himself/herself.
8. It is wise ahead of time to write a list of questions you want to ask.
9. Make sure your questions are as neutral and unbiased as possible. Ask open-ended questions ( WH-type). Do not ask leading questions that are generally undesirable as they result in false or slanted information.
10. As you conclude, be sure to thank the interviewee for talking to you a 'thank you' note will be good.

source: http://goapes.wikispaces.com/file/view/Guidelines+for+Conducting+Interviews.pdf