XIII. Stay on Track: Both the interviewer and interviewee have time constraints, but it’s up to us to steer the discussion. If you get too far off track, gently but firmly lead them back to the conversation. But don’t immediately cut off the topic shift.
Sometimes they can help uncover important issues and aid overall understanding. The article said to not encourage gossip or ask personal questions. Other courses have said that this informal communication system is very important for gathering information, but it wasn’t clear where the cutoff should be made. XIV.
Take Samples To The Interview: Any diagrams or lists that have been generated about the topic can help generate discussion. They don’t need to be fully worked out yet; they ” re just an aid. Keeping in mind the audience, though, they should not be too technical or involve information they should not have access to. If you can take example forms and reports back with you from an interview you should do so. If it is confidential or a check or something, make sure that you remove the sensitive information or void the check in front of the interviewee. XV.
Other Points: Dress appropriately. If there is a question as to what that means, wear a suit and take off the blazer if necessary. If the interview is interrupted by a phone call or another employee, just sit quietly. Stay out of arguments (unless it directly involves you and your purpose for being there).
You need the interviewee’s full attention to do your job, so if the situation doesn’t wrap up in a short time, you should stop the interview and make arrangements later to continue. Take a tour of the area if you can.
This can give you more insight into the problem, and it may bring up new questions. The tour can also be used to set up interviews, and walking around with a manager can give your presence seem legitimate. When interviewing several people who have the same position, there may be no need to spend an equal amount of time with each of them, but you should try to spend some time with all of them. You may want to clump the last few interviews into one group interview to save time and get some perspective as to the dynamic between employees. Informal leaders may stand out, and it is important to identify these people if you want support for your project. If you come across other important issues during the interview process, don’t abandon your current project, but make a note of the situation.
XVI. Conclusion: In general, you need to be interested in the people you are interviewing. Remember that the interview process is not above and beyond the scope of your project, it is an essential part of the design process.