Interview guide

Definition

An interview guide is a structured set of questions and prompts used to direct the flow of an interview while allowing for flexibility in responses. It serves as a roadmap for the interviewer, ensuring that key topics are covered while also providing space for follow-up questions and deeper exploration of the interviewee's thoughts and experiences. This tool is essential for preparing for and conducting effective interviews, helping to facilitate meaningful dialogue and gather valuable information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. An interview guide helps maintain focus during the interview, ensuring that important themes are addressed without missing out on unexpected insights.
2. While the guide provides structure, it's crucial for the interviewer to remain flexible and adapt to the conversation as it unfolds.
3. Effective use of an interview guide can enhance the quality of data collected, leading to richer narratives and deeper understanding of the subject matter.
4. Interview guides can vary significantly depending on the purpose of the interview, ranging from highly structured to more conversational styles.
5. Pre-testing an interview guide with a mock interview can help refine questions and improve clarity before conducting actual interviews.

Review Questions

• How does an interview guide enhance the effectiveness of an interview?
  • An interview guide enhances the effectiveness of an interview by providing a structured framework that ensures all relevant topics are covered. It allows the interviewer to stay focused on key areas while also being flexible enough to adapt to unexpected responses. This balance leads to richer conversations and a more comprehensive understanding of the interviewee's perspective.
• What are some key considerations when developing an interview guide for a specific topic or subject matter?
  • When developing an interview guide, it is important to consider the main objectives of the interview, the background knowledge of the interviewee, and any specific themes or topics that need to be addressed. Additionally, using a mix of open-ended questions and follow-up prompts can facilitate deeper discussions. Pre-testing the guide with a colleague or friend can also reveal any confusing questions or gaps that need addressing before actual interviews take place.
• Evaluate how different types of questions in an interview guide impact the flow and outcome of an interview.
  • Different types of questions in an interview guide significantly impact both the flow and outcome of an interview. Open-ended questions encourage expansive answers and insights, while closed-ended questions can limit responses and lead to surface-level interactions. A well-crafted guide uses a mix of both types to foster dialogue while also gathering specific information. The effectiveness of an interview often hinges on how well the questions elicit thoughtful responses and how adaptable the interviewer is in responding to those answers.

Related terms

Open-ended questions: Questions that encourage detailed responses and allow interviewees to express their thoughts in their own words, rather than answering with a simple 'yes' or 'no.'

Follow-up questions: Questions that are asked after an initial response to probe deeper into a topic or clarify information provided by the interviewee.

Active listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the interviewee is saying to foster an open dialogue.